SERVICES - Weight Loss Surgery, Bariatric Surgery

Types of Surgery

Gastric bypass

During the gastric bypass, also called Roux-Y, the surgeon creates a small stomach pouch of about half and ounce to one ounce in size. Part of the intestines are rerouted to the effect that some of the food calories and nutrients are not absorbed by the body anymore.

The surgery works by:

1. decreasing portion size
2. decreasing absorption of calories
3. changing certain gut hormones so that hunger is reduced.

These effects lead to a fast weight loss in each patient and help in maintaining a long-lasting weight loss. The gastric bypass is a tool in the management of overweight and patients still need to adapt new and better eating and behavior habits.

Like any other surgery, there are certain risks involved and the gastric bypass is not for everyone.

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laparoscopic adjustable gastric band

 

 

 

 

 

The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band is a tool to help lose weight and maintain weight loss for a long period of time. The band consists of a silicone ring with an inflatable balloon which goes around the upper part of the stomach. The part above the band is called the stomach pouch.

It is usually about one ounce in size. The balloon can be inflated via a port underneath the skin to increase or decrease the amount of food that passes through the band. The gastric band works by decreasing the portion size of meals. Patients still need to adapt new and better eating and behavior habits. Like any other surgery, there are certain risks involved and the band is not for everyone.

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Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve

This procedure has been around for about 4-5 years. During the procedure the majority of the stomach is stapled off and removed. The patient will have a long small stomach tube going from the esophagus to the intestines. This works by reducing the portions of food that can be eaten. There is also a change in hormones in the body to the effect that hunger is limited.

The "sleeve" works well initially with patients losing almost as much weight as with the gastric bypass. Because it is a relatively new procedure, there are no long-term results available beyond 3 years.

One of the big advantages is that there is no mal-absorption with this procedure, meaning there are no problems with Vitamins and minerals in the future.

The risks immediately after surgery are comparable to the gastric bypass but long-term risks are not yet known.

This procedure is not yet covered by most insurances.

Find out if you are a candidate