Approaches to Weight Loss Surgery

Please note: A brief explanation is provided below. For more details, including risks and additional benefits of surgery, please contact your physician. 

Malabsorptive/Restrictive Procedure

The Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass (pictured below) is a combination malabsorptive/ restrictive procedure. The surgeon attaches the patient’s small intestine directly to a pouch that has been surgically created in the stomach. Food bypasses part of the small intestine, which reduces the body’s absorption of calories and nutrients without interfering with digestion. Patients may experience about 60 to 70% of excess body weight loss, most within a year.

Laparoscopic/Restrictive Procedure

In Gastric Banding surgery, a silicone band is inserted around the upper portion of the stomach to create a “pouch” which can hold about two ounces of food. The type of surgery is most often done through small incisions (laparoscopically) and is referred to as the Lap-band procedure. The band may be removed but it is designed to remain permanently.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

* Procedure description from www.obesityhelp.com.

This procedure generates weight loss solely through gastric restriction (reduced stomach volume). The stomach is restricted by stapling and dividing it vertically and removing more than 85% of it. This part of the procedure is not reversible. The stomach that remains is shaped like a very slim banana and measures from 1-5 ounces. The nerves to the stomach and the outlet valve (pylorus) remain intact with the idea of preserving the functions of the stomach while drastically reducing the volume.

For best results following surgery, patients are advised to:

• Eat less
  
  
• Eat slowly
  
  
• Chew well
  
  
• Avoid drinking fluids shortly before, after and during meals
  
  
• Regularly exercise
  
  
• Participate in support groups
  
  

If you are interested in learning more about bariatric surgery, please contact (973) 322-7433 for information about our free orientation/ informational seminars.

Sources:

“Demand for Bariatric Surgery ‘Unbelievable’,” Internal Medicine News, July 15, 2003.

“Gastric Surgery for Severe Obesity,” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 1996.

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