About Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is a weight loss option for those that have not seen the improvement or resolution of their obesity and related problems through other, more conservative, weight loss approaches. While bariatric surgery is the last resort for most patients, it is an effective long-term tool in the fight against excess weight. Relative to doing nothing about the diseases associated with obesity and morbid obesity, bariatric surgery is often a much safer option. Bariatric procedures come in several forms, each with their own benefits and risks. They may be strictly malabsorptive (where the amount of food a patient can eat is limited) or a combination of restrictive and malabsorptive (where caloric restriction in the intestine is added to the procedure). The following are the most commonly performed bariatric procedures in the United States:

Gastric Bypass Surgery (ROUX-EN-Y)

The gastric bypass is a combination malabsorptive and restrictive bariatric procedure. The gastric bypass offers effective, long term weight loss by reducing the size of the stomach while also bypassing part of the small intestine.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Also known as the sleeve gastrectomy, a gastric sleeve employs restriction alone to offer excellent weight loss results. During this procedure, the surgeon cuts away and removes approximately 75% of the stomach, leaving a long banana shaped pouch behind.

Gastric Banding

This procedure is the only fully adjustable and easily reversible major bariatric procedure. A specially made silicone ring is placed on the top of the stomach and tightened to form two interconnected chambers. The procedure is purely restrictive.

We do not endorse any one procedure over another. Choosing the procedure that is right for you requires a consultation with your medical team and is ultimately a very personal decision. We suggest that you attend a weight loss surgery seminar held by most local bariatric practices to learn more about your options and your suitability for bariatric surgery.