Weight Loss Options
Surgical Weight Loss Procedures
Bariatric surgeries can often be performed laparoscopically. When a laparoscopic procedure is performed, several small incisions are made in the abdominal wall instead of one, large incision as with traditional surgery.
The surgeon then inserts a miniature video camera into the abdomen to view the procedure on a video monitor. Most surgeons believe the camera provides better visualization for access to key anatomical structures.
There are many advantages to the laparoscopic approach. Because the procedure is less invasive, studies show that patients experience less pain after surgery resulting in easier breathing, better lung function and higher oxygen levels. Other benefits include less risk of complications such as infection and hernia, and a faster recovery.
Laparoscopic surgery may also be performed with robotic assistance, which provides 3D visualization and requires even fewer incisions.
Not all patients are candidates for laparscopic surgery; patients must be evaluated individually to see if this is an option for them. If it is not, the procedure may still be possible with the traditional approach.
Adjustable Gastric Banding
Adjustable gastric band surgery involves placing a device around the upper part of the stomach to help you feel full sooner, and longer. It often allows patients to lose a significant amount of weight and enjoy long-term results. Surgeons can easily change the diameter of the band to meet weight loss needs, and the procedure is also reversible. This technique usually results in less pain and trauma than other weight loss surgeries, and offers a faster recovery.
In an adjustable gastric banding procedure, an inflatable silicone band is placed around the uppermost part of the stomach, dividing it into two parts: a small upper pouch and a lower stomach. The upper pouch can hold only about four ounces (1/2 cup) of food, limiting the amount of food you are able to eat at one time, and as a result, making you feel full sooner and satisfied longer. As you lose weight, the band can be adjusted by injecting more silicone into a port placed underneath the skin on your abdomen. This helps to maintain the band's effectiveness.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
This procedure involves removing approximately 70% of the stomach, leaving a slender stomach “sleeve”. This new stomach has a total capacity of just three to five ounces, which means patients feel full or satisfied after eating only two to four ounces of food. This procedure permanently reduces the size of the stomach, limiting the amount of food you can eat and helping you to feel full faster, and longer.
Gastric Bypass
According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the National Institutes of Health, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the current gold standard procedure for weight loss surgery. It is also one of the most frequently performed weight loss procedures in the United States. This procedure involves stapling an upper portion of the stomach to create a smaller stomach pouch. The surgeon then connects the pouch to a section of the lower intestine, bypassing the majority of the small intestine where calories and nutrients are absorbed. This surgery also causes changes in hormones that also work to promote a feeling of fullness.
Revision and Conversion Surgery
For a variety of reasons, patients may experience the need for revisions, corrections or conversions of their original operation. We can evaluate your situation and recommend appropriate treatment.
- Gastric Bypass Revision
If you had gastric bypass surgery and initially experienced weight loss, but have now begun to regain weight, there are other options for you to consider. Our staff will review gastric bypass revision surgery with you.
- Conversion Surgery
If your laparoscopic adjustable gastric band needs to be removed, weight regain is highly likely. The laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, after lap band removal, is a surgical option for many patients who experienced problems with a gastric band or who did not reach their weight loss goals.
Non-Surgical Weight Loss Procedures
Non-Surgical Intra-Gastric Balloon Procedure
The intra-gastric balloon is a soft, expandable silicone balloon that is inserted in the stomach to reduce its capacity, thus creating a sense of fullness. This procedure is intended to allow the patient to diet without feeling continuously hungry. The balloon is inserted via the mouth during a 20-minute endoscopy procedure. The first week after placement, the patient is prescribed a liquid and puree diet. After the first week, a solid diet can be incorporated with instructions from the nutritionist, who will continue to advise and monitor the patient during the six-month period the balloon is in place.
Read more about this procedure here.
Medically Managed Weight Loss
The medically managed weight loss program consists of four elements necessary for successful weight loss:
- Medical oversight, including blood testing and health screenings to assess the patient's current medical condition.
- Nutritional guidance provided by a registered dietitian to help the patient understand how to reduce weight and improve health.
- Behavior counseling, provided by a registered professional who manages each patient's emotional needs, and helps them through the difficult times.
- An exercise program, in which a fitness trainer helps the patient develop a fitness program and healthy, long-term lifestyle changes.
What are the Risks Associated with Weight Loss Surgery?
All surgeries carry some risk. Your bariatric surgeon will review the potential complications and risks with you well before your surgery. Pneumonia, blood clots, infection, bleeding, leaking at staple lines, as well as ulcers, hernia and gallstones may occur, but are infrequent. Generally, the risks associated with weight loss surgery are significantly less than the risk of remaining morbidly obese.
If you think bariatric surgery might be right for you, call (941) 483-7579 for more information.
Patient results may vary. Consult your physician about the benefits and risks of any surgical procedure or treatment.