Surgical Procedures Available
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding
An inflatable band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach. A smaller stomach pouch is created that restricts the amount of food consumed at one time while increasing the time to empty the stomach.
Advantages:
- Small incisions
- No stapling or cutting of the anatomy
- Adjustable
- Reversible
- Low risk of malnutrition and hair loss
Disadvantages:
- Slower initial weight loss
- Follow-up visits critical for optimal success
- Uses an implanted device
- Subject to issues related to band or port placement
Recovery:
- Hospital stay of 24 hours or less
- Return to normal activity within 7 days
- Full recovery within two weeks
Laparoscopic and Open Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
The stomach is stapled to make a smaller pouch. Then most of the stomach and much of the intestines are bypassed, attaching a part of the intestine to the small stomach pouch.
Advantages:
- Minimally invasive approach is available
- Rapid initial weight loss
- Most popular weight-loss procedure
Disadvantages:
- Cutting and stapling of anatomy is required
- Greater potential for complications
- Nutritional deficiencies can occur
- Non-adjustable
- Very difficult to reverse
Recovery:
- Hospital stay of 48-72 hours
- Return to normal activity within 18 days
- Full recovery within three weeks
To learn more about Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding and Laparoscopic and Open Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass visit our health library »
