Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy and Revisional Bariatric Surgery
Choosing which type of weight-loss surgery to have is an important and serious decision. While the majority of patients who undergo these procedures are very successful, no procedure is perfect. Discuss the benefits and risks of each type of surgery in detail with your surgeon.
Bariatric surgeons at GW Hospital specialize in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and revisional bariatric surgery.
Laparoscopic procedures involve small incisions in the abdomen. The surgeon operates through these incisions using a laparoscope (a fiber-optic tube and a small video camera that shows the abdominal organs on a TV monitor).
When performing a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the surgeon staples across the top portion of the stomach to create a small pouch. The surgeon then connects the new stomach pouch to the small intestine, bypassing some of the upper and more absorptive part of the small intestine. This reduces the amount of food that can be eaten and decreases absorption of the food and calories consumed. Results vary but the average patient usually can expect to lose 50 to 90 percent of excess weight in 12 to 18 months after surgery.
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is an alternative to Roux-en-Y, and restricts the amount of food consumed by the stomach. During this procedure, the surgeon removes 85 percent or more of the stomach without bypassing the intestines. The stomach is not bypassed as in Roux-en-Y procedures. In addition to the reduced stomach volume, this procedure decreases Ghrelin blood levels (a hunger hormone) so patients may feel less hungry while they lose weight.
GW also offers revisional bariatric surgery for patients who regained significant weight after bariatric procedure over a period of time.
Podcast: Understanding Weight-Loss Surgery
Khashayar Vaziri, MD, discusses the two types of weight loss surgery offered by GW Hospital (laparoscopic gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy). Both procedures are minimally invasive and allow patients a quick and less painful recovery than past surgical techniques.
Learn more about the weight-loss surgery process and how to prepare for your procedure >
Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if bariatric surgery is right for you.