Types of Surgery
State-of-the-Art Surgical Procedures
What was once known simply as "stomach stapling" has come a long way. Today, as a bariatric surgery patient, you have a variety of options available, some even performed on an outpatient basis. Your surgeon will recommend the procedure that best meets your goals and needs.
The surgeons at Torrance Memorial have extensive experience in all state-of-the-art procedures currently available, including:
Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
One of the most popular bariatric surgeries, gastric bypass often results in a higher percentage of weight loss, and many patients are able to permanently remain at a healthy weight. The gastric bypass works by physically reducing the stomach's size (known as a restrictive procedure) and by causing physiological changes to your digestion (known as a malabsorptive procedure).
Roux-en-Y is the most common gastric bypass procedure, in which the stomach is divided into two parts. The new, smaller stomach pouch prevents the intake of a large amount of food. This new stomach is then attached to the lower portion of the small intestine, so the rest of the stomach is "bypassed" during digestion.
Although this is considered major surgery that requires a hospital stay, the benefits are significant:
- Rapid weight loss after surgery (average of 70 percent of excess body weight)
- Food portions are restricted
- May resolve weight-related illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure quickly
- Can be performed laparoscopically to reduce pain and recovery time
A common side effect is "dumping," which results in an inability to eat sweets. It occurs when simple sugars enter the bloodstream too quickly, causing nausea, diarrhea, and weakness. Gastric bypass can also cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies as well as ulcers and reflux.
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band
The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band is the least invasive option, and requires substantially less recovery time. In this outpatient surgical procedure, the surgeon gradually tightens a band around the stomach. This will result in the sensation of being full after a much smaller meal.
There currently are two FDA-approved bands available, the LAP Band® and the Realize Band.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
A newer option, gastric sleeve permanently reduces the size of the stomach, so you feel full after eating smaller portions. Unlike gastric bypass, which is a restrictive and malabsorptive procedure, gastric sleeve is a restrictive procedure only. Gastric sleeve does not involve re-routing any part of the digestive tract and does not affect the body’s absorption of calories and nutrients. Gastric sleeve:
- Decreases the appetite
- Doesn't affect the digestive system
- Doesn't lead to nutritional deficiencies
- Doesn’t lead to dumping syndrome
- Is performed laparoscopically to reduce pain and recovery time
- Reduces the production of the hunger-stimulating hormone ghrelin
- Can be combined with an additional malabsorptive procedure for additional weight loss
- Can be converted to gastric bypass if additional weight loss is needed
Gastric sleeve is an option for patients who are considered too overweight or high-risk for a gastric bypass. Patients who have a gastric sleeve procedure typically lose about 60 percent of their excess body weight — which is slightly less average weight loss than patients who undergo gastric bypass.
Learn About Preparing For Bariatric Surgery
