Weight Loss Surgery Procedures

Bariatric surgery is a broad term that describes several individual surgical procedures. Those procedures include:

With advances in medicine and surgical techniques, procedures that were once performed open, by creating a large single incision in the abdomen, are now being performed laparoscopically (minimally invasive). Laparoscopic surgery has many benefits, including reduced pain, shorter recovery times and lower risk of infection.

Weight loss surgery is ideal for patients aged between 18 and 64, however with the laparoscopic approach known to lessen the major risks generally associated with surgery, bariatric surgery has proven effective for adolescents and the elderly as well.

Types of Surgery

Bariatric procedures generally fall into one of two types: Malabsorptive and Restrictive procedures.

Malabsorptive procedures reduce the amount of calories absorbed into the body through the gastric system, usually by rerouting a part of the intestinal tract. While malabsorption is very effective in weight loss it can also lead to malnutrition if nutritional and vitamin values are not monitored on a regular basis. Examples of predominantly malabsorptive procedures are Biliopancreatic Diversion, Duodenal Switch and Fobi Pouch.

Restrictive procedures work by restricting the amount of food that enters the stomach in the first place, generally by making the stomach pouch smaller. Restriction is achieved either when part of the stomach is permanently stapled to create a smaller stomach pouch, as in the gastric sleeve, or a band is placed around the top portion of the stomach, as in gastric banding. Both methods restrict the amount of food that is allowed to enter the stomach pouch.

Gastric bypass surgery combines restriction and malabsorption by both cutting away part of the stomach and rerouting the small intestine.

Weight Loss Results:
With predominantly restrictive procedures, patients can expect to lose up to 60% of their excess body weight versus up to 80% of their excess body weight with predominantly malabsorptive or mixed procedures.

The Risks:
Bariatric surgery is major surgery no matter which procedure is chosen and there are always risks associated, which can be viewed on our Risks of Bariatric Surgery page. It is our belief that the benefits of a healthier life, and without the diseases associated with obesity, are greater than the risks of the surgery itself. For more information on risks, click the following link: Risks of Bariatric Surgery.

Revisional Surgery
Revisional weight loss surgery can be performed on patients who have already undergone a bariatric surgery, however have either had complications from surgery or have not achieved their ideal weight loss as a result. Though revisional procedures have higher risks, it can be very effective in cases of true need. It is important to remember that not all surgeries can be revised, and this should be considered when deciding which surgery is right for you.

Learn More with Related Pages:
Gastric Band
Lap Band
Realize Band
Gastric Bypass
Gastric Sleeve