Surgical Weight Loss Procedures Performed
This procedure, often called gastric bypass, was developed in 1967. The operation creates a small upper-stomach pouch (less than one ounce) that limits food eaten and makes you feel full and satisfied with only a small amount. Also, not all food is digested because part of the small intestine is bypassed. This decreases the amount of calories that are absorbed.
Sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive bariatric surgery. During this procedure, the surgeon creates a small, sleeve-shaped stomach. This limits the amount of food that can be eaten, yet makes you feel full and satisfied. The intestines are not bypassed in this procedure.
The adjustable gastric band (LAP-BAND®) is a device surgically applied to the upper part of the stomach to restrict the amount of food entering the stomach. A small port, placed under the skin in the abdomen, allows adjustment of the band's size. Frequent follow-up in the office is needed initially after this procedure. Follow-up care for a patient with an adjustable gastric band can be provided at all Surgical Weight Loss programs.
A new option in weight-loss surgery, the Orbera® intragastric balloon, is inserted into the stomach and inflated so that it will restrict the amount you can eat and reduce hunger. The balloon is placed for six months, then removed. Our team works with you for a year after the balloon is placed to support your weight loss, diet, and exercise.
This newer, innovative weight-loss therapy relies on a pacemaker-type device that blocks hunger signals between the brain and stomach. You'll feel fuller longer and reduce the amount of food you want to eat.
You may be a candidate for a revision of your original bariatric surgery if you're having physical problems. Revisions are performed on a case-by-case basis after a thorough work-up. Failure to lose weight or weight regain does not always require a revision. Our teams are committed to working with patients to lose weight and improve their quality of life. We offer a comprehensive approach to long-term weight management. All our programs accept transfer patients, too. If you are from another program or new to the area, just call one of our offices to discuss a possible transfer in care.
Endoscopic ultrasound-Directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE)
EDGE is a minimally invasive procedure for gastric bypass patients with biliary, pancreatic, and gall bladder issues. Gall stones are a common problem for bypass patients and this procedure enables access to the stomach without open surgery, using ultrasound to help guide the placement of a stent. It provides a safe and proven alternative to traditional surgery and significantly reduces in-patient stays. Patients can continue toward their fitness goals without additional recovery time.