Adjustable Gastric Band:

 

Surgery that helps people feel full faster and stay full longer.

• The procedure is adjustable and reversible.
• A silicone band is placed around the top of the stomach creating a small pouch approximately the size of an egg.  Tubing is connected to the band via an access port located under the skin. Adjustments to the band are done in office procedures by adding or removing saline through the port to adjust the tightness of the band.
• The stomach pouch results in eating less food and the smaller stomach opening created by the band slows the emptying of food, thus causing the individual to feel full longer.
• Gastric band surgery is performed laparoscopically, generally 5 small incisions.
• It is FDA approved and the most common weight loss procedure performed outside the US.
• Weight loss after band surgery is gradual over a 2-year period with typical average being 1-2 pounds lost per week.
• Patients typically go home the day of surgery.

 

Gastric Bypass:

 

The most common weight loss procedure performed in the US, most other procedures are judged by comparing results to gastric bypass.

• A small stomach pouch is created near the top of the stomach and a portion of the intestines is bought up and connected to this pouch, bypassing the lower portion of the stomach and other parts of the digestive tract.
• The stomach pouch restricts food intake, while the bypass element decreases the absorption of glucose and fat.
• It can be performed laparoscopically with usually 6 small incisions or open, with one long incision.
• Weight loss is generally 60-80% of excess weight within 2 years and is initially more rapid than with the gastric band.
• The procedure can be performed laparoscopically and hospital stay is usually 1 night.

 

Sleeve Gastrectomy:

 

 

• The stomach is divided and stapled vertically, creating a sleeve that can only hold a small volume of food.  Approximately 85% of the stomach is removed.
• It is a restrictive procedure with no malabsorption and no involvement of the intestines.
• The procedure can be performed laparoscopically and hospital stay is usually 1 night.