Procedures Available
Sleeve Gastrectomy
A sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive surgical weight loss procedure that reduces the size of your stomach and is performed laparoscopically. During this procedure, a thin vertical sleeve of stomach is created using a stapling device, and the rest of the stomach is removed. The sleeve is about the size of a banana. This procedure limits the amount of food you can eat and helps you feel full sooner. Because food does not bypass any of the intestines, there is no malabsorption. Since this procedure removes most of your stomach, the “appetite hormone” created by the stomach is reduced and hunger is reduced.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure reduces the size of the stomach and reroutes food through the intestine. It involves dividing the upper portion of the stomach to create a smaller stomach pouch. This restricts the amount of food that can be consumed at one time. The surgeon then connects the pouch to a section of the lower intestine, so that the food will bypass the area where calories and nutrients are absorbed.
The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery also causes changes in hormones that can help to promote a feeling of fullness.
Whenever possible, surgeons use a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach, which often requires a shorter hospital stay. Minimally invasive surgery may lead to less pain and scarring and a quicker recovery.
For more information, please contact the bariatric coordinator by calling (601) 261-5767.