Choosing the right weight loss surgery for you is a major life decision. If you have questions, concerns or simply need a sounding board, we are here to help.

Laparoscopic Weight Loss Surgery Options

Use the descriptions below to help you begin to understand which, if any, bariatric surgery option is right for you. Laparoscopic Weight Loss Surgery differs from traditional surgery, so make your decision based on solid research and the best medical advice available. Your success and health depend on it!

Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery

Adjustable Gastric Banding procedures are the only procedures available in the U. S. that are adjustable and completely reversible. By reducing the capacity of the stomach, Adjustable Gastric Banding procedures restrict the amount of food that can be consumed.

Since there is no intestinal cutting, stapling or rerouting involved, this type of surgery is considered the least traumatic of all weight loss surgeries. The laparoscopic approach to surgery generally means less post-operative pain and quicker recovery. Like a wristwatch, the Adjustable Gastric Banding is fastened around the stomach. As a result, you experience an earlier sensation of "fullness" and are satisfied with smaller amounts of food.

Because the band is adjustable, it can work with your individual needs. For example, pregnant patients can remove fluid from their band to allow for adequate nutrition, and patients who aren't experiencing significant weight loss can have their bands tightened.

Adjustable Gastric Banding Procedure Surgery Facts: Technically lower risk. On average 36%-40% excess weight loss at one year. Average of 60%-65% excess weight loss at 3-5 years. Reversible.

Risks: Infection, erosion, slip, damage to stomach while placing band

Gastric Bypass

Gastric Bypass surgery makes the stomach smaller and allows food to bypass part of the small intestine. The most common gastric bypass surgery is a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. The stomach is made smaller by creating a pouch at the top of the stomach. The smaller stomach is connected directly to the middle portion of the small intestine, bypassing the rest of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine. Most people return to their normal activities within 2 to 4 weeks after Gastric Bypass surgery.

The result of the surgery is that you will feel full more quickly than when your stomach was its original size. This reduces the amount of food you eat and the calories consumed. Bypassing part of the intestine also results in fewer calories being absorbed. It is important to remember surgery may require you to make several changes in how you eat, such as eating only a few ounces of food at a time because the surgery creates a much smaller stomach.

Gastric Bypass Facts: Technically a higher risk surgery. On average 70%-80% excess weight loss at one year. Faster resolution of comorbidities. Non-reversible.

Risks: Bleeding, infection, leak. A more comprehensive discussion of the risks and benefits of gastric bypass is covered in depth in our information seminars.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve Gastrectomy is sometimes the best solution for those who are concerned about the potential long-term side effects of a Gastric Bypass. People who need to take anti-inflammatory medications may also want to consider this. Typically, these medications need to be avoided after a Gastric Bypass because the risk of developing ulcers from these medications may increase.

This procedure generates weight loss solely through gastric restriction (reduced stomach volume). The stomach is restricted by dividing it vertically. This part of the procedure is not reversible. The stomach that remains is shaped like a banana. The nerves to the stomach and the outlet valve (pylorus) remain intact with the idea of preserving the functions of the stomach while reducing the volume. By comparison, in a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the stomach is divided, not removed, and the pylorus is excluded.

Sleeve Gastrectomy Facts: Lower risk than Gastric Bypass. Higher risk than Adjustable Gastric Banding. Long- and short-term weight loss between Band and Bypass. No dumping syndrome. No need for Band fills.

Risks: Leak, nausea, possible need for bypass in the future.

Surgical Weight Management Solutions performs surgeries at the following locations:

Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine, Baylor Medical Center at Irving and Irving-Coppell Surgical Hospital (laparoscopic banding only at this location).