Bariatric surgery is a serious consideration for patients suffering from obesity or serious medical conditions that might be improved with weight loss. Candidates for bariatric surgery include those who have a body mass index of more than 35, suffer from type 2 diabetes, or have sleep apnea. We encourage you to learn more about four of the major basic bariatric surgery options we offer at The Center for Metabolic & Obesity Surgery.
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass surgery is the best-known type of bariatric surgery. The procedure consists of two sections to help the body prevent weight gain. First, a small part of the stomach is sectioned off. This is the only part of the stomach that will receive food, making it easier to get full quickly. The small intestine is then cut and attached to the newly formed pouch, bypassing the main part of the stomach.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery is a procedure that removes most of the stomach. The remaining stomach forms a tube-like pouch similar to a banana that cannot hold a large amount of food. This surgery does not affect the small intestine or the absorption of calories.
Adjustable Gastric Band
The Adjustable Gastric band is an inflatable band that separates a small portion of the stomach with a narrow opening to the lower part. A port is placed under the abdominal skin to allow saline to be administered to reduce the size of the opening over time. The band does not affect the absorption of calories or the small intestine.
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)
This type of bypass begins with the removal of a large portion of the stomach. After a small tubular pouch is created of the stomach, a large part of the small intestine is bypassed. The last portion of the small intestine is connected to the newly formed stomach, bypassing most of the small intestine. The food does not mix with digestive agents until the end of the small intestine, severely reducing the absorption of calories.
Many major diseases have been linked to weight gain and obesity. If diet changes and exercise aren’t working for you, it’s time to take the next step. To learn more about your options for bariatric surgery, reach out to The Center for Metabolic & Obesity Surgery. At our office in Maitland, our team of compassionate professionals will answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you get back on the road to better health. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
