Weighing the facts about types of bariatric surgery

Each year, hundreds of thousands of Americans have bariatric surgery to help them lose weight and improve their health. If you’re considering weight-loss surgery, you might wonder: “Which of the types of bariatric surgery is right for me?”

The type of bariatric surgery that will work best for you will depend on a number of factors. A board-certified bariatric surgeon can work with you to determine your ideal solution based on your current health and your health goals.

To give you an idea of the options, though, we’re sharing insight about the types of bariatric surgery. Keep reading for the details about the procedures performed by Tulane Bariatric Center specialists at East Jefferson General Hospital.

Understanding bariatric surgery

When you think about surgery, you think of a procedure designed to treat a medical condition. That’s the case with bariatric surgery procedures, which are used to treat obesity by making changes to the digestive system.

Bariatric surgery, which is sometimes called weight-loss surgery, isn’t a quick fix for not being able to lose weight. It’s a more permanent change to help you regain control over your body, lose weight long term and mitigate other health issues you may have.

Each type of bariatric surgery makes changes to your digestive system, but the types differ in how they do that.

The different types of bariatric surgery

Tulane Surgery bariatric surgeons provide weight loss surgery procedures, including adjustable gastric band, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric balloon and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. They can also perform revision surgeries to correct previous bariatric surgery procedures.

Here’s what to know about each type of bariatric surgery:

• During an adjustable gastric band procedure, a silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach. This creates a small pouch, which helps you become full faster. The adjustable gastric band procedure is often performed on an outpatient basis.
• During Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, a surgeon staples the stomach to create a small pouch in the upper portion. The small intestine is then divided into two and attached to the newly created stomach pouch, causing food to bypass most of the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine. The upper portion of the small intestine is reconnected farther down on the lower part of the small intestine. Food bypasses most of the small intestine, meaning you absorb fewer calories and nutrients.
• During a sleeve gastrectomy, about 85% of the stomach is surgically removed, leaving only a banana-shaped portion. Because the stomach holds less food, you feel full sooner.
• During a gastric balloon procedure, a balloon is placed into the body through the mouth, reducing the desire to eat. This procedure does not require surgery, is temporary and can be reversed if desired.
• During a biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, two separate procedures are performed. The first is a sleeve gastrectomy, removing the majority of the stomach. The second procedure divides the small intestine into two, allowing food to only pass through one tract, bypassing most of the small intestine. This means that you absorb fewer calories and nutrients and less fat.

Bariatric surgery procedures can often be performed using minimally invasive techniques, which benefit patients in many ways, with less pain, fewer complications and a quicker discharge.

Because the procedures operate differently and have different results, it’s important to talk with your provider about your options. A Tulane bariatric surgeon can talk through the options with you, including the typical results from each procedure.

Bariatric surgery isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it procedure, so you’ll need to carefully consider your commitment to making lasting lifestyle changes. Tulane Bariatric Center providers, working alongside East Jefferson General Hospital providers, can help guide you through the journey from your initial decision through surgery and beyond.

Considering bariatric surgery? Learn more about surgery and post-surgical care soon to be provided at the East Jefferson General Hospital Multispecialty Clinic.