Learn what your weight loss surgery options are by visiting the Texas Bariatric Specialists Austin office.
Typically when patients schedule their initial appointment they have done some research about weight loss surgery. They have discovered there are various options to surgical weight loss, like gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, lap band, and stomach intestinal pylorus-sparing surgery. Determining which weight loss surgery is best for your specific situation will be decided based upon several factors: your desired amount of weight loss, your health, your preferences, and your weight loss surgeon.
Types of Procedures
Sleeve Gastrectomy
In this surgery a “sleeve” is created by removing about 70 to 80 percent of the stomach. This is done laparoscopically. The stomach that is left resembles a banana, thus giving the surgery the “sleeve” name. The area of the stomach that is taken out is one of the areas responsible for ghrelin production. Ghrelin is a hormone that stimulates hunger. The result is that small amounts of food can give you a full feeling, helping you reduce your food consumption.
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass is seen as a more “permanent” surgery and is not easily reversible. The most well known version of this procedure is called a Roux-en-Y. During your weight loss surgery, your surgeon creates a small pouch from your stomach. Then a bypass is created connecting the pouch to the small intestine. This procedure is performed laparoscopically in most cases. The size of the pouch allows you to eat one to two ounces of food before feeling full. Food and nutrient absorption is reduced and you lose weight more quickly. This historically has been one of the more common procedures for weight loss surgery in Austin and around the U.S.
Stomach Intestinal Pylorus-Sparing Surgery
Stomach Intestinal Pylorus-Sparing Surgery (SIPS) is also known as the single-anastomosis duodenal switch. During SIPS, a large portion of the stomach is removed, similar to the gastric sleeve surgery but leaving a slightly larger stomach than the standard gastric sleeve. Basic stomach function remains the same after SIPS. After removing part of the stomach, the intestines are then rerouted so that food will bypass roughly half of the small intestine after leaving the stomach pouch. Weight loss results are excellent due to the combination of restricted portion sizes and malabsorption.
Lap Band Surgery
The lap band procedure is fairly straight forward. Your bariatric surgeon places a constrictive ring around your stomach. This silicone ring is inflated and deflated depending on your situation and desired level of weight loss. An adjustable port is left below the skin for these adjustments. This weight loss surgery is performed laparoscopically, utilizing small incisions, and recovery time is fairly quick. Weight loss is achieved by restricting food intake.