Bariatric Surgery

Obesity

Obesity is an abnormal accumulation of body fat, usually 20% or more over an individual's ideal body weight. Obesity is associated with increased risk of illness, disability, and death.

Much concern has been generated about the increasing incidence of obesity among Americans. Some studies have noted an increase from 12% to 18% occurring between 1991 and 1998. Other studies have actually estimated that a full 50% of all Americans are overweight. The World Health Organization terms obesity a worldwide epidemic and the diseases which can occur due to obesity are becoming increasingly prevalent.

Gastric Lap-Band

The Gastric Band is an innovative surgical treatment developed to help you achieve significant reduction in excess body weight. Of all the surgical procedures for reducing the capacity of the stomach, laparoscopic banding is the least invasive. One of the major advantages of the Band is the adjustability of the band's diameter to meet your individual needs.

The average reported weight loss following this procedure is between one to two-thirds of excess weight. Some people lose up to 100% of their excess weight.

The band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a new small stomach pouch, which can hold only a small amount of food. The larger part of the stomach is below the band. The stoma (stomach pouch) controlled by the band between the two parts slows down the passage of food from the upper to the lower part of the stomach. As a result patients have an earlier and longer-lasting feeling of satiety (fullness).

Gastric Sleeve

Gastric Sleeve Surgery, also known as Gastric Sleeve Resection or Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG), is a restrictive type of weight loss surgery that permanently reduces the size of the stomach. It promotes weight loss by limiting food intake and lessening the sensation of hunger; it does not involve intestinal rerouting or food malabsorption.

During gastric sleeve surgery, the bariatric surgeon removes approximately 60 to 80% of the stomach along the greater curvature, leaving only a small tube, or "sleeve" for the new stomach pouch. The procedure helps to limit eating by reducing the overall size of the stomach and control hunger by removing the part of the stomach that produces the hunger-stimulating hormone Ghrelin.

Gastric Bypass

This operation is the most common weight lost surgery performed. First, a small stomach pouch is created by stapling part of the stomach together or by vertical banding. This limits how much food you can eat. Next, a Y-shaped section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch to allow food to bypass the duodenum as well as the first portion of the jejunum. This causes reduced calorie and nutrient absorption. This procedure can now be done with a laparoscope (a thin telescope-like instrument for viewing inside the abdomen) in some people. This involves using small incisions and generally has a more rapid recovery time.

Gastric bypass surgery that causes malabsorption and restricts food intake produces more weight loss than restriction procedures, which only decrease food intake. People who have bypass surgery generally lose two-thirds of their excess weight within two years.

Gastric Balloon

The Intra Gastric Balloon is a simple gastric surgery devise, fitted inside the stomach, to create short term & rapid weight loss. It is a soft, expandable, silicone balloon that is placed inside the stomach via a camera that enters through the mouth and into the stomach. Once inserted in the stomach, the empty balloon is filled with sterile saline.

It is important for you to understand that the Gastric Balloon System is an aid to weight loss and must be used in conjunction with a diet, exercise and a behavior modification program. Therefore, the amount of weight you lose will depend on how closely you follow your diet. How long you maintain weight loss will depend on how completely you adopt long-term lifestyle changes involving eating behavior and exercise.