Weight Loss & Metabolic Procedures

Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG)

Using small incisions and a thin fiber-optic camera, a surgeon will remove up to 85% of the stomach in this minimally invasive procedure. Hormones associated with regulation of hunger and the sensation of fullness are altered, creating a drastic reduction in hunger, cravings, and capacity. The smaller stomach space and altered hormones allow patients to feel full faster. Vitamin supplementation is required for life.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB)

During this minimally invasive procedure, a surgeon will create a small stomach pouch and reroute the small intestines to create a certain degree of malabsorption. Similar to the sleeve gastrectomy, hormones associated with the regulation of hunger and fullness are also affected in this procedure. This surgery both decreases the volume of food that can comfortably be eaten and shortens the amount of time food digests, which restricts the number of calories and nutrients absorbed from it. Vitamin supplementation is required for life.
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An example of revisional surgery is conversion of sleeve gastrectomy to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

Duodenal Switch (DS)

Although the stomach is surgically reduced in size, the primary mechanism of weight loss is malabsorption of calories and nutrients. The intestines are surgically altered to cause food to pass through the system with decreased digestion and absorption of calories. Patients are able to eat reasonable portions of food without absorbing a significant portion of the calories. This procedure requires lifelong attention to nutrition, vitamin supplementation, and monitoring of nutritional lab work.

These procedures provide a solution for patients looking for a nonsurgical option. In the Gastric Balloon procedure, a surgeon inserts an uninflated balloon into the stomach and then fills the balloon with a sterile saline solution. This balloon takes up room in the stomach, thereby decreasing the amount of food that can comfortably be eaten. After about six months, the doctor drains the balloon and removes it. This procedure is usually not covered by insurance and requires self-pay.