There are three types of bariatric surgery. Choosing the right surgery for you depends on a variety of factors.

One of the most popular and successful surgical approaches is the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, which can be performed through either an open procedure or by using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. Some surgeons prefer to use an open procedure, which requires a five-to-six-inch incision in the abdomen from the breast bone to the belly button, because they feel it provides them with the best access to the stomach and small intestine. Some patients, depending on their weight and other health conditions, may not be eligible for the laparoscopic procedure and will require an open incision. Regardless of the type of incision and surgical technique, the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the same and patients experience the same results.

Minimally Invasive Gastric Bypass Surgery

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure can also be performed using minimally invasive surgical techniques, also known as laparoscopic surgery. The laparoscopic procedure employs specially designed instruments inserted through several small incisions. Surgical video cameras called laparoscopes are also inserted so the surgeon can see inside the body. Surgeons watch on monitors as they perform the surgery. Surgeons using laparoscopy perform precisely the same operation that is done in the open procedure. There are several small incisions instead of one very large one, reducing post-surgical pain, shortening post-surgical time in the hospital, shortening overall patient recovery time and sharply reducing risk of infections.

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Bands

Another bariatric surgical option is the LAP-BAND® system in which an inflatable band is placed around the upper part of the stomach by laparoscopic instruments inserted in several small incisions. Like gastric bypass surgery, a new small upper stomach pouch is created that limits the stomach capacity. The narrowed outlet from the stomach makes the patient feel full faster and it empties more slowly so patients do not feel hungry between meals. The LAP-BAND® is the only adjustable and reversible obesity surgery, though reversals should only be considered in extreme cases.

In contrast to gastric bypass, banding does not bypass the intestines and nutrients and calories are absorbed through the normal digestion process. Most patients, however, lose weight more slowly than those who have had gastric bypass surgery. Banding also gives the patient the option of expanding or reducing stomach capcity as nutritional needs change, for example during pregnancy. The LAP-BAND® system creates a small stomach pouch and smaller outlet to the rest of the intestines. Through an access port placed under the skin of the abdomen the surgeon can reduce or expand the stomach outlet.