FOCUS Bariatrics
Unsuccessful Weight Loss is Frustrating, Confusing and Devastating
Most People Succeed Initially and Then Experience Weight Regain AGAIN
AND YES, Many Need Medication or Surgery to Reach their Weight Loss Goals
THAT IS OK! Let our Interdisciplinary Team Support You with this Journey
Bariatrics Surgery Options
What is It? The removal of 80% of the stomach. The remaining 20% stays in the body and is the shape of a banana.
How is It Done? Most procedures can be done laparoscopically (only small incisions). Surgical staples are used to remove the 80% and secure the remaining 20% of the stomach.
How does it Help Me to Lose Weight? You will get full more quickly. You will remain full for longer periods of time. The Sleeve size and shape help to create a stretch response when eating, which causes you to end the meal sooner. Hormones in the stomach and small intestine that go to the brain during fasting and feeding times are also changed to help you with ending the meal earlier and not feeling as hungry after eating.
How Much Weight Can I Expect to Lose? In the first 2 years, most patients lose around 60% of their excess body weight .
- Example: A woman is 5’4 and 250 lbs. On average, she would lose 52 lbs over the first 6-12 months after surgery
- Like Us to Calculate Your Expected Weight Loss? Contact Us
Pros?
- Effective for weight loss and improvement of related diseases (i.e., High Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Type 2 Diabetes, Sleep Apnea)
- Can induce partial or complete Remission of Type 2 Diabetes
- A simpler procedure and less surgery time versus the Gastric Bypass
Cons?
- It is NOT reversible (part of the stomach is permanently removed)
- May lead to new onset of acid reflux or worsen existing acid reflux
- May not be as potent as Gastric Bypass for weight loss or remission of related diseases
What is It? The procedure involves a couple steps. The stomach is divided into a smaller top portion (aka pouch) that is about the size of an egg. The larger part of the stomach remains in your body, but no longer sees food. Then, your small intestine is divided and connected to the pouch. This allows the food you eat to go further downstream “bypassing” the stomach and several feet of your small intestine.
How is It Done? Most procedures can be done laparoscopically (only small incisions). Surgical staples are used to secure the stomach and intestinal connections.
How does it Help Me to Lose Weight? You will get full more quickly. You will remain full for longer periods of time. The small egg-sized pouch helps to create a stretch response when eating, which causes you to end the meal sooner. Hormones in the stomach and small intestine that go to the brain during fasting and feeding times are also changed to help you with ending the meal earlier and not feeling as hungry after eating.
How Much Weight Can I Expect to Lose? In the first 2 years, most patients lose around 70% of their excess body weight.
- Example: A man is 6’2 and 400 lbs. On average, he would lose 102 lbs over the first 6-12 months after surgery
- Like Us to Calculate Your Expected Weight Loss? Contact Us
Pros?
- Reliable for long-last weight loss and improvement of related diseases (i.e., Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Type 2 Diabetes, Sleep Apnea)
- Can induce partial or complete remission of Type 2 Diabetes
- Performed for over 50 years. Surgery technique is refined and standardized.
Cons?
- A more complex procedure than the Sleeve or Band
- Small bowel complication, ulcers, and vitamin deficiency are more common than Sleeve or Band
- Dumping syndrome (a feeling of sickness after eating or drinking) may happen after eating or drinking (especially sugars)
NOTE: Adjustable Gastric Bands are NOT commonly performed any longer. Bands may need to be taken out for medical reasons.
What is It? A device is secured around the top part of the stomach. This creates a small “pouch” above the band. Food goes through the stomach normally, but is limited because of the smaller opening.
How is It Done? The procedures can be done laparoscopically (only small incisions).
How does it Help Me to Lose Weight? The sensation of fullness can depend, in part, on the size of the opening between the pouch and the rest of the stomach. The size of the opening is adjusted with fluid injections through a port that is secured under the skin.
How Much Weight Can I Expect to Lose? Like the Sleeve and Gastric Bypass, it is possible to lose up to 50% of extra body weight and keep this extra weight off long-term. However, the Band is mainly a procedure to restrict food intake. It does not induce the favorable metabolic and hormone changes like the Sleeve and Gastric Bypass.
Pros?
- Lowest rate of complications early after surgery
- Low risk for vitamin deficiency
- Can be removed if necessary
Cons?
- Slower and less weight loss than Sleeve and Gastric Bypass
- Follow-up is intensive for the first year - may need several adjustments and monthly office visits
- Risk of band slippage or damage to the esophagus or stomach over time
- High rate of re-operative/removal
