Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgery Procedures: Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (Lap Band)

How Does Bariatric Surgery Work?

There are two basic ways that Bariatric (weight loss) surgery works to help you lose weight and improve or resolve other life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea. One way is malabsorption and the other is restriction. The most common Bariatric (weight loss) surgery performed today, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, uses both.

1. Restrictive procedures limit food intake
   Procedures that use restriction limit the amount of food patients can eat. This is accomplished surgically by creating a small stomach pouch. When eating, the pouch fills quickly and gives a feeling of fullness much sooner. Because patients feel satisfied and full sooner, they eat less.
   
   
    
2. Malabsorptive procedures alter digestion
   Procedures that use malabsorption change the body’s ability to absorb calories and nutrients from food. The surgeon changes the way food travels through the patient’s system. By rerouting food past a large part of the stomach and a portion of the small intestine, much of the calories and nutrients pass through without being absorbed.

Both methods work to help you:

• Lose excess weight
• Lower your Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Transform their health by resolving or improving other life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea

Bariatric (weight loss) surgery has many benefits that can lead to a healthier, higher quality of life, but also has certain risks. We are experienced in several surgical procedures such as:

• Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass surgery 
• Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (Lap Band)  
• Biliopancreatic Diversion 

This spectrum of surgical procedures  lets us choose the right approach for you.  When all possible, our surgical procedures are done laparoscopically (minimally invasive). 

If you are interested in Bariatric (weight loss) surgery and its role in changing your life, call (585) 922-LINK (5465) to register for one of our free informational seminars.

Rochester General Hospital
Medical Office Building (MOB), Suite 225
1415 Portland Ave.
Rochester, NY 14621
(585) 922-2900
(716) 706-8200
Fax: (585) 922-2117