Many studies done by experienced laparoscopic bariatric surgeons have demonstrated laparoscopic gastric bypass to be safe. A study done by Dr. Oliak (see Description of Surgeries section) demonstrated the importance of surgeon experience. He found complication rates to be significantly higher during the "learning curve" for laparoscopic gastric bypass. Complication rates stabilize at a low rate after a surgeon completes approximately 75 laparoscopic gastric bypass operations.

Laparoscopic gastric bypass is accomplished with 5 small incisions rather than one long incision. A camera is placed through one of the incisions and long instruments through the others. The operation is performed while watching a video screen. The actual operation on the stomach and intestine is the same with both approaches.

Laparoscopic gastric bypass results in a shorter hospital stay, less pain, less scarring, and a quicker return to usual activities. Complications such as wound infections and wound hernias are nearly eliminated with the laparoscopic approach. The risk for serious complications (such as leak) is similar with both laparoscopic and open gastric bypass.

Like every operation, there is a risk. Because you may already have health-related problems, there is an increased risk of complications. Your doctor should thoroughly screen you to make sure that there are no surprises on the operating table.

We exclude no one as a laparoscopic surgical candidate based on BMI alone. High BMI and extreme physical parameters might mean that the laparoscopic approach is not right for you. Our goal is for every patient to have the best possible outcomes, thus you surgeon will evaluate you on an individual basis, and will make a professional recommendation as to which procedure will work best for your case.

There is no set time that is right for everyone. The type of work you do (manual labor vs. desk job, etc.), your own pain/discomfort threshold, and other medical conditions you have effect this. In general, though, about 85-95% of patients are back to work 2-3 weeks after the laparoscopic approach, and 3-4 weeks after an open approach. You and your surgeon will share in that decision at your first post-operative visit.

Yes, all surgeons currently associated with Right Weigh programs offer both laparoscopic and roux-en-y gastric bypass.

We perform both the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and the laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LapBand) procedures.

With no complications, lap GBP patients go home the 2nd or 3rd post-op day. Open patients stay a day or two longer. Normal activities are usually resumed after 21 days with Lap-Band; a week or two longer for open GBP patients.

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding is a purely restrictive procedure by which a small plastic ring is placed at the top of the stomach to limit the amount of food intake of the patient. This is a much safer procedure than the gastric bypass in that there are no connections or division of the bowel. LapBand patients are discharged home after an overnight hospital stay.

The unused part of the stomach remains in place. Although not used, its ability to function remains intact.

Gastric bypass surgery provides an effective tool to limit the amount of food eaten and to change how food calories are absorbed. It must be understood that the surgery is not magic: it works with you, not for you. By working consistantly to make appropriate food choices and behavioral changes, a successful, long-term health impact is possible.

The LAP-BAND® System is a silicone band that is placed around the stomach, creating a small upper stomach pouch that prevents a patient from eating excessively. It is only a restrictive device (not a malabsorptive one), and can be adjusted and/or removed, if necessary. The procedure to place the band is done laparoscopically on an outpatient basis, so our patients go home the same day as surgery in most cases.

ObesityCare.com's mission is to provide information about severe obesity and the treatment there of. Our service is informational only. To find a doctor who can do your gastric bypass surgery or lap band procedure, we recommend using ObesityDirectory.com. It is a nation wide directory (United States) and all of the bariatric surgeons listed are members of the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).

New evaluation appointments are usually booked 4-8 months in advance. Once a patient is seen, if the surgeon and patient agree it is appropriate, the operation can usually be scheduled within 8 weeks. Why so long? There is more need for weight loss surgery than there are qualified bariatric surgeons.One of the obstacles at CCS has been working with our patients to get insurance approval.

Yes, pregnancy can be very safe following surgery. It is recommended that a woman wait until she is 1 year to 18 months post-operative before getting pregnant to assure that her weight has stabilized. If a gastric bypass patient does become pregnant, it is important that labs are monitored regularly to ensure that vitamin or mineral deficiencies do not occur. A prenatal vitamin along with 1500 mg of Calcium needs to be taken daily to prevent neurological or skeletal defects to the fetus.