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.

Diet and exercise are key components for ensuring success following Bariatric surgery. Compliance with dietary changed, combined with the right exercise program, will help you lose weight in the post-surgical period, as well as maintain that weight loss over time. These principles, along with many others, are discussed at each Summa Bariatric support group meeting to help keep you on track.

During Roux-en-y, the surgeon reduces the size of the stomach to a small pouch, limiting the amount of food the patient can eat and digest. To find out if you are eligible for surgery, see your physician.

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.

Patients can expect to be out of bed by evening of the same day of the surgery, with a total hospitalization stay of about 3-4 days. The surgical recovery period averages between 3-5 weeks. Every person's weight loss experience is different. As a rule of thumb, the heavier the patient, the more weight they are likely to lose. Most patients can expect to lose two-thirds of their excess weight. Most of that weight loss will occur within the first 18 months.

Patients should avoid aspirin or aspirin-containing medications and anti-inflammatory drugs; they can irritate the intestinal tract's inner lining and sometimes cause ulcers. For the same reason, alcohol and tobacco products should be avoided, as well.

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.

There is no rerouting of the intestines, and no new connections need to be made. This makes it safer, easier, and faster to perform. The lack of rerouting eliminates the late risk of bowel obstruction from internal hernia that comes with the gastric bypas operation. Finally, the lack of rerouting also reduces the risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

The main disadvantage is that we don't have long-term data to document that weight loss will be maintained. The sleeve may stretch out, resulting in weight regain. Another disadvantage is that the operation is not reversible, in that part of the stomach is removed and thrown away. It can never be replaced. (On the other hand, there should be no reason to want to put it back).

Despite the billions of dollars spent yearly by consumers on weight loss programs and dietary supplements, no medical treatment has been demonstrated to sustain a long term weight loss in a significant number of men or women. In fact, the 1992 NIH consensus statement concerning obesity asserts that medical treatment is considered ineffective in 95% of patients.

You have failed repeated, medically-supervised attempts at losing weight and controlling your obesity You are 100 pounds over your ideal body weight and have a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than or equal to 40, or a BMI of 35 (approximately 80 pounds over ideal body weight) if you have a serious associated medical complication or other obesity-related disease(s) You have had a consultation with one of our Bariatric Surgeons and have been determined to be a surgical candidate.

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.

The surgery is not a cosmetic procedure, but rather, a course of last resort for people who are at least 100 pounds over their ideal weight and have a body mass index (BMI) of over 40. Patients with a slightly lower BMI may be considered for the procedure if they have other obesity-related problems such as Type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or sleep apnea.