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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Many surgeons have reported that gastric bypass patients lose weight faster in the first year. At five years, however, many LAP-BAND patients have achieved weight loss comparable to that of gastric bypass patients.1 Focus on long-term weight loss and remember that it is important to lose weight gradually while reducing obesity-related risks and improving your health.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.