Surgical Procedures

The two most common surgeries performed today for weight loss are the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure and adjustable gastric banding (Lap-Band®). Dr. Glass and Dr. Bettendorf perform both surgeries and will help you decide which surgery is best for you.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

This surgery results in durable weight loss and an improvement in weight-related medical illnesses. Weight loss is often very rapid during the first six months after surgery with peak weight loss usually occurring at 12-18 months post-surgery. The obesity-related diseases/conditions that may be improved or cured with gastric bypass include: diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, arthritis, venous stasis disease, bladder incontinence, liver disease, certain types of headaches, heartburn, sleep apnea and many other disorders. Furthermore, this surgery usually results in marked improvements in quality of life.


                      Comparison of laparoscopic gastric bypass and open

Laparoscopic	Open
6 small incisions Minimal initial discomfort 1-2 day hospital stay No post-op lifting restrictions Wound complications are rare Incisional hernias are rare Adhesions are rare	1 large incision Often painful the first 1-2 days 2-3 day hospital stay 20 pound post-op lifting restriction Wound complications are common Incisional hernias are common Adhesions are common

Open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
The technique used for this surgery is the same as with the laparoscopic procedure except that one large incision is used instead of 6 smaller incisions.



Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (Lap-Band®)
This procedure works by placing a band around the upper part of the stomach which separates the stomach into one small and one large portion. The band is then adjusted after surgery to either increase or decrease restriction. Unlike the gastric bypass procedure, nutrient digestion and absorption are normal and the lap band can be reversed. Weight loss is attained solely through the restriction of food intake. Strict patient compliance and frequent follow-ups for band adjustments are required for optimal results.
Weight loss is generally less with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Lap-Band® than with gastric bypass. Steady weight loss (1-2 pounds per week) is expected over about three years. Improvements in weight-related diseases/conditions have been observed with diabetes, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux, hypertension, and asthma.

Comparison of Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass & Laparoscopic Gastric Banding

Gastric Bypass	Adjustable Gastric Banding
6 small incisions Increased risk of nutrition deficiencies Faster weight loss Risk of a leak 1-2 day hospital stay Longer surgery More excess weight loss Permanent Permanent	6 small incisions Small risk of nutrition deficiencies Slower, steadier weight loss Minimal risk of a leak 1-2 day hospital stay Shorter surgery Less excess weight loss Adjustable Reversible

To pre-register for our next free information seminar, please call us at (320) 251-5676 or (800) 554-7923.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT-The medical images used on this site are obtained from the American Society of Bariatric Surgery INC. for informational purposes only. All rights reserved.