Bariatric Surgery = Weight Loss Surgery

 

Bariatrics is the medical term for the treatment of obesity. We treat the disease of obesity with surgery when other safe forms of weight loss have been unsuccessful and we feel that the risks of surgery are outweighed by risks of obesity. Dr. N. Christou recently published an article in the Annals of Surgery reporting that weight loss surgery can reduce the risk of premature death from obesity by 89% over a five year period. Our primary objective in offering this kind of surgery is to improve the future health of our patients.

Laparoscopic vs Open Surgery

 

Laparoscopic surgery is surgery performed through tiny holes in the abdominal wall. It is performed with a general anesthetic. A camera is inserted through one of the holes which then projects the view inside the abdomen onto a video screen. Long slender instruments are then inserted through other holes to perform the procudure. MIS Group member surgeons perform the vast majority of abdominal operations laparoscopically. All weight loss surgery is done laparoscopically including revisional surgery.

Laparoscopic surgery has tremendous benefit for obese patients. There is a dramatic reduction in the risk of wound complications when compared with traditional open surgery. For example, while wound infections and hernias occur in up to 40% of open gastric bypass operations, they are virtually unheard of with laparoscopic surgery. There are many other benefits such as significantly less pain, less bleeding, beter cosmetic results, faster recovery and shorter hospital stay.

The Operations

 

Numerous operations for weight-loss have been tried over the years, beginning in the 1960's. Today, the best of these procedures include:

• Laparoscopic Gastric Banding
• Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
• Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

In carefully selected cases we will consider:

• Revisional Bariatric Surgery

Which Operation is Right For You?

 

This can be a very difficult decision. Revisional bariatric surgery is reserved for patients who have had previous weight loss operations and are now experience chronic difficulties. The most common senario is a blockage after a vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG). Patients will be considered on an idividual basis.

Sleeve gastrectomy is reserved for patients who may not initially tolerate a gastric bypass. In carefully selected patients, a sleeve gastrectomy may be used as a first stage operation to eventually be followed by a gastric bypass.

For most patients, the decision will be between gastric bypass and gastric banding. This comparison is designed to highlight the differences between these operations and to help you come a decision. A printable version is available.