Gastric Bypass – Roux-en-Y
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is a surgical procedure that can be performed laparoscopically or through an open approach. In these procedures, the stomach is sectioned into a small upper pouch and a lower larger compartment, which will not be used to receive or hold food, but is bypassed. The small upper gastric pouch is used to receive food and is connected to a segment of small intestine through a new small opening, which slows the rate at which food leaves the stomach. After gastric bypass, a small amount of food makes the patient feel full longer. The larger bypassed stomach remains inside the abdomen. It is nourished with a good blood supply. It does not hold food but does produce a small amount of gastric juice that follows the normal pathway to the duodenum until they mix with food from the small pouch. In this way, there is a delay in digestion and absorption of food.
Lap Band®
The Lap-Band®, a minimally invasive surgery, places a “Band” around the upper stomach to create a tiny stomach pouch. The tightness of the Lap band® can be adjusted by injecting fluid into, or withdrawing fluid from, the balloon on the inner aspect of the lap band. The concept of the Lap Band® is to create an anatomy that provides a sensation of fullness after a small meal. The Lap Band® is removable and adjustable. It allows the patient to achieve slower, but steadier weight loss.