Weight Loss Surgery Procedures

There are three types of bariatric surgery techniques for the treatment of morbid obesity: restrictive, malabsorptive, and combination procedures. The technique that is best suited for you is based on your individual weight loss goals and health needs.

Restrictive Bariatric Surgery

Restrictive surgery has a twofold purpose. First, it reduces the capacity of the stomach, thus making the person feel full sooner. Second, it reduced the desire to eat between meals by reducing the movement of food out of the stomach. The most common type of restrictive bariatric surgery is gastric banding. During this procedure, an adjustable band of special rubber is placed on the upper part of the stomach in order to form a small pocket or pouch where ingested food will collect. This band can be adjusted in order to create a very narrow passage and slow down the passage of food into the lower part of the stomach.

Malabsorptive Bariatric Surgery

This type of surgery reduces the surface area of the small intestine, thus reducing the absorption of calories from food. Purely malabsorptive surgeries, known as intestinal bypasses, are no longer performed for weight loss patients because safer and more effective options are available.

Combination Restrictive/Malabsorptive Surgery

Combination procedures are known as gastric bypass surgeries. The most common type of gastric bypass surgery is the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. During this procedure, a small pouch is created from the upper part of the stomach using staples. The lower part is not removed but is bypassed. The pouch is then connected to the middle section of the small intestine so food bypasses the stomach and the first section of the small intestine, thus reducing the calories absorbed. For more information on weight loss surgery techniques, speak to a bariatric surgeon at our Indiana center today.