Procedures
Gastric Sleeve
The sleeve gastrectomy is an operation in which the left side of the stomach is surgically removed. This results in a stomach that is roughly the size and shape of a narrow banana. This small banana-shaped tube or sleeve becomes the new stomach pouch and extends from the natural stomach opening (esophagus) to the natural stomach outlet (pyloric valve). Gastric sleeve surgery helps limit eating by reducing the overall size of the stomach and helps control hunger by removing the part of the stomach that produces the hunger-stimulating hormone Ghrelin.
Since this operation does not involve any rerouting or reconnecting of the intestines, it is a simpler operation than gastric bypass. Unlike the gastric banding procedure, the sleeve gastrectomy does not require implantation of an artificial device inside the abdomen. Short-term results show that gastric sleeve patients who had the stand-alone procedure can expect to achieve 60 to 70 percent excess weight loss at two years. Gastric sleeve surgery may be safe for patients with a body mass index (BMI) higher than 60, and it may be used as stage one in a two-stage operation. For patients with a BMI less than 50, the weight loss results are similar to those experienced by Gastric Bypass patients.
Advantages of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
• Does not require disconnecting or reconnecting the intestines (no dumping syndrome)
• Preserves the pylorus (no dumping syndrome)
• Anemia, osteoporosis, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency are avoided due to the fact there is no malabsorption of nutrients
• Only surgery that substantially removes the "hunger hormone" Ghrelin
• Simpler operation than gastric bypass
• No artificial devices (band) are left inside the patient
• No need for adjustments or fills, which are required for adjustable band patients
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery
The procedure involves re-routing the digestive tract to bypass most of the patient's stomach. The Roux-en-Y procedure, which is the most popular type of gastric bypass surgery, is designed to reduce the functional capacity of the stomach by as much as 90 percent. As part of a comprehensive treatment plan, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery has proven to be the solution for countless morbidly obese patients. Gastric bypass surgery can be performed laparoscopically, meaning that patients benefit from smaller incisions and less scarring.
The Roux-en-Y Procedure
In Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, a small gastric pouch is created by dividing the upper stomach. The small intestine is then divided downstream and brought up to the pouch and connected to the pouch. The remaining end of the small intestine is then connected to the rest of the small intestine further downstream.
Contact Key Bariatric Specialists today to learn more about this procedure or to schedule a gastric bypass surgery consultation at our Fort Wayne office serving Auburn, Huntington, and all of Indiana. Dr. Dale Sloan and his staff are committed to patient education, safety, and care.
As our patients' testimonials show, the results from Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery can be amazing.
Possible Complications from Gastric Bypass Surgery
As with any advanced surgery, bariatric surgery carries the potential for complications. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is typically a laparoscopic procedure, which means that it is performed through very small "keyhole" incisions. This type of surgery is less invasive than a traditional open surgical technique. It involves the use of a laparoscope, which is a camera that is inserted into the abdomen through a small incision. This allows Dr. Sloan to see inside the abdomen without making large incisions. When performed by Dr. Sloan or another qualified expert, the surgery has relatively low risks.
Despite the small chance for complications, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is complex and invasive, and should only be performed by a board-certified expert like Dr. Sloan. As with any surgery, infection is always possible. Scarring from cutting through the abdominal wall can lead to the formation of a hernia in some patients, and scarring in the intestines can cause a bowel obstruction. Rarely, a leakage (called an anastomotic leakage) in the surgical connection between the stomach and bowel can occur, which can lead to serious complications.
Additionally, there are important nutritional issues associated with gastric bypass surgery. Because the digestive tract is drastically reconfigured, the body is no longer able to absorb certain types of nutrients as effectively. As a result, patients may be required to take nutritional supplements. Because certain foods and supplements can cause significant discomfort, patients must strictly follow post-surgery dietary guidelines. It is best to discuss these issues with Dr. Sloan, because each individual's case is unique.
LAP-BAND® System Surgery
LAP-BAND® System surgery is an alternative to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Many patients choose this option because it does not involve surgically reconfiguring the digestive tract. LAP-BAND® System surgery is less invasive than a gastric bypass procedure. Initial weight loss after a LAP-BAND® System procedure is slower than after gastric bypass surgery, but in the long term the two procedures are similarly effective. Contact Key Bariatric Specialists for more information on LAP-BAND® System surgery. Serving Auburn, Huntington, Fort Wayne, and all of Indiana, our center can help patients determine the treatment option that is best for them.
The LAP-BAND® System Surgery Procedure
LAP-BAND® System surgery is a laparoscopic procedure, which means it is performed with the aid of a camera inserted through a small "keyhole" incision. Dr. Sloan inserts the inflatable LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band through another small incision and places it around the top portion of the stomach.
A port placed just below the surface of the skin allows the band to be inflated with saline solution once the patient recovers from surgery. As the band is inflated, it constricts the stomach to create a small pouch at the top of the stomach. When this pouch fills — the typical capacity is four to six ounces of food — the brain thinks the stomach is full. The body is forced to compensate for decreased caloric intake by burning fat, and over time significant weight loss is achieved.
One of the biggest advantages of LAP-BAND® System surgery is that the procedure is simpler and less invasive than gastric bypass surgery. This means the risks are lower and recovery time is shorter. Adjustments can be made if needed without additional surgery, and most importantly, the procedure can be reversed if necessary without adversely affecting the digestive system. During your LAP-BAND® System surgery consultation at our Fort Wayne center, which serves Auburn, Huntington, and surrounding Indiana areas, Dr. Sloan can discuss these and other aspects of treatment in more detail.
Possible Complications from LAP-BAND® System Surgery
Smaller stomach capacity requires the LAP-BAND® System surgery patient to adjust his or her eating habits. If a patient eats too quickly or chooses inappropriate foods, he or she might experience a phenomenon called "productive burping" in which undigested food is regurgitated. Also, insufficiently chewed food might block the constricted opening of the stomach. Other possible complications include ulcers and gastritis.
In some rare cases, patients may experience two other significant complications. The first is known as "erosion". This happens when the band wears an opening into the stomach and begins to move inside. The second is called "slippage," and takes place when the portion of the stomach below the band slips over it, causing an obstruction. In either of these cases, the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band will likely need to be removed.
It is important to remember that these complications are uncommon. LAP-BAND® System surgery performed by Key Bariatric Surgery in Fort Wayne, Indiana is safe and effective, and as our patients' testimonials show, the results can be amazing.