Weight Loss Surgery Options
What is Weight Loss Surgery?
Weight loss surgery – sometimes referred to as bariatric, obesity or gastric bypass and laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery – requires a serious commitment from the patient. Weight Loss surgery involves a great deal of preparation and education before and after the surgery to ensure that the patient is able to gradually lose weight and remain healthy.
Weight loss surgery at Sentara is a holistic program that involves a firm and lifelong commitment to certain lifestyle changes on the part of the patient. With this commitment, patients are encouraged to develop and maintain these healthy habits for the rest of their lives. Lifestyle changes, including healthy eating and exercise, are essential for success.
Are You a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?
Weight loss surgery has helped millions of people shed excess weight and live healthier lives. You may be a candidate for weight loss surgery if you:
Are 100 pounds or more above your ideal weight or have a BMI of at least 35 and are diagnosed with at least one or more serious obesity related conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or sleep apnea.
Are diagnosed with at least two other significant illnesses related to obesity. (Consult your physician.)
Have no severe medical, psychological or emotional conditions that would render surgery too risky.
Have no dependence on drugs or alcohol, or have been sober for a year.
Have tried and failed at previous efforts to lose weight.
Understand the seriousness of the surgery and the necessity for a lifelong personal commitment to a healthier diet and lifestyle.
Sentara's Weight Loss Surgery Options
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass involves surgically altering portions of the stomach and, in some cases, the small intestine. It may be performed as a traditional “open surgical” procedure or through less-invasive, laparoscopic methods.
Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that involves 5-6 small incisions. The surgeon uses a small camera and instruments to make a small stomach pouch that is separated from the rest of the stomach, and bypasses the first part of the small intestines so that malabsorption occurs resulting in faster weight loss compared to the adjustable lap banding surgery. This laparoscopic technique involves less pain, less scarring, and a faster recovery than the traditional "open procedure."
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding System
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding involves inserting a band on the top of the stomach which gives a feeling of fullness. Since there is no cutting, stapling or stomach re-routing involved in the laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding system procedure, it is considered the safest and least traumatic compared to other weight-loss surgeries.
Benefits of Surgery
Patients who undergo weight loss surgery consume less food and absorb fewer calories. For adults who qualify, a combination of surgery, behavior modification and support may offer the first – and only – hope of a successful weight loss. Research shows that weight-loss surgery patients typically lose one-third of their initial weight within 18 months. In the first two years after surgery, patients typically lose from two-thirds to three-fourths of their excess body weight.
According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery:
Weight loss surgery is among the most effective treatments for metabolic diseases and other serious medical conditions. Surgery has been shown to resolve these issues at the following rates:
Type 2 diabetes: 86% resolved
High blood pressure: 72% resolved
High cholesterol: 70% resolved
Sleep apnea: 85% resolved
GERD: 88% resolved
Incontinence: 87% resolved
Osteoarthritis: 82% resolved