In Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, a small stomach pouch is created, and then connected to a shorter length of the small intestine. The procedure reduces the stomach from the size of a melon to the size of an egg. This procedure helps you lose weight in two ways:

• The smaller pouch encourages you to eat smaller amounts of food.
• Fewer nutrients and fewer calories are absorbed.

Another option for weight loss surgery is the Lap-Band^® procedure. The procedure involves the placement of an inflatable ring around the upper stomach, which restricts what you can eat and controls hunger. The inflatable ring is connected to a port that is placed under the skin. The port is filled with saline to adjust the tightness of your ring around the stomach.

When considering weight loss surgery, it is important to discuss all options with your surgeon. An informed discussion about the long-term results with weight loss, the potential complications and the necessary follow-up is critical to making the right decision.

Minimally Invasive Surgery
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and the Lap-Band^® procedure can both be done using laparoscopy. Laparoscopy refers to the minimally invasive surgical technique that is performed through a few small incisions in the abdomen. The surgeon uses the incisions to insert a laparoscope, a small telescope connected to a tiny video camera. The camera transmits a picture to a video monitor that the surgeon uses to guide the instruments during the surgery.

With laparoscopy, you have a shorter recovery time and can return to normal activities sooner. Laparoscopy also significantly reduces wound complications including infections, hernias and wound re-openings. Other advantages include less pain after surgery and a shorter hospital stay.

Please note: Although you may request laparoscopy, you may be a better candidate for open or traditional gastric bypass surgery.