Types of Bariatric Surgery
State-of-the-Art Surgical Procedures
What was once known simply as "stomach stapling" has come a long way. Today, bariatric surgery patients have several proven surgical options available, including some procedures that may be performed on an outpatient basis. Your surgeon will recommend the procedure that best aligns with your health needs, weight loss goals, and lifestyle.
The experienced bariatric surgeons at Torrance Memorial perform a full range of advanced weight loss surgery procedures, including:
Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass is one of the most commonly performed bariatric procedures and often results in significant, long-term weight loss. This procedure works by reducing the size of the stomach (a restrictive effect) and altering the digestive process (a malabsorptive effect).
The most common approach is the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. During this procedure, the stomach is divided to create a small pouch that limits food intake. The pouch is then connected directly to a lower section of the small intestine, allowing food to bypass part of the digestive tract.
Although gastric bypass is considered major surgery and typically requires a hospital stay, it offers several important benefits:
- Rapid weight loss after surgery, averaging approximately 70% of excess body weight
- Reduced food intake due to a smaller stomach pouch
- May improve or resolve obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure
- Can be performed laparoscopically to minimize pain and shorten recovery time
Some patients experience "dumping syndrome," which can occur when foods high in sugar move too quickly through the digestive system. Symptoms may include nausea, diarrhea, weakness, and lightheadedness. Gastric bypass can also increase the risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies, ulcers, and reflux, making lifelong follow-up care essential.
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band
The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band is one of the least invasive bariatric surgery options and generally requires less recovery time than other procedures. During this outpatient procedure, an adjustable band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach to create a smaller stomach pouch.
The band can be adjusted over time to help patients feel full after eating smaller amounts of food. FDA-approved gastric band systems include the LAP-BAND® and Realize Band.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy, commonly known as gastric sleeve surgery, permanently reduces the size of the stomach so patients feel full after eating smaller portions. Unlike gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy is primarily a restrictive procedure and does not reroute the digestive tract.
Because the digestive system remains intact, the body's ability to absorb nutrients is generally preserved. Benefits of sleeve gastrectomy may include:
- Reduced appetite and earlier feelings of fullness
- No rerouting of the digestive tract
- Lower risk of nutritional deficiencies compared with gastric bypass
- Lower risk of dumping syndrome compared with gastric bypass
- Laparoscopic approach that may reduce pain and recovery time
- Reduced production of the hunger-stimulating hormone ghrelin
- May be combined with additional procedures in select cases
- May be converted to gastric bypass if additional weight loss is needed
Sleeve gastrectomy may be a suitable option for patients who are considered high risk for gastric bypass or who have significant obesity. Patients typically lose approximately 60% of their excess body weight, although individual results vary.
Preparing for Bariatric Surgery
Successful bariatric surgery begins with preparation. Learn what to expect before surgery, including nutritional guidance, lifestyle changes, medical evaluations, and support resources available through Torrance Memorial.
Learn About Preparing for Bariatric Surgery
