Surgical Weight Loss Options

Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

In this procedure, the surgeon creates a small stomach pouch and attaches a section of the small intestine directly to the pouch. This allows food to bypass a portion of the small intestine, which causes your body to absorb fewer calories. The smaller pouch limits the amount of food you eat, so you feel full sooner and stay full longer.

Laparoscopic Gastric Banding

For laparoscopic gastric banding, commonly known as LapBand, the surgeon places an adjustable band around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch to hold food. The band limits how much food you eat by making you feel full sooner. You and the surgeon can decide to loosen or tighten the band in the future. LapBand is the least invasive method of bariatric surgery and does not require cutting or stapling of the stomach.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
 

For the gastric sleeve, the surgeon creates a thin, vertical sleeve of stomach using a stapling device. It is about the size of a banana. The rest of the stomach is removed. The smaller sleeve limits the amount of food you eat and makes you feel full sooner.