Bariatric Surgery & Medical Weight Loss
Types of Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, encompasses a range of procedures designed to achieve substantial body weight loss. Two main principles are the cornerstones of weight loss surgery: restriction and malabsorption.
Historically, exclusive malabsorptive procedures involved bypassing the majority of the GI tract using the intestines. Today, this concept is utilized in conjunction with restrictive principles to promote weight loss.
Restrictive Procedures involve altering the stomach to restrict the amount of food taken in, causing people to feel full more quickly with smaller portions of food. All procedures are performed laparoscopically/robotically, meaning that we use tiny incisions to access the abdominal cavity.
Gastric Sleeve
Sleeve gastrectomy – This procedure induces weight loss by reducing the stomach to about 15-20% of its original size. This is achieved using stapling devices along the long axis of the stomach, thereby removing a large portion of the stomach from the remainder of the gastrointestinal tract and the body.
Ultimately, a person is left with a long, tubular “sleeve,” almost shaped like a banana, that reduces the amount of food the stomach can receive.
Gastric Bypass
During gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y bypass), a small stomach pouch is created using staplers and connected to the intestines, further down the tract. This allows for both restriction of food intake and malabsorption by bypassing a large portion of the intestines.
The food now has a shorter time to be absorbed.
Revisions/Conversions
The decision on the correct procedure for an individual depends on several factors, including surgical candidacy, comorbidities, the desired amount of weight loss, and patient preference. Furthermore, the decision to undergo surgery requires a thoughtful and deliberate approach. When considering weight loss surgery, access to reliable resources and accurate information is crucial.
When performing bariatric surgery, the American College of Surgeons recommends that it should be done in high-volume centers with expert bariatric surgeons. Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak is one of a few Centers of Excellence in bariatric surgery in the state of Michigan.
BMI Calculator
Calculate your Body Mass Index to see if you might be a candidate for bariatric surgery. A BMI of 40 or higher, or 35+ with health conditions, may qualify you for weight loss surgery.
