Gastric Bands

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding  is less invasive than other surgical techniques and usually takes less than an hour to do. There is no need for cutting or stapling, so you avoid large incisions and scars; instead there are 5 small incisions made about your abdomen. During the procedure, a silicon band is buckled around the upper portion of the stomach, forming a small pouch or stoma that will serve as your new stomach. There is no cutting or stapling of the stomach involved.

Depending on your weight-loss progress, pregnancy, or illness, your band can be easily adjusted. Band adjustments are a regular and easily achieved part of follow-up care. The gastric band can be removed if need be. If so, the stomach generally returns to its original form. It may require less hospital time than other surgical techniques. Patients normally leave the hospital in less than 24 hours after the surgery. After the procedure, patients usually return to work and their normal activities in a few days.

Gastric Sleeve

The Sleeve Gastrectomy operation is done with 5 small incisions, and takes about an hour to do. The stomach is restricted by dividing it vertically and removing more than 85% of it. This part of the procedure is not reversible. The stomach that remains is shaped like a banana and measures from 1-2 ounces (40-80cc). The nerves to the stomach and the outlet valve (pylorus) remain intact with the idea of preserving the functions of the stomach while reducing the volume. By comparison, in a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the stomach is divided, not removed, and the pylorus is excluded. Note that there is no intestinal bypass with this procedure, only stomach reduction.

Having the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy involves an overnight stay in the hospital, but there is no nasogastric tube. You are able to return to work, resume heavy lifting and strenuous activity, in most cases, in about two weeks from the time of surgery. If you are able to do light duty at work, there is the possibility of going back to work sooner than two weeks for some patients.

We have performed bariatric surgery for patients in and between Atlanta, GA and Knoxville, TN. Attend a weight loss seminar today to learn more about bariatric surgery in Chattanooga, Tennessee at the Gastric Band Institute.

Gastric Bypass Roux-en-Y:

In this procedure, stapling creates a small (15 to 20cc) stomach pouch. The remainder of the stomach is not removed, but is completely stapled shut and divided from the stomach pouch. The outlet from this newly formed pouch empties directly into the lower portion of the jejunum, thus bypassing calorie absorption. This is done by dividing the small intestine just beyond the duodenum for the purpose of bringing it up and constructing a connection with the newly formed stomach pouch. The other end is connected into the side of the Roux limb of the intestine creating the "Y" shape that gives the technique its name. The length of either segment of the intestine can be increased to produce lower or higher levels of malabsorption.

Advantages:

•         The average excess weight loss after the Roux-en-Y procedure is generally higher in a compliant patient than with purely restrictive procedures.

•         One year after surgery, weight loss can average 60-70% of excess body weight.

•         Studies show that after 10 to 14 years, 50-60% of excess body weight loss has been maintained by some patients.

 Risks:

•         Because the duodenum is bypassed, poor absorption of iron and calcium can result in the lowering of total body iron and a predisposition to iron deficiency anemia. This is a particular concern for patients who experience chronic blood loss during excessive menstrual flow or bleeding hemorrhoids. Women, already at risk for osteoporosis that can occur after menopause, should be aware of the potential for heightened bone calcium loss.

•         Bypassing the duodenum has caused metabolic bone disease in some patients, resulting in bone pain, loss of height, humped back and fractures of the ribs and hip bones. All of the deficiencies mentioned above, however, can be managed through proper diet and vitamin supplements.

•         A chronic anemia due to Vitamin B12 deficiency may occur. The problem can usually be managed with Vitamin B12 pills or injections.

•         A condition known as "dumping syndrome " can occur as the result of rapid emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine. This is sometimes triggered when too much sugar or large amounts of food are consumed. While generally not considered to be a serious risk to your health, the results can be extremely unpleasant and can include nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness and, on occasion, diarrhea after eating. Some patients are unable to eat any form of sweets after surgery.

•         The bypassed portion of the stomach, duodenum and segments of the small intestine cannot be easily visualized using X-ray or endoscopy if problems such as ulcers, bleeding or malignancy should occur.