Types of Weight Loss Surgery

Conemaugh Physician Group - Surgery offers three types of weight loss surgery. 

Gastric Bypass

During gastric bypass surgery, surgeons create a small pouch that permanently acts as the stomach and significantly reduces the amount of food an individual can eat. The small intestine is realigned so food moves past the upper digestive system. This helps reduces the number of calories the body can consume. Ongoing research indicates that gastric bypass surgery appears to cure diabetes in most patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Adjustable Gastric Band

During adjustable gastric band surgery, a silicone band is placed around the stomach to restrict food intake. The band is adjustable to aid in weight loss and does not surgically alter the stomach.

Gastric Sleeve

A long, narrow vertical pouch (about 2-3 ounces) is created by stapling and removing 85% of the stomach. Sleeve Gastrectomy significantly restricts the volume of food that can be eaten. There is no rerouting of the intestines, therefore this surgery causes no malabsorption of nutrients. Gastric sleeve surgery can be performed on patients that otherwise do not quality for gastric bypass, including patients with anemia, Crohn's disease, and other illnesses. This surgery does not require an implantable device and there is no need for adjustments.

Lap Band Revisional Surgery

During this procedure, a lap band is removed from the patient. If requested, a stapled bariatric procedure can be used to replace the lap band.