Weight Loss Through Surgery

Being overweight can put an unhealthy strain on your body. Being severely overweight – by more than 80 to 100 pounds – can be fatal. It is a serious health concern that can result in medical problems from heart disease to diabetes.

Bariatric surgery is offering new hope to many who are struggling with weight loss. Through surgery, the size of the stomach is reduced, which helps to reduce food intake.

The results can be dramatic. People who have the surgery can see a loss of up to 85% of their excess body weight in the first 6 to 12 months. Most importantly, they can also see an improvement or even a resolution of obesity-related health problems such as diabetes and high-blood pressure. Bariatric Surgery, also called weight loss surgery, involves revision of the gastrointestinal tract. Whenever possible, our surgeons perform Bariatric Surgery by using a less invasive “laparoscopic” procedure which reduces recovery time. The laparoscopic technique involves making several small incisions in the abdominal wall. A small camera and surgical instruments are inserted, eliminating the need for the long incision required in the open procedure. For patients in which a laparoscopic procedure is not appropriate, the surgeon will use an “open” approach, which involves a longer incision.

The current “gold standard” for weight loss surgery is the “roux en y” procedure. In this procedure, one part of the stomach is stapled completely shut to create a small stomach pouch. The result is that you will feel full with a small amount of food and not overeat. In order for the surgery to be successful, patients must make changes in the type of food they eat, their attitudes about food and eating and their level of activity.

Another procedure, a gastric band is a purely restrictive surgical procedure in which a band is placed around the upper most part of the stomach. This band divides the stomach into two portions, one small and one larger portion. Because food is regulated, most patients feel fuller. Food digestion occurs through the normal digestive and absorption process.

Have Questions? A Bariatric Information Group is held on the second Monday of every month from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Temple Beth Ami 14330 Travilah Road, Rockville. At this meeting the Bariatric Team describes the procedure in detail and answers your questions. Call (301) 251-4128 for more information.