Choosing the Right Weight Loss Procedure for You

Last updated 7 months ago

Bariatric weight loss surgery works by drastically reducing the capacity of the stomach in order to treat obesity and weight-related health conditions. Each of the following procedures offered at Riverside Community Hospital can be performed laparoscopically for minimal pain, scarring, and risk of infection:

Adjustable Gastric Banding

In this procedure, an inflatable band is placed around the top portion of the stomach in order to reduce its capacity without cutting any of the digestive tract. The surgical procedure is minimally invasive and carries few risks, making it a viable choice for many patients. In addition, the band may be deflated and even removed should complications occur.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

For an even more dramatic reduction in caloric intake, a patient may elect to undergo roux-en-Y gastric bypass, a permanent procedure in which a small part of the upper stomach is portioned off and the middle section of the small intestine is attached in order to bypass the highly absorbent duodenum. The lower stomach and beginning of the small intestine are also attached so that the intestines form a “Y” shape. Because of the complexity involved in surgically rearranging the viscera, complications such as dumping syndrome may occur.

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

Rather than reducing stomach size by sectioning off a small part of the organ for use, this surgery calls for the removal of two-thirds of the stomach, leaving a long tube that remains naturally connected to both the esophagus and small intestine. The elimination of stomach tissue is thought to reduce the amount of the hunger hormone ghrelin that is released into the body, a benefit that does not occur with other volume-restricting procedures.

The referral specialists at Riverside Community Hospital’s 24-hour healthcare line can help you find a bariatric weight loss surgeon to discuss the benefits and risks of each procedure in detail. Call (951) 788-3463 to learn more about the services offered at our Center for Surgical Weight Loss.