Procedures: Gastric Bypass

Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery involves making five to six 1/2- inch incisions and performing the operation by observation through a small camera. The laparoscope, which is connected to a video camera, is inserted through one of the small abdominal incisions, giving the surgeon a magnified view of the patient’s internal abdominal space on a television monitor. The entire operation is performed “inside” the abdomen after gas has been inserted to expand the space.

For patients who are not eligible for the laparoscopic method, surgery is done with an “open” incision extending from just below the breastbone to just above the navel. Advantages of the laparoscopic approach include reduced post-operative pain, shorter hospitalization, faster return to work and improved appearance. The recovery time for the laparoscopic procedure also is expected to be shorter, though similar possible complications exist.

Laparoscopic Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass

The gastric bypass is both a restrictive and a malabsorptive operation. The stomach is divided into a small pouch that holds approximately 2 tablespoonfuls of food. The small intestine is then divided and sewn to the pouch so that food goes from the stomach pouch directly into the small intestine.