Your body and your health are unique. That's why each patient at HealthEast Bariatric Care works closely with our staff and surgeons when preparing for - and recovering - from surgery.

Your surgeon will help you choose the best procedure for you. All along the way, we work closely with you to provide education and support.

As with all weight loss surgeries, results vary.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery uses stapling to create a very small stomach pouch. This greatly reduces the amount of food that can be eaten at one time. The rest of the stomach and a segment of the small bowel are bypassed. This delays food from mixing with digestive juices and stops a portion of calories from being absorbed. In most cases, patients report an early sense of fullness and satisfaction that reduces the desire to eat.

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is currently thought of as the "gold standard" by which all other weight loss surgery is measured.

Watch video on gastric bypass

Open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

An open procedure involves one incision that opens the abdomen to provide the surgeon access to the stomach and intestines. The length of the incision varies.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

During a laparoscopic operation, a small video camera inserted into the abdomen allows the surgeon to conduct and view the surgery on a video monitor. The camera and surgical instruments are usually inserted through small incisions made in the abdominal wall.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y produces similar weight loss to open Roux-en-Y.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Lap Band)

During the Lap Band procedure, an adjustable band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a small stomach pouch. The restriction of the band can be increased or decreased without additional surgery. This process is called an "adjustment" or "fill" and is performed in the bariatric clinic.

Because the stomach and intestines are not permanently altered, the Lap Band procedure does not change the way food is digested or absorbed. The surgery is performed laparoscopically (with a camera) and doesn't require the stomach to be stapled or cut.

Watch video on Lap Band procedure

Sleeve gastrectomy

A sleeve gastrectomy operation removes 85% of the stomach and creates a tubular, "sleeve-shaped" pouch, reducing the amount of food that can be eaten at one time. It makes no other alteration to the rest of the digestive track, so there is no change in the way food is digested and absorbed.

Watch video on sleeve gastrectomy

Bioliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch

The bioliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (DS or "Switch") is an operation that makes the stomach smaller and significantly alters the small intestine. The procedure restricts both the amount of food that can be eaten, as well as the amount of calories and nutrients that can be absorbed.

For more information

To learn more about weight loss surgery and HealthEast Bariatric Care, you are invited to attend an introductory class. Meet the care team, including a bariatric surgeon, and get your questions answered in a comfortable and caring environment. Friends and family are encouraged to attend.

Get meeting dates and times or contact us at 651-326-3600.