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, the patient must have a BMI of 40 or greater or a BMI of 35 or greater with additional medical problems, such as high blood pressure and/or diabetes. In conjunction with surgery it is important to also follow a lifestyle management program to maintain weight loss, minimize potential complications with surgery, assist with psychological adjustments and promote overall good health. A lifestyle management program should begin before surgery and continue afterward.
With the commitment to a healthy lifestyle, surgery has the potential to be an effective, long-lasting weight loss method. Patients are likely to lose 50% to 75% of their excess weight and should see improvement in conditions linked to obesity, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The weight loss is likely to occur rapidly and continue for up to two years after surgery. After surgery, patients may enjoy the benefit of feeling full after eating only small amounts of food. Most patients are also less hungry.
There are two types of weight-loss surgery performed at Saint Barnabas: laparoscopic restrictive procedure or restrictive/ malabsorptive procedure.
Please note: A brief explanation is provided. For more details, including risks and additional benefits of surgery, please contact your physician.
Malabsorptive/Restrictive Procedure
The Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass (pictured below) is a combination malabsorptive/restrictive procedure. The surgeon attaches the patient’s small intestine directly to a pouch that has been surgically created in the stomach. Food bypasses part of the small intestine, which reduces the body’s absorption of calories and nutrients.
Laparoscopic/Restrictive Procedure
In Gastric Banding (Lap-Band) surgery, a silicone band is inserted around the upper portion of the stomach to create a “pouch” which can hold about two ounces of food. The type of surgery is most often done through small incisions (laparoscopically) and is referred to as the Lap-band procedure. Saline is injected into the band to tighten or loosen the band (adjust) based on patient needs..
For best results following surgery, patients are advised to:
- Eat less
- Eat slowly
- Chew well
- Avoid drinking fluids shortly before, after and during meals
- Exercise regularly
- Participate in support groups
If you are interested in learning more about bariatric surgery, please contact (973) 322-7007 for information about our free orientation seminars.
Sources:
“Demand for Bariatric Surgery ‘Unbelievable’,” Internal Medicine News, July 15, 2003.
“Gastric Surgery for Severe Obesity,” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 1996.
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