Our Surgery Options

A small 15–30 ml gastric pouch is connected to the small intestine bypassing the stomach allowing food and digestive juices to be separated for 3–4 feet.

A thin vertical sleeve of the stomach is made by using a stapling device. The portion of the stomach that is removed is taken out of the abdomen.

The sleeve typically holds 50–150 ml and is about the size of a banana.

An adjustable silicone ring (band) is placed around the top part of the stomach creating a small 15–30 ml pouch.

Significantly restricts the volume of food that can be eaten.

Some "malabsorption" will occur because of the bypassed portion of the small intestine.

"Dumping Syndrome" may be experienced if the wrong foods such as sugar or fats are eaten.

Moderately limits the amount of food that can be eaten at a meal.

Food goes through the digestive tract in the normal manner, so there is no "malabsoprtion."

No future adjustments have to be made.

Moderately restricts the amount and type of foods that can be eaten.

Band diameter is adjustable and must be properly adjusted to create a sensation of fullness.

Laparoscopic (i.e. minimally invasive) in which 6 small (5–10 mm) cuts are used.

-Or-

Open approach in which a traditional mid-line abdominal cut is used.

Laparoscopic (i.e. minimally invasive) in which 6 small (5–10 mm) cuts are used.

-Or-

Open approach in which a traditional mid-line abdominal cut is used.

Laparoscopic (i.e. minimally invasive) consisting of 4 small (5–10 mm) cuts and one larger (2 cm) cut to place the band adjustment port under the skin.

60–100% of extra weight lost at 5 years.

The average weight loss is 65% of the excess (based on our own data).

In clinical studies, patients have lost an average of 55% of their excess weight.

We do not have enough or our own long term data to provide our own statistics.

50–60% of extra weight lost at 3 years (based on our own data).

Patients must consume less than 800 calories per day in the first 12–18 months; 1000–1200 calories thereafter.

Must include 3 small high protein meals per day.

Must avoid sugar and fats to prevent "Dumping Syndrome."

Vitamin deficiency/ protein deficiency usually preventable with supplements.

Must exercise (e.g. walk 10,000 steps per day using pedometer).

Patients must consume less than 800 calories per day in the first 18–36 months; 1000–1200 calories thereafter.

No drinking with meals (can drink 30 minutes before and 45 minutes after a meal).

Must include 3 small high protein meals per day ~ approximately 1/2 cup.

Must avoid concentrated sweets and high fat foods.

Vitamin deficiency/protein deficiency are usually preventable with proper diet, follow-up and supplements.

Must exercise (e.g. walk 10,000 steps per day using a pedometer).

Patients must consume less than 800 calories per day for 18–36 months, 1000–1200 calories thereafter.

Certain foods can get "stuck" if eaten (e.g. rice, bread, dense meats, nuts, popcorn, etc.) causing pain and vomiting.

No drinking with meal (can drink 30 minutes before and 45 minutes after).

Must exercise (e.g. walk 10,000 steps per day using pedometer).

Multivitamin
Calcium
Vitamin B12
Iron

Multivitamin
Calcium
Vitamin B12

Multivitamin
Calcium

Patients will experience rapid weight loss in the first few months.

Around the one to one and a half year mark the weight loss will plateau off.

The weight loss is often followed by some weight regain and stabilization depending on patient compliance with diet and exercise.

Patients will experience greater weight loss than with the band and slightly slower weight loss than with the gastric bypass.

The weight loss is often followed by some weight regain and stabilization depending on patient compliance with diet and exercise.

Weight loss is gradual and may take up to 5 years.

After weight loss some weight regain will be experienced.

70 minutes (Avg.)

60–75 minutes (Avg.)

55 minutes (Avg.)

2 days (48 hrs.)

1–2 days (24–48 hrs.)

Overnight (24 hrs.)

Not until your surgeon says it is ok but some patients can return to desk jobs within 2 weeks of surgery.

Not until your surgeon says it is ok but some patients can return to desk jobs within 2 weeks of surgery.

Not until your surgeon says it is ok but some patients can return to desk jobs within 2 weeks of surgery.

1–2 weeks after surgery.

1–2 weeks after surgery.

1–2 weeks after surgery.

University Hospital at SUNY Upstate Medical University.

University Hospital at SUNY Upstate Medical University.

University Hospital at SUNY Upstate Medical University.

Most patients average 3 to 6 months of preoperative training and preparation.

Most patients average 3 to 6 months of preoperative training and preparation.

Most patients average 3 to 6 months of preoperative training and preparation.

Your insurance (provided your insurance carrier approves the surgery).

Your insurance (provided your insurance carrier approves the surgery).

Your insurance (provided your insurance carrier approves the surgery).

YES—Unlike what is stated on some web sites or what you hear from others, laparoscopic surgery can be done to join the new small gastric pouch to the main stomach since this is not removed at the original surgery.

It is not recommended except in very unusual circumstances.

Weight regain is almost a certainty.

NO—Since the part of the stomach that is detached is removed, the operation is not reversible.

YES—Laparoscopic surgery can be done to remove the band. In some cases this can be difficult due to scarring that forms around the band.

It is not recommended except in very unusual circumstances.

Weight regain is almost a certainty.

Most effective for patients with a BMI of >=35 (with comorbidity) or >40 especially those with a "sweet-tooth."

It takes away the hunger and produces 10-15% more weight loss then Adjustable Gastric Banding.

It is considered the "Gold Standard Procedure" for weight loss in North America.

Most effective for patients with a BMI of >=35 (with comorbidity) or >40 especially those with a "sweet-tooth."

You and your physician will discuss the options and after being informed on the risks and benefits of each procedure, you will ultimately make the decision.

Best for patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 (with comorbidity) up to 50 who enjoy participating in an exercise program and are more disciplined and can follow dietary restrictions.

Some recent research indicates that in special circumstances patients with BMI as low as 30 may achieve health benefits from weight loss through laparoscopic band surgery.