Weight loss surgery

Gastric bypass is considered the gold standard in bariatric surgery because of its exceptional weight loss potential and the number of obesity-related diseases it improves or eliminates entirely. As a both a restrictive (reducing the size of the stomach) and malabsorptive (bypassing the small intestine) procedure, gastric bypass can also help you manage Type 2 diabetes and acid reflux.

Patient Guide and Checklist

How gastric bypass surgery is performed

In the first part of gastric bypass surgery, the surgeon creates a smaller stomach pouch by removing approximately 80 to 85 percent of the existing stomach. The remaining stomach is about the size of a golf ball and holds much less food than it did before. The restrictive portion of the procedure causes you to feel fuller sooner and eat less food.

The surgeon then attaches a Y-shaped section of the small intestine directly to this pouch allowing food to bypass a portion of the small intestine, which is responsible for absorbing calories and nutrients. This bypass portion of the procedure causes you to lose weight by absorbing fewer calories.

Gastric sleeve/vertical sleeve gastrectomy

The gastric sleeve procedure is also known as the sleeve gastrectomy or vertical sleeve gastrectomy. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (AMBC), it is currently the most popular weight loss surgery procedure in the U.S.

The procedure removes 70 to 80 percent of the stomach and does not require rerouting or bypassing the intestine.

How the gastric sleeve is performed

During the gastric sleeve surgery, the bariatric surgeon creates a small, sleeve-shaped stomach that is only 20 percent of the size of the original stomach. Unlike the gastric bypass, which modifies both the stomach pouch and the small intestine, the gastric sleeve simply reduces the size of the stomach.

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch

Often simply shorted to "duodenal switch," this is both a restrictive and malabsorptive procedure. It is particularly effective for patients with extremely high BMIs as well as individuals suffering from poorly controlled Type 2 diabetes or acid reflux.

How the duodenal switch is performed

The duodenal switch is most often performed as a single procedure. However, it can be split into two distinct surgeries, if necessary. The first part of the duodenal switch is the gastric sleeve. The second part of the duodenal switch involves bypassing a significant portion of the small intestine.

The bypass triggers powerful hormonal changes in the body that lead to improved blood sugar control. This can result in a decreased need for diabetes medication and the ability for many patients to stop taking diabetes medication altogether after surgery.

Gastric band procedure

The adjustable gastric band is a medical device that restricts the top of the stomach to reduce the amount of food you can eat in one sitting. The band became popular because it was adjustable and did not require any alteration of the gastrointestinal system.

The band is now a procedure suitable for certain patients, especially individuals with a lower body mass index (BMI). It is also the only procedure approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for patients with a BMI as low as 30 who also have at least one obesity-related comorbidity.

Revision surgery for weight regain after bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery has many short- and long-term weight loss benefits. However, there’s always the possibility of weight regain, especially many years after the procedure. Weight regain is perfectly normal if it follows a usual pattern. For example, many patients will regain a small percentage of weight a few years after surgery.

However, if you gain a significant amount of weight, you should discuss it with your weight loss surgeon. If the weight gain is not caused by a lifestyle issue, there may be minimally invasive procedures that can help reverse it.

Life after bariatric surgery

Our team offers comprehensive support resources after bariatric surgery. We will help you make the lifestyle changes needed to have a successful recovery and achieve sustainable weight loss. From follow-up appointments to bariatric support groups, our goal is to ensure you have the resources you need to reach your weight loss goals.

We are located in the main hospital building. Once you park, walk through the HCA Florida Memorial Hospital Women's Center entrance. Follow the carpeted hill down to the main hallway and make a left. The bariatric center will be on your right.