The Gastric Bypass, Roux-en-Y is considered the "gold standard" of modern obesity surgery - the benchmark to which other operations are compared, for evaluation of their quality and effectiveness. We have had experience with these procedures, and we have striven to refine our techniques and methods to produce the maximum sustained weight loss achievable.

This operation achieves its effects by creating a very small stomach pouch (1/2 - 1 oz. actually). The small intestine is cut about 18 inches below the stomach, and is rearranged so as to provide an outlet to the small stomach, while maintaining the flow of digestive juices at the same time. The lower part of the stomach is bypassed, and food enters the second part of the small bowel within about 10 minutes of the beginning of the meal.

There is very little interference with normal food absorption of food - the operation works by reducing food intake, and reducing the feeling of hunger. The result is a very early sense of fullness, followed by a very profound sense of satisfaction. Even though the portion size may be small, there is no hunger, and no feeling of having been deprived: when truly satisfied, you feel indifferent to even the choicest of foods. Patients continue to enjoy eating - but they enjoy eating a lot less.

The Gastric Bypass provides an excellent tool for gaining long-term control of weight, without the hunger or craving usually associated with small portions, or with dieting. Weight loss of 80-100% of excess body weight is achievable for most patients, and long-term maintenance of weight loss is very successful - but does require adherence to a simple and straightforward behavioral regimen.

The BioEnterics® LAP-BAND Adjustable Gastric Banding System is the newest and the only adjustable surgical treatment for morbid obesity in the United States. It induces weight loss by reducing the capacity of the stomach, which restricts the amount of food that can be consumed. Since its clinical introduction in 1993, more than 100,000 LAP-BAND procedures have been performed around the world. Because there is no cutting, stapling or stomach re-routing involved in the LAP-BAND System procedure, it is considered the least traumatic of all weight loss surgeries.

The diameter of the LAP-BAND is adjustable for a customized weight-loss rate. Your individual needs can change as you lose weight. For example, pregnant patients can expand their band to accommodate a growing fetus, while patients who aren't experiencing significant weight loss can have their bands tightened.

To modify the size of the band, its inner surface can be inflated or deflated with a saline solution. The band is connected by tubing to an access port, which is placed well below the skin during surgery. After the operation, the surgeon can control the amount of saline in the band by entering the port with a fine needle through the skin.

The laparoscopic approach to the surgery also offers the advantages of reduced post-operative pain, shortened hospital stay and quicker recovery. If for any reason the LAP-BAND System needs to be removed, the stomach generally returns to its original form.