What is Weight-Loss Surgery?

In some cases, diet and exercise alone may not help with weight loss. There are several reasons why this might be, including heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

For those with extreme obesity can lose weight with the help of surgical weight-loss options. Surgery helps limit the amount of food and nutrients your stomach can intake. Weight loss surgery options include:

• Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB)
• Sleeve Gastrectomy
• Adjustable Gastric Band (AGB)
• Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)

Am I a Candidate for Weight-Loss Surgery?

As many as 42% of adults face obesity in the United States. It’s an increasingly common occurrence. Candidates for weight loss surgery are determined by their past history of attempts of non-surgical treatment, and current condition. Non-surgical and surgical options can work together in a weight-loss treatment plan to help ensure the lasting effects of surgery.

For surgery to be considered, an adult must meet three conditions:

• Six months of supervised attempts at weight-loss
• A body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher
• One obesity-related condition

It’s best to seek a consultation with a weight loss surgery expert to decide on the best treatment option.

What is an Adjustable Gastric Band (AGB)?

An adjustable gastric band is a device put around the stomach using minimally invasive surgical techniques. It’s an FDA-approved procedure and It can temporarily create a smaller stomach, causing the patient to feel full sooner.

It has an average hospital stay of 24 hours. Once the band is in place around the stomach, a port is attached and accessible on the outside layer of skin on the abdomen.

During follow-up visits, a provider will insert or remove liquid from the port to either contract or expand the band. An individual fitting will depend on the patient and their weight loss goals.

Am I a Candidate for an Adjustable Gastric Band (AGB)?

Adjustable gastric band (AGB) surgery should only be utilized in severe cases of obesity, and for those that did not have long-term results with non-surgical options. It’s a great option for someone looking for non-permanent stomach reduction. You typically can become a candidate for (AGB) if you have a body mass index of more than 40, and are also looking to help remedy another related health concern including:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Stroke
• Hypertension
• Sleep apnea
• Gallbladder disease
• Insulin resistance
• Cardiovascular disease

What is Sleeve Gastrectomy?

A sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical option that restricts food intake by removing a large portion of the stomach. This is done to encourage the feeling of fullness and allow for weight loss goals to be obtained.

This procedure is similar to gastric bypass but does not entail the rerouting of intestines to the stomach.

Am I a Candidate for Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Obesity is a common condition, and many people are found to be candidates for Sleeve Gastrectomy. If diet and exercise do not help with weight loss, other conditions such as disease or genetics may be the underlying cause.

• Six months of supervised attempts at weight-loss
• A body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher
• One obesity-related condition

It’s best to seek a consultation with a weight loss surgery expert to decide on the best treatment option.

What is Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB)?

When non-surgical weight loss options like diet and exercise have been exhausted, surgical options may be the next approach. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) is a very common procedure and can help avoid life-threatening weight-related conditions.

A gastric bypass procedure is performed by an expert that will create a smaller stomach which is then attached to the small intestine. Gastric bypass is a serious procedure and it’s recommended to continue with a healthy lifestyle after treatment to ensure long-term success.

Am I a Candidate for Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB)?

Candidates for Gastric Bypass surgery have not been successful with other non-surgical treatments. Being overweight is not a qualifying factor by itself. Working with an expert through a screening process is necessary in order to determine candidacy.

A variety of factors that can indicate gastric bypass surgery may be a good option for patients, including:

• Life-threatening illnesses or co-morbidities such as heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, type 2 diabetes, or obstructive sleep apnea
• A body mass index of 40 or higher
• Agreeing to strive for a healthy lifestyle post-procedure

What is Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)?

The weight-loss surgical procedure called Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS) is a safe and effective surgical option for those who have not found success with traditional non-surgery options like lifestyle modifications.

It involves reducing the amount of food and nutrients your stomach and body absorb. A sleeve gastrectomy is the first step in this procedure. This is when 80% of the stomach is removed, and the valve to the small intestines remains intact.

The second step is to connect the end of the intestines to the duodenum located by the stomach. It can help to lose more weight than gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy alone.

Am I a Candidate for Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)?

This surgical option is complex and is used in fewer cases where the benefits outweigh the risks. BPD/DS offers the most amount of weight loss available, so careful consideration of candidacy is of utmost importance. A bariatric surgeon may recommend BPD/DS in instances of a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 50, as well as the presence of serious health issues. Health issues that may accompany a high BMI include:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Lung disease
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• High cholesterol