Weight loss surgery has helped millions of people shed excess weight and live healthier lives. It is a common treatment option for people with severe obesity who have been unsuccessful with other weight loss methods. Weight loss surgery is most successful when the patient commits to making the necessary lifestyle changes and following a post-operative support program.

While the NIX Weight Loss Surgery Center offers the non-invasive and reversible LAP-BAND system surgery as an alternative to gastric bypass surgery in Texas, there are other weight loss procedures that exist, but that may be more invasive or non-reversible. They fall into three categories—restrictive, malabsorptive and restrictive with some malabsorption.

RESTRICTIVE PROCEDURES

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy generates weight loss solely through gastric restriction (reduced stomach volume). The stomach is stapled and divided vertically, with more than 85 percent of it being removed. This part of the procedure is not reversible. The remaining portion of the stomach is shaped like a very slim banana and measures between 1-5 ounces (30-150cc), depending on the surgeon performing the procedure. The nerves to the stomach and the outlet valve (pylorus) remain intact with the idea of preserving the functions of the stomach while drastically reducing its volume.

This is a relatively new procedure that can be used as a standalone procedure for those who have a BMI <35 or as a staged procedure for high-risk patients with a BMI >40.

MALABSORPTIVE PROCEDURES

Biliopancreatic Diversion

A biliopancreatic diversion changes the normal process of digestion by making the stomach smaller and allowing food to bypass part of the small intestine so that you absorb fewer calories. You will feel full more quickly and thus reduce the amount of food you eat and the number of calories consumed. Bypassing part of the intestine also means that you will absorb fewer calories, all of which leads to weight loss.

There are two biliopancreatic diversion surgeries: a biliopancreatic diversion and a biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. In a biliopancreatic diversion, a portion of the stomach is removed and the remaining portion of the stomach is connected to the lower portion of the small intestine. In a biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, a smaller portion of the stomach is removed, but the remaining stomach remains attached to the duodenum (the upper part of the small intestine). The duodenum is connected to the lower part of the small intestine.

This procedure can be done by making a large incision in the abdomen (an open procedure) or laparoscopically.

RESTRICTIVE PROCEDURES WITH SOME MALABSORPTION

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery involves dividing the stomach to form a new, smaller pouch for food. The small bowel is re-routed to empty into the new, smaller pouch. As food enters the pouch, it quickly fills and causes the patient to have a sensation of fullness after eating only a small portion of food. The remainder of the stomach is still present, but no longer acts as a reservoir for food.  Because this procedure both reduces the amount of calories and nutrients the body absorbs and also helps to control food intake, it is considered restrictive with some malabsorption.

Gastric bypass surgery is not reversible—except in an emergency—and can be performed either laparoscopically or as an open procedure.

The Advantages of the LAP-BAND System:

• Adustable and Reversible
• Sustained weight loss
• Minimally invasive
• No stomach stapling or cutting
• No intestinal rerouting
• Lower operative complication rate
• Low malnutrition risk
• Hospital stay is often approximately 24 hours
• Most patients return to normal activity in about 1 week
• Full surgical recovery usually occurs in about 2 weeks

For more comparisons between lap band surgery and gastric bypass surgery in Texas, click here.>>