Weight Management Information and Ideas

Gastric Bypass Surgery vs. Gastric Banding Surgery

Gastric Bypass Surgery (Roux-en-Y)

• A surgical procedure designed to help obese patients lose excess weight.
• Can be done laparoscopically (through a scope requiring only small incisions), but may also be done as an open procedure (with a long abdominal incision).
• During the procedure the size of the stomach is reduced and a segment of the small intestine is bypassed.
• This is a restrictive and malabsorptive procedure. Restrictive-size of the stomach is reduced, thus decreasing the amount of food that can be eaten. Malabsorptive- bypasses part of the small intestine, causing fewer calories and nutrients to be absorbed.

• Leads to the greatest weight loss in shortest amount of time. According to the American Obesity Association, over a two-year period, gastric bypass surgery patients have shown to lose two-thirds of their excess weight.
• Does not require additional adjustments following the procedure.

• Patients will have to take additional vitamins and minerals following the surgery because fewer vitamins, minerals and calories are being absorbed.

Bypass Render (MOV Format)
Bypass Render (MPG Format)

• A surgical procedure designed to help obese patients lose excess weight.
• Can be done laparoscopically (through a scope requiring only small incisions), but may also be done as an open procedure (with a long abdominal incision).
• During procedure an elastic band is placed around the upper stomach to create a small pouch with a narrowed outlet. The diameter of the band can be made smaller or larger if necessary after surgery.
• A restrictive procedure. Restrictive-reduces the size of the stomach, thus decreasing the amount of food that can be eaten.

• Banding is adjustable and reversible.
• No change to the intestine; does not change the way food is absorbed by the body.

• Slower weight loss and increased chance for weight to be regained.
• Requires band adjustments.
• Band may shift or erode over time requiring repair of the stomach tissue or removal of the band.