Types of Weight Loss Surgery

Duodenal Switch

The Duodenal Switch (or Bilio-pancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch) changes the digestive process by reducing the size of the stomach. The stomach is formed into a sleeve and the duodenum (part of the small intestine) is stapled and attached to the stomach. This allows food to bypass part of the small intestine causing fewer calories to be absorbed and patients to feel full with less food. Duodenal Switch surgery is for people in the "extreme obesity" category with a BMI greater than 50. Close follow-up and nutrition monitoring are a necessity.

Gastric Sleeve

Gastric Sleeve surgery is recommended as a restrictive surgery and is performed as an alternative to the lap band surgery. A portion of the stomach is removed and the remainder is formed into a sleeve without any intestinal detachment (re-routing). A smaller stomach causes patients to eat less but still feel full. An altered diet and smaller portion sizes are part of a lifelong change needed with this procedure. Because a portion of the stomach is removed, this surgery is not reversible.

Gastric Bypass

Gastric Bypass (or Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass) is the most frequently performed and most researched weight loss surgery in the United States. With Gastric Bypass, a small stomach pouch is created by stapling part of the stomach and part of the intestine is attached to this pouch. Food bypasses a section of the intestine and reduces calorie absorption. The smaller stomach pouch limits the amount of food that can be ingested, so an altered diet and smaller portion sizes become a part of the lifestyle change.