Types of Bariatric Surgery

Which is Right for You

The most important step in weight loss surgery is getting all of the information you need about the various surgical options. Ultimately your bariatric surgeon is your best source of information regarding the weight loss procedure most appropriate for you. When you ask a question, make sure you understand the answer. Do not hesitate to ask for a clearer explanation given in simpler language.

The Procedure

There are two basic ways that bariatric surgery works to help patients lose weight and improve or resolve co-morbidities: One way is malabsorption and the other is restriction. The most common bariatric surgery performed today, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, uses both.

Restrictive Procedure limit food intake:
Procedures that use restriction limit the amount of food patients can eat. This is accomplished surgically by creating a small stomach pouch. At eating, the pouch fills quickly and gives a feeling of fullness much sooner. Because patients feel satisfied and full sooner, they eat less.

Malabsorptive Procedure alter digestion:
Procedures that use malabsorption change the body’s ability to absorb calories and nutrients from food. The surgeon changes the way food travels through the patient’s system. By rerouting food past a large part of the stomach and a portion of the small intestine, much of the calories and nutrients pass through without being absorbed.