Types of Surgical Bariatric Services
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery (Restrictive and Malabsorptive)
This most commonly performed and highly successful procedure creates a small stomach pouch and then constructs a "bypass" for the small amount of food which is ingested. The smaller stomach area limits the amount of food that can be ingested and the bypass allows that food to skip parts of the small intestine, reducing the amount of calories and nutrients that are absorbed.
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (Restrictive)
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding restricts food intake by placing a band around the uppermost part of the stomach, resulting in two stomach sections: one small and one large. With the stomach divided into smaller parts, most patients feel full faster. The band used in this procedure is adjustable in the event that the rate of weight loss is not acceptable. Unlike the Roux-en-Y procedure, digestion and intestinal absorption occur normally.
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS) (Malabsorptive)
Malabsorptive procedures reduce the size of the stomach, although it remains a bit larger than with other procedures. The stomach pouch created is connected to the lower part of the small intestine, resulting in diminished absorption of calories and nutrients. There are three malabsorptive procedures that our bariatric services team provides: Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch, Biliopancreatic Diversion and Extended Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal limits stomach removal to the outer margin and creates a sleeve of stomach. The first portion of the small intestine, the duodenum, is divided so that pancreatic and bile drainage are bypassed.
Sleeve Gastrectomy (Restrictive)
The sleeve gastrectomy removes the left side of the stomach, resulting in a new stomach that is roughly the size and shape of a banana. This operation does not involve any "rerouting" or reconnecting the intestines, and is a simpler operation than the gastric bypass or the duodenal switch.
What sort of evaluations should I expect prior to my scheduled surgery?
In addition to a consultation with your surgeon, you are required to have pre-op specialist appointments with a cardiologist, pulmonologist, nutritionist, and a behavioral health specialist. In some cases, appointments with an endocrinologist and a vascular specialist are required.
Does recovery take a long time?
You should plan on spending about three days in the hospital, followed by one to three weeks of recovery at home.
What happens after I have recovered from my surgery?
You will be asked to come in for follow-up visits at:
-
2 weeks
- 1, 2, 5, 9 & 12 months
- 2 times annually for 2 years
- Annually for life
Weight loss typically starts happening soon after surgery and continues for 18 months to two years. You may regain a little weight after that time, but very few people gain back all the weight they lost.
We will provide counseling and support to help you learn and maintain healthy eating habits and establish an exercise routine. Your follow-up appointments will be important in helping to keep you on track as well as for monitoring your weight loss.
Are there side effects to weight-loss surgery?
Yes, although many of them are positive ones such as increased energy levels, (especially if you are exercising), decreased fatigue, and sleeping better at night. Consistent exercise will burn calories, build muscle tone, and help you feel better overall.
On the flip side, you may notice excess skin folds and wrinkles where the greatest weight loss has occurred, especially on the face, upper arms, and abdomen. You may want to consider reconstructive surgery to improve your appearance after your weight loss has stabilized.
Do I qualify for bariatric surgery?
According to the American Obesity Association, you may qualify for obesity surgery:
- If you are severely obese (BMI of 40 or more) or have a BMI of 35 to 39.9 with serious medical conditions (such as high blood cholesterol and triglycerides, hypertension, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, and other serious cardiopulmonary disorders)
- If you have tried other methods of weight loss (changes in eating, behavior, increased physical activity and/or drug therapy) and are still severely obese
- If you are unable to physically perform routine daily activities (work-related and family functions) and your quality of life is seriously impaired due to the severity of your obesity
- If you understand the procedure, risks of surgery, and effects after surgery
- If you are motivated to making a lifelong behavioral commitment that includes well-balanced eating and physical activity habits which are needed to achieve the best results
MidHudson Regional Hospital
Bariatric Services
The Atrium, Suite 305
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Office Phone: 845.431.8733
Scheduling Phone: 914.347.0162
Our Email Address: wmc_bariatric@wcmc.com
Westchester Medical Center
Division of Bariatric Surgery
100 Woods Road
Valhalla, NY 10595
Valhalla Phone: 914.493.6567