There are several surgical procedures and methods for weight loss surgery. Below are the ones used at OSU Medical Center to treat obesity.
Bariatric Surgery is the term used to describe the surgical treatment of obesity and its associated conditions.
Lap Band Surgery |
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Surgery |
Lap Band Surgery is a procedure where an adjustable band is placed around the upper stomach. Once in place, the band is inflated with saline and either tightened or loosened to create a small pouch that limits food consumption and creates a feeling of fullness. The band is adjustable and reversible, which means the operation can be tailored to the individual patient’s symptoms and weight loss needs. This surgery is also performed with a very small incision.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery is a procedure where a small stomach (gastric) pouch of 0.5- to 1-ounce (about the size of an egg) is made and connected to the rest of the GI tract, thereby changing the pathway of the small intestine. The gastric bypass procedure produces greater weight loss and is more successful at helping a person maintain the new weight over time compared to other procedures.
At OSU Medical Center, the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery can be performed one of two ways:
Conventional or traditional surgery – requires an incision down the middle of the abdomen to perform the procedure.
Minimally invasive surgery – involves using specialized instruments to perform the procedure through a set of small incisions rather than a large one. This approach results in less skin and muscle tissue trauma. The surgeon also inserts a tiny camera attached to a laparoscope (a type of telescope) through the small incision to view the area. Other specialized instruments are used for this surgery as well. This surgery is also called Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery because of the use of a laparoscope.
The benefits of using a minimally invasive technique include:
a shorter, less painful recovery
less scarring
fewer infections and hernias
Any problems that occur with the incision are minor.
Learn more about OSU's Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery.