What Bariatic Surgery or Weight Loss Surgery Operations Are Available?

There are two bariatric surgery operations performed at the University Community Hospital Surgical Weight Loss Center in Tampa, Florida. These weight loss surgery options are the adjustable gastric band (LAP-BAND^® and Realize Band) and the gastric bypass surgery. There may be factors that make one of these operations more appropriate for an individual patient.

Adjustable Gastric Band
The adjustable gastric bands, such as the LAP-BAND^®and the Realize band, are devices that are positioned around the upper stomach. It is connected by tubing to a "port" that fits under the skin of the abdomen. Filling this port with fluid will cause the gastric band to tighten around the upper stomach. These devices are restrictive in that only a small amount of food will fit into the stomach above the band. This type of surgery is almost always performed with a laparoscope.

For a detailed image of LAP-BAND^®, click here.

Gastric Bypass
With a gastric bypass, the majority of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine are bypassed and a very small stomach pouch is created. This operation is restrictive, in that only a small amount of food will fit into the newly created pouch. It is also malabsorptive, in that only a portion of the food that is swallowed is absorbed into the body. The gastric bypass can usually be performed with a laparoscope.

For a detailed image of Gastric Bypass click here.