Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass was developed to restrict the amount of food and limit absorption.

The stomach is converted to a small pouch that holds approximately 60 milliliters, equivalent to approximately 2 ounces or a ¼ cup. This limits the amount of food that can be eaten, yet leaves the patient feeling full and satisfied on very little food. Having less food naturally results in reduced caloric intake and weight loss usually follows.

The small bowel is divided about two feet from the stomach of which one end is brought up and attached to the small stomach pouch. The other end of the small intestine is reconnected to the intestinal tract. This creates food being routed past most of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. This reduces nutrient absorption.

Be sure to discuss this option in detail with your surgeon.

A band is placed around the uppermost part of the stomach. This creates a restricted portion of the stomach limiting the amount of food that can be eaten. The band can be adjusted to increase or decrease the restricted area of the stomach through a port using saline solution.

Frequent adjustments may be required for optimal results. Adjustments can be done in the office but on rare occasions radiology intervention may be required for port location.

Be sure to discuss this option in detail with your surgeon.

A sleeve of the stomach or narrow tube is created from the esophagus to the pylorus of the stomach. This restricts food intake and reduces acid output.

The small intestine is divided, attaching one end to the stomach pouch to create and alimentary limb. Food moves through the alimentary limb with little absorption.

The Duodenal Switch is where a lower level of restriction is achieved. The majority of the small intestine is bypassed, causing nearly complete malabsorption of food contents.

Be sure to discuss this option in detail with your surgeon.