Weight Loss Surgery

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight-loss surgery, has become more popular as the US population has become more obese. While bariatric surgery is a procedure of last resort after diet and exercise has failed, it can be a life-changing choice that eliminates many of the diseases associated with obesity including type-II diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and sleep apnea.

The bariatric procedures we perform at our surgery center are mostly gastric banding, which include the Lap-Band® and Realize® Band. Gastric banding is the least invasive of the major bariatric procedures and offers excess weight loss of between 50 and 65%. Further, gastric banding patients are able to have their band adjusted after surgery, meaning that if the doctor determines that they need to lose more weight, the band can be tightened. If needed, it can also be loosened.

At the Atlanta Ambulatory Surgery Center we have also begun performing certain gastric sleeve procedures, when we’re confident that the patient can recover on an outpatient basis. The gastric sleeve is somewhat more invasive than the gastric band, as it resects approximately 85% of the stomach, leaving a banana shaped sleeve as the main receptacle for food.

We will also be performing gastric plication surgery which is very similar to the gastric sleeve in the size and shape of the stomach pouch after surgery. However, it does not require the removal of any part of the stomach pouch. Rather, the stomach is folded in on itself and fastened in place in order to create a smaller stomach pouch and restrict the amount of food that can be consumed at one time.

Weight loss surgery has become safer and safer over the years, especially with the introduction of laparoscopic techniques. It is important to remember, however, that bariatric surgery is still major surgery that comes with a degree of surgical risk. Please speak to your surgeon about the risks associated with the procedures.