Bariatric Procedures

Know your options: bypass or sleeve resection

Surgical weight loss creates a state of restriction and malabsorption that, when combined with healthy food choices, promotes rapid weight loss. There are two different types of bariatric surgery most commonly performed for which you may qualify:

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is one of the most longstanding and successful bariatric procedures. The surgeon creates a one to two-ounce stomach by stapling off the remainder of the stomach. Most of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine is then bypassed by the food that is eaten.

Making a smaller stomach limits the food you can eat at one time helping you feel full sooner. By bypassing the rest of the stomach and small intestine the food you do eat is not as completely absorbed. By bypassing the majority of the stomach, this procedure also often helps control appetite.

This weight loss surgery is usually performed laparoscopically with a short hospital stay and short recovery. The average long-term weight loss with the gastric bypass is 70-80% of excess body weight.

Sleeve Gastrectomy Vs. Gastric Bypass
Both procedures make you feel full sooner. And, they both have some component of malabsorption (limiting the food you absorb), though the gastric bypass has more malabsorption. Both procedures provide excellent weight loss when combined with healthy food choices.

While ultimately the procedure that is right for you is the procedure you are most comfortable living with, there are some instances where one bariatric surgery may be better for you.

Benefits of a Sleeve:

• May be the better choice if you have already had extensive intestinal surgeries

Benefits of a Gastric Bypass:

• Provides more immediate improvement and even resolution of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and has shown better control and prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the long term.
• May be the better choice if you suffer from frequent heartburn, as the gastric sleeve can make heartburn worse.

Each procedure comes with its unique risks and disadvantages. We’ll walk you through the differences and help you understand the pros and cons. We’ll also explain the dietary guidelines that go along with each weight loss surgery.

Bariatric surgery is a tool to improve the effects of healthy food choices and exercise. Both gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery affect the way you absorb vitamins and minerals. Vitamin supplements will be a necessary part of your life long term after each procedure.

Bariatric Surgery in Green Bay
No referral is necessary. We'll coordinate your care with your primary care provider and contact your insurance company. For your convenience, we offer pre- and post-bariatric surgery clinic appointments in Green Bay, Kaukauna and Marinette.

Contact us!

If you have any questions regarding Aurora BayCare’s weight loss program or surgeries, please feel free to call us at 920-288-5868.