Bariatric Surgery Procedures Oklahoma
At WeightWise, we believe educating patients is the most important common denominator in our ongoing pursuit to have: a) safe operations b) excellent weight loss and c) long lasting results and health improvements. Because of the extensive education, most patients choose an operation appropriate to their circumstances. We perform all major types of bariatric surgery including the Gastric Band, Gastric Sleeve, Open Gastric Bypass or the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass procedure. We take very seriously the responsibility to teach each patient about his or her choices on the journey toward wellness.
We don’t push patients to a particular procedure unless circumstances require such. Each patient must determine which bariatric procedure will work best for their lifestyle. Through conversations with Dr. Broussard or Dr. Walton as well as the WeightWise Team, patients can learn more about the options that are available. The information below that highlights some of the benefits and risks associated with each bariatric operation:
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG)
The gastric sleeve most common operation performed at WeightWise. Our surgeons have done over 1500 sleeves since 2007, one of the highest totals in the country. The procedure involves the removal of approximately 75% of the stomach and most patients experience weight loss that is more rapid and more complete (similar to the LRnYGB) than with the gastric band.
Like the LRnYGB, the gastric sleeve requires vitamin supplementation and is non-reversible.
Co-morbidity (associated medical problems) resolution is very high with the RnYGB. Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, joint pain, and heartburn are improved or resolved in more than 90% of patients.
Current research has shown the LSG is just as effective as the LRnYGB, but with less long-term complications (up to eight years, which is the extent of the data).
Laparoscopic Roux en Y Gastric Bypass (RnYGB)
The RnYGB is considered the gold standard weight loss operation and is the best-studied procedure in the United States (as well as the world). Weight loss averages between 65% and 80% of excess weight in the first two years after the operation. It is the most complex of the operations.
Co-morbidity (associated medical problems) resolution is very high with the RnYGB. Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, joint pain, and heartburn are improved or resolved in more than 90% of patients.
“Dumping syndrome” can occur when a patient who has had the RnYGB eats too much sugar or simply too much food. While it is not a serious health risk in and of itself, the results are very unpleasant. Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, weakness, palpitations, sweating, and faintness. Some people are unable to eat sugary foods after the operation. The bypassed portions of the stomach and intestine cannot be easily seen using X-ray or endoscopy if there are problems, such as ulcers, bleeding, or malignancy.
Single Anastomosis Duodenal Switch
The Single Anastomosis Duodenal Switch (SADS or just DS for short) is the newest of the procedures performed at WeightWise. The operation is a variation of the older biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch with a significantly shortened common channel. The techniques employed in this newer surgery dramatically decrease the malabsorption and vitamin deficiency problems associated with the older DS operation.
Co-morbidity (associated medical problems) resolution is very high with the RnYGB. Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, joint pain, and heartburn are improved or resolved in more than 90% of patients.
The primary drawback to this operation is the lack of long-term follow up and research. Because of this, strict adherence to the prescribed diet and regular follow-up is imperative. The single anastomosis duodenal switch is available either as a primary procedure or as a revision to the gastric sleeve procedure.
Laparoscopic Revisional Weight Loss Surgery
Occasionally, people who have had previous weight loss operations need to have revisional operation because of complications or poor long-term results. About 10% of the operations we do at WeightWise are revisional in nature. We hold to the same extensive educational process, with the express purpose to have: a. safe operations (although revisional operations carry an increased risk by their nature), b) excellent weight loss and c) long lasting results and long standing health benefits.
Non-surgical Obalon Gastric Balloon Weight Loss Procedure
In contrast to gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or even lap band, a gastric balloon is a non-invasive, non-surgical option to aid weight loss. If you’ve struggled to lose weight with diet and exercise, but fears of surgery or general anesthesia have stopped you from contacting our office, the gastric balloon could be the perfect option for you as it requires neither.
Adjustable Gastric Lap Band (LAGB)
The gastric lap band made its debut in the US in 2000. It is a less complex operation. The weight loss is slower and steadier with the average excess weight lost of 50% at two years.
The LAGB does require the placement of long-term (non-reactive) silicone material in the body, but does not carry the risk of dumping and requires no rearrangement of anatomy. Strict dietary follow-up is imperative for sustained success.
The LAGB may be the optimal operation for patients with multiple serious chronic medical problems or if the patient primarily is an over-eater at mealtime only.
Lap Band Fill
As a companion to the Lap-Band procedure, a band fill is available to those who need alterations to the original surgery. Essentially, the band is placed near the opening of the stomach and limits the amount of food that you can eat at one time.
Once in place, the band can be filled to make the opening smaller if need be. These adjustments take place once the lap-band has been in place for a certain amount of time. During the first year, patients should have adjustments done three to five times to make sure the band is working optimally.
The procedure is relatively easy. The doctor will use a needle to fill or empty the band to an appropriate level. This needle will fit into a port located just under the skin at the abdominal wall. That port is attached to a tube that is attached at the port at one end and to the band at the other.
Once inserted, the needle then injects saline to expand the band and allow less food to enter the stomach. The saline can also be taken out this way, allowing more food to enter. Unfortunately, there is no way to find the perfect amount of saline without a little trial and error. After a year of adjustments, visits will happen twice a year or as necessary.
Other Bariatric Procedures
There are other procedures available for weight loss, although many have varying levels of success. The list includes vertical banded gastroplasty, open gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass (aka Fobi Pouch), and gastric plication. These procedures are rarely used for various reasons.
Verticle Banded Gastroplasty was popularly known as the “stomach staple” because of the staples used to limit the amount of food that is allowed to enter the stomach at one time. The method is rarely used today because of the more successful and less intrusive procedures produce greater results.
With laparoscopic surgery becoming more popular, the need for an open gastric bypass is lessening. Instead of one large incision that an open gastric bypass uses, the laparoscopic technique uses a series of smaller incisions. This means recovery times are greatly reduced.
More complicated than other procedures, the Fobi Pouch uses both stapling and a ring to restrict the amount of food allowed to enter the stomach. Weightwise believes the chance for complications is higher in this procedure and does not recommend this method.
A relatively new procedure, gastric plication is a method where the stomach is folded into itself and then stitched in place. While there have been promising results, this method is still under investigation. Currently, Weightwise does not perform this procedure.