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Technology & Procedures

Weight loss can be very overwhelming.  For some people who have tried dieting, exercise, drugs and other ways to lose weight, bariatric surgery can be an option. The Backus Weight Loss Center offers three surgical procedures to help patients lose weight and lead healthier lives.

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (LAP-BAND® system)

In this minimally invasive procedure, a silicone ring is inserted as a “belt” around the upper abdomen. The ring, or “band,” is connected by thin tubing to an access port just below the skin, and the surgeon tightens or loosens the fit of the LAP-BAND® system by injecting or withdrawing saline. The LAP-BAND® system creates a pouch in the upper stomach, providing patients the sensation of fullness despite smaller meals. Additionally, patients’ appetites are satisfied for longer periods of time, so they tend to eat less.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

This surgical option reduces the amount of food that the stomach can hold and decreases the amount of nutrients that are digested and absorbed.  The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery divides the stomach in two to create a small upper stomach pouch.  The stomach pouch is designed to hold about three tablespoons of food.  After the pouch is formed, the second part of the small intestine is cut and the lower portion of the cut intestine is attached to the stomach pouch.  Food now passes from the mouth through the esophagus to the small stomach pouch and directly into the second part of the small intestines – bypassing the larger part of the stomach and the first portion of the small intestine, which results in less digestion and less absorption of nutrients consumed.

The larger bypassed stomach portion maintains its blood supply and – although it no longer has food passing through it – the smell, taste, chewing and swallowing of food stimulate the stomach to continue to produce gastric juices that eventually mix with food in the small intestine.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

In this surgical procedure, the surgeon removes a large portion of the patient’s stomach.  The remaining stomach is stapled together, creating a banana-like shape.  This procedure limits the amount of food that can be consumed and consequently makes the patient feel full after eating a small amount of food.