Hennepin Bariatric Center: Bariatric Surgery
We offer the most modern and reliable operations available in the world today:
- Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
- Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
These operations are generations ahead of the older "stomach stapling" procedures of the past and offer obese people the most effective approach to weight loss surgery available today. Additionally, our doctors provide the full spectrum of obesity surgery services including revisional procedures, adolescent care, elderly care and a variety of other obesity related procedures. We have had very few instances of having to turn patients down based on medical complexity concerns due to our world class peri-operative care.
The laparoscopic and the open methods of surgery are both offered. These are the different ways the surgeon can use to access the abdominal contents. Either way, what is done on the inside is about the same. A person can expect the same weight loss regardless of the approach.
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
This is the most common procedure done for obesity. During surgery, the top part of the stomach where food enters is made into a new, smaller stomach. The new stomach is then attached to the intestine. The old stomach holds about 22 ounces of food. After surgery, the new stomach holds about 1 ounce. People feel full with much less food. The original stomach is left in place.
Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a recently developed operation to help severely overweight people. It involves removing the left side of the stomach and decreasing the capacity of the stomach from about two quarts to a smaller, banana shaped, organ. Early results are promising and may be comparable to gastric bypass and are likely better than the LapBand (adjustable gastric band).
Bariatric Surgery Risks
Obesity surgery has risks. Surgery is only for those whose obesity is so severe that their health and life are at risk.
Anesthesia (Being put to sleep for surgery)
There is a very small risk with being put to sleep. The chance of death or injury is about 1 in 100,000.
The biggest risks are bleeding, infection, and blood clots. The risk of death from these is less than 1 in 100.
- Because of obesity, there is a greater than normal risk of blood clots forming in the legs during surgery. To help with this, you are given blood thinners while you are in the hospital. Walking will also decrease your risk of blood clots.
- The biggest risk after surgery is infection.
- Once in a while, after the gastric bypass procedure, scar tissue in the abdomen can cause a bowel blockage. This often goes away by itself. If it does not, you may need another surgery.
- Some patients have problems with vitamins and minerals, like iron and vitamin B12, after gastric bypass surgery but sleeve gastrectomy. All obesity surgery patients must take vitamin supplements for the rest of their lives. Some gastric bypass patients may also need supplements of iron or B12.