Overweight and obesity lead to an increased risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, some cancers, and osteoarthritis as well a psychological distress. The four gastric surgeries performed at Broward Health are Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and intra-gastric balloon placement:

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the most frequently performed weight loss surgery in the U.S. This involves creating a small stomach pouch that serves as a reservoir and connects directly to the intestine (extensive gastric bypass). This procedure limits the amount of food that a person can consume. In most cases patients report an early sense of fullness combined with a sense of satiety that decreases the desire to eat.

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (Lap Band), recalls the principal of doing the least invasive procedure possible to achieve the desired results. In this method a band is placed at the top of the stomach, creating a small pouch. The opening to the rest of the digestive tract is adjustable through a subcutaneous port. Most patients experience the same amount of weight loss, but at a slower rate. Indications for Lap Band surgery are the same as the Roux-en-Y.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) also known as laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery is a procedure in which a portion of the stomach is surgically removed. This procedure is typically performed laparoscopically and is a non-reversible procedure. It is named 'a sleeve gastrectomy' because of the sleeve that is formed by surgically stapling the edges of the stomach. The stomach size can be reduced to as little as 15% of the original size. As a result of this surgery, a person feels fuller upon eating a relatively small amount, body metabolism is altered, and the craving for food is reduced.

Intra-gastric Balloon Placement is one of the newest weight loss procedure, suited for patients who are ineligible for other types of weight loss surgery. This procedure uses a gastric balloon to occupy space in the stomach. Placement of an intra-gastric balloon is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure that is performed on an outpatient basis. The balloon placement takes only about 20-30 minutes and requires minimal recovery time. The balloon takes up space in the patient’s stomach, limiting food intake and reducing feelings of hunger. The intra-gastric balloon remains in place for 6 months and is then removed during another short endoscopic procedure.

Obesity-related diseases often improved or alleviated after bariatric surgery are:

• Diabetes Hypertension
• Heart Disease
• GERD
• Sleep Apnea
• Stress Urinary Incontinence
• Muscular/Skeletal
• Infertility

Appropriate candidates must meet the following requirements:

• 100 lbs. or more above ideal body weight
• Body Mass Index (BMI) 35 or greater with significant co-morbidities
• Multiple failed medically supervised weight loss attempts for 1-2 years
• Between the ages of 15 and 60
• Psychologically stable

Does Weight Loss Surgery Work?

These minimally invasive procedures are the most effective treatments for morbid obesity currently available. These procedures can prevent early strokes and heart attacks, and improve multiple medical problems like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol and allow these patients to live longer and healthier lives.