Types of Bariatric Surgery

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If your weight is causing health problems, bariatric surgery can unlock your ability to get healthy. Experts at the St. Peter’s Health Partners Bariatric and Metabolic Care program are here for you every step of the way. We skillfully perform many types of bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve, gastric bypass surgery and revisions.

St. Peter’s Health Partners Bariatric and Metabolic Care: Why Choose Us?

Our team has advanced training and years of experience guide your care. We perform a high volume of procedures and have an exceptional success rate.

Highlights of our bariatric services include:

• National recognition: We consistently deliver a level of care that exceeds national quality and safety standards. This is one of the many reasons why our program at St. Peter's Hospital maintains accreditation from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®).
• Personalized care plan: We consider your overall health and weight loss goals when determining which procedure may be right for you. A surgeon will explain the risks and benefits and answer all of your questions, so you can make informed treatment decisions. Find out what to expect.
• Minimally invasive surgery: Our experts typically perform bariatric surgery using small incisions and sophisticated technologies. We slide a camera and surgical instruments through the incisions to carry out the procedure. This technique is gentler on your body and helps you heal quickly.
• Team approach: You benefit from the additional expertise of a licensed mental health counselor and board-certified physician specializing in obesity medicine. We support your needs before, during and after surgery. Explore our team approach to weight loss.

Types of Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery options available at St. Peter's Health Partners include:

Gastric bypass surgery

With gastric bypass, we:

• Create a small pouch: Surgeons reshape the stomach, so it becomes full after small amounts of food.
• Modify your digestive system: The food you consume spends less time in your stomach and skips part of the small intestine, so you absorb fewer calories.

Benefits of gastric bypass include: 

• Substantial weight loss: If you carry a lot of excess weight (BMI greater than 45), gastric bypass is a safe option. Patients typically lose most of their excess weight within one year of surgery.
• Relief from chronic health conditions: After surgery, many people maintain normal blood sugar levels and no longer need diabetes medications. Gastric bypass also puts an end to reflux.

Risks with this type of bariatric surgery are:

• Gallstones: Gastric bypass can cause gallstones, which are hardened bits of a fatty substance. If they get stuck in the gallbladder, it causes severe pain. Removing the gallbladder may be necessary if this occurs.
• Malabsorption: When food moves quickly through the digestive system, fluids suddenly shift to your small intestine to break it down. This shift can cause severe diarrhea, faintness and nausea.
• Vitamin or mineral deficiencies: Changes in the digestive tract increase the risk of these issues. Our team pays careful attention to your nutrient levels after surgery. We provide personalized recommendations to help you get the vitamins you need. 

Gastric sleeve surgery

During this procedure, surgeons remove the majority of the stomach. We create a narrow tube (sleeve) that is smaller than your original stomach. The part we remove produces hormones that send hunger signals. Removing it helps you gain more control of your appetite, so you eat less.

Benefits of gastric sleeve surgery include:

• Maintaining natural digestion: The food you consume goes through the full digestion process. You are less likely to experience side effects like diarrhea or vitamin deficiencies.
• Safe alternative: Gastric sleeve is safe for people who are not eligible for other bariatric surgeries due to other medical issues. These issues may include heart or lung problems that might prevent you from having a longer surgery.

Risks with this type of bariatric surgery are:

• Weight issues: Your stomach sleeve can stretch out, causing you to gain weight or stop losing weight. If this happens, we may be able to repair it during bariatric revision surgery.
• Vitamin deficiencies: Although to a lesser degree than other surgical weight loss options, gastric sleeve surgery affects your ability to absorb vitamins. Our team pays careful attention to your nutrient levels after surgery. We provide personalized recommendations to help you get the vitamins you need.

Bariatric revision surgery

If you are not achieving your weight loss goals, you have options. Bariatric revision surgery is also for people with severe side effects. We perform an additional procedure to help you get relief. We will consider your unique circumstances before making personalized recommendations.