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Advanced Laparoscopic Associates, P.C.

The Raleigh Center for Weight Loss Surgery

ALA Surgery
2801 Blue Ridge Road
Suite 101
Raleigh, NC 27607

 

Dr. Joseph C. Moran

Bariatric Surgeon

Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, NC

 

Types of Bariatric Surgery

Dr. Moran performs both LAP-BAND System placements and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures. Check our chart comparing LAP-BAND and gastric bypass for more details.

Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS)

Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) is a minimally invasive procedure performed through one incision rather than the traditional four or more incisions. A small incision of approximately one-half inch is made in the bellybutton through which the surgeon can perform the Lap-Band procedure. The single incision allows for the scarring to be easily hidden, even appearing sometimes as if there is no scarring at all. A reduction in pain after surgery has also been experienced in some patients after having a SILS procedure. Patients that qualify for this type of procedure will be determined at their initial bariatric visit. Criteria such as BMI and previous surgery history may be used to qualify a patient for the SILS procedure.

Benefits of Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery include:

  • Less scarring
  • Less post-operative pain
  • Quicker recovery
  • Less chance of infection

LAP-BAND System Procedure

Lap-Band system procedure

The LAP-BAND System surgery is performed laparoscopically by placing an inflatable band around the upper part of the stomach. The new, small upper stomach pouch and a narrowed outlet limit the stomach capacity and increase the feeling of fullness. The following reduction in food intake coupled with exercise results in weight loss.

 

 

 

 

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Procedure

grastric bypass procedure

The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is considered by many to be the current gold standard procedure for weight loss surgery. It is the most frequently performed weight loss procedure in the United States. In this procedure, the upper portion of the stomach is divided off from the lower portion of the stomach, creating a small (1-2 ounce) gastric pouch. Both separated portions of the stomach are stapled and sealed shut. Approximately the first one-third of the small intestine is bypassed, and the beginning of the second portion of the small intestine is connected to the new gastric pouch. Although part of the gastrointestinal tract is reconfigured, the "bypassed" portions remain in place and are not removed. This process speeds digestion and causes less calorie absorption, thus increasing malabsorbtion of some nutrients.

Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass v. Open Procedure

In some patients, the laparoscopic or minimally invasive approach to surgery cannot be used. You may have an open procedure, or Dr. Moran may switch during the procedure from laparoscopic to open if one of these conditions exist:

1. Prior abdominal surgery that has caused dense scar tissue
2. Inability to see organs
3. Bleeding problems during the operation

Lap-Band System v. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass is the most common type of surgery performed and has been performed for over 30 years in the United States. The lap-band surgery is growing in popularity due to its minimally invasive procedure and comparable results.

The chart below shows a comparison of the LAP-BAND and gastric bypass procedures.

 

 

LAP-BAND and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Comparison

 

Procedure

Lap-Band Procedure

  • Restrictive
  • Limits food intake
  • Creates feeling of "fullness"
  • Slows digestion

Roux-en-Y Procedure

  • Both restrictive and malabsorptive
  • Limits food intake
  • Creates feeling of "fullness"
  • Restricts absorption of calories and nutrients from food
 

Recovery

Lap-Band Recovery

  • Typically performed as outpatient surgery (leave hospital the same day)
  • Typically return to work and normal activities in one week
  • Full recovery in about two weeks

Roux-en-Y Recovery

  • Hospital stay is usually 24-48 hours
  • Typically return to work and normal activities in one to two weeks
  • Full recovery in about three weeks
 

Advantages

Lap-Band Advantages

  • Minimally invasive
  • No cutting or stapling of the stomach
  • Small incisions with minimal scarring
  • Can be removed at any time
  • Adjustable
  • Outpatient procedure
  • Lower risk of surgical complications

Roux-en-Y Advantages

  • Minimally invasive if performed laparoscopically
  • Rapid initial weight loss
  • Longer experience in the United States
  • Higher final weight loss than Lap-Band
 

Disadvantages

Lap-Band Disadvantages

  • Slower initial weight loss than gastric bypass
  • Requires an implanted medical device
  • Regular follow up is critical for optimal results

Roux-en-Y Disadvantages

  • Intestinal rerouting is required
  • Higher potential risk for nutritional deficiencies
  • Extremely difficult to reverse
 

Mortality Rate

Lap-Band Mortality Rate

  • National average is 0.05% or 1 in 2000
  • ALA Surgery rate is 0

Roux-en-Y Mortality Rate

  • National average is 0.5% o 1 in 200
  • ALA Surgery rate is 0
 

Average Weight Loss

Lap-Band Weight Loss

  • 50-60% weight loss in 18-24 months
  • Fluctuation period of about 3-4 years.

Roux-en-Y Weight Loss

  • 50-75% weight loss in 12-18 months
  • Fluctuation period of about 18-24 months.

 

  Continue to Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery

 

ALA Surgery...the beginning of your journey to weight loss.