Bariatric Surgery describes the procedures involved in combating morbid obesity via alteration of the gastrointestinal tract. It is increasingly used in the cases of patients who have tried other weight loss regimes and have failed to sufficiently reduce their body weight to acceptable levels. Dr. Chang and Dr. Cheregi are at the forefront of leading Advanced Surgical Care’s premier bariatric surgery program in Northern Illinois. They perform the following procedures:
Advanced Bariatrics, the premier
bariatric center in northern Illinois
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
One of the most popular and successful surgical approaches to weight loss surgery is the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, which is considered the ‘Gold Standard’ of all bariatric procedures. This procedure involves modification of the stomach into a small upper pouch so that only a small amount of food can be eaten at one time. Food is routed past much of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. Weight loss is typically dramatic, and co-morbidities can be reduced or resolved. This procedure is done laparoscopically.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy is a surgical weight-loss procedure in which the stomach is reduced to about 15%-20% of its original size, by surgical removal of a large portion of the stomach along the greater curvature. The result is a sleeve or tube like structure. The procedure permanently reduces the size of the stomach, although there could be some dilatation of the stomach later on in life. It provides restriction and hormonal changes that contribute to excellent weight loss. The procedure is generally performed laparoscopically. While the procedure is irreversible it can, however, be revised.
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding is a form of restrictive weight loss surgery that involves an inflatable, adjustable band which is placed around the top portion of the stomach. The placement of the band creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach which holds approximately 50 ml. This pouch ‘fills’ with food quickly and the passage of food from the top to the bottom of the stomach is slowed. As the upper part of the stomach believes it is ‘full’, the message to the brain is that the stomach is full and this sensation helps the person to eat smaller portions, eat less and therefore lose weight over time. The band can be adjusted during follow up visits to optimize weight loss, and there is no cutting or stapling of the stomach. This surgery is performed laparoscopically.
