Minimally Invasive (Weight Loss) Surgery

Whenever possible and patient circumstances permit, surgeons use minimally invasive weight-loss surgery procedures. Surgeons perform the surgery laparoscopically using a small video camera inserted into the abdomen. The surgeon views the procedure on a separate video monitor, which provides better visualization and access to key anatomical structures.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

The Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band procedure is a minimally invasive technique in which the surgeon places a band around the upper most part of the stomach. As with the traditional Gastric Band procedure, a band divides the stomach into two portions, one small and one larger portion. Because food is regulated, most patients feel full faster. Food digestion occurs through the normal digestive process.

LAP-BAND® System and Realize Band System®

Designed to be placed laparoscopically through small incisions in the abdomen, the LAP-BAND® System and Realize Band System® do not require cutting or stapling of the stomach. Instead, an inflatable band is placed around the top portion of the patient's stomach, creating a small pouch that limits or reduces food consumption. They are adjustable, which means that the inflatable band can be tightened or loosened to help the patient achieve a level of satiety while maintaining a healthy diet, supporting a patient's long-term weight loss success.

In general, patients who have had laparoscopic weight loss surgery experience less post-surgical pain resulting in easier breathing and lung function and higher overall oxygen levels. Other benefits include fewer wound complications like infection or hernia, and patients return faster to their normal activities.