Each of the bariatric surgery options offered by Hurley are designed to help you achieve your weight loss goals.  While each bariatric surgery is a little different, there are many similarities between the procedures.  The approaches for gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and the adjustable gastric band are discussed below so you know what to expect on the day of your weight loss surgery.

• Your bariatric surgeon will make 4 to 6 small incisions in your abdomen.  The incisions will not be greater than 1 inch.  A laparoscope, camera, light and other surgical instruments will be inserted through these incisions, so that your bariatric surgeon can access your stomach.
• Your bariatric surgeon will then use carbon dioxide to inflate your abdomen for a better view of your stomach and other organs. 
• Gastric Bypass.  During the gastric bypass procedure, your surgeon will separate your stomach into two parts, with more than 95% of your stomach “bypassed” after the surgery.  There will be a small pouch at the top of your stomach that your surgeon will connect to a bypassed portion of the intestine.  Your stomach will be approximately 0.5 to 1 ounce after the surgery. 
• Sleeve Gastrectomy.  During the sleeve gastrectomy procedure, your bariatric surgeon will remove approximately 75 to 85 percent of your stomach, maintaining the remainder of your digestive tract.  This preserves the natural continuity between the esophagus, stomach and small intestine so malabsorption rarely occurs. 
• Adjustable Gastric Band.  An inflatable silicon band is placed around the stomach to create a small pouch in order to restrict the amount of food that it can hold at one time.  The adjustable gastric band will need to be adjusted after surgery to ensure optimal weight loss. 

Typically, these bariatric surgery procedures are completed laparoscopically.  However, you and your doctor will decide which approach will be safest and most effective for you.

After surgery you will spend 1-2 hours in recovery and then be transported to the bariatric unit.  Dependent on your particular procedure, you will spend 1-3 days in the hospital.  You can anticipate a 1-3 day stay for a normal procedure without complications.  Learn more about what to expect after bariatric surgery.