Types of Weight-Loss Surgery

The two most common procedures performed by our Surgeons are the gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. ECU helped develop the procedure today known as the Greenville Gastric Bypass. ECU Bariatric Surgery has an outstanding record of success with the gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. Both procedures are generally performed laparoscopically (through small incisions with the aid of a camera). As an ECU Bariatric Surgery patient you will discuss with the surgeon which surgery is the most appropriate for you individually.

Gastric Bypass

This procedure (the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) involves placing 2-3 rows of staples near the top portion of the stomach to form a small pouch that will hold about 1 ounce of food or liquid. The remainder of the stomach is not removed, but separated from the pouch, therefore making it unable to receive food. A portion of the small intestines is attached to this pouch, constructing a “bypass”. This “bypass” allows food to skip a portion of the small intestines which reduces the amount of calories the body can absorb. A gastric bypass is a restrictive and malabsorptive weight loss surgery. The procedure restricts the amount of food that can be consumed and also reduces the amount of calories your body can absorb.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

This procedure (the vertical sleeve gastrectomy) involves reducing the stomach to about 15% of its original size, by surgically removing a large portion of the stomach. The remaining portion of the stomach will then be shaped more like a tube, or a sleeve, with a banana shape. It is larger than the stomach pouch created during gastric bypass. This surgery permanently reduces the size of the stomach. A sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive weight loss surgery. The procedure restricts the amount of food that can be consumed.