Some of our most common bariatric surgeries are listed below. Each patient
is different and requires a different approach. Our team of experts will
meet with you, one-on-one, to discuss the best weight loss option for you.
Common Bariatric Surgeries
Gastric Bypass
The most common and successful surgical weight loss surgery is the Roux-en-Y
gastric bypass. Not only does gastric bypass generate weight loss, it
has also been recognized to resolve Type 2 diabetes long before any weight
loss even takes place.
During surgery, a small stomach pouch is created to restrict food intake.
Afterward, a Y-shaped section of the small intestine is re-routed and
attached to the new pouch. This allows food to bypass the lower stomach
and the upper parts of the small intestine, reducing the amount of calories
and nutrients the body absorbs. The small stomach pouch created during
surgery can hold only about 2-4 tablespoons (3 ounces), drastically reducing
the amount of food that can be eaten at one time. A gastric bypass patient
will typically lose 75% of their excess body weight in the first 18 months,
which is maintained long term.
In most cases, the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure can be achieved through
minimally invasive laparoscopic methods.
Dr. Robert T. Marema, M.D., F.A.C.S., was a pioneer in the development of laparoscopic techniques in bariatric surgery.
As with any laparoscopic procedure, the recovery time, patient discomfort
and risks are reduced when compared to open surgery. However, not all
patients are candidates for laparoscopic procedures. Gastric bypass surgery
carries the same risks as any other major abdominal surgery.
Shortly after surgery, patients are back in their hospital room. Sitting
up in a chair or walking around is encouraged. Patients are usually discharged
approximately two days post-surgery. Gradually, physical activity will
increase, with near-normal or normal activity resuming a few weeks after surgery.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Dr. Marema was the first surgeon in Florida and second in the world to
perform a single-incision vertical sleeve gastrectomy. He has since trained
physicians from around the globe on this procedure.
Vertical sleeve gastrectomy is the latest and fastest-growing type of surgical
weight loss procedure, which dramatically minimizes the size of a patient's
stomach. The stomach is divided lengthwise and a narrow, banana-shaped
tube (sleeve) is created by removing 80% or more of the stomach.
The gastric tube is much smaller than the stomach's natural size, thus
restricting the amount of food that can be eaten at a given time. The
remainder of the stomach is removed and, since no bypass is created, absorption
of nutrients remains normal.
The procedure takes about 30 minutes and has been reported to produce a
loss of 50% or more of excess weight.
Revisional Bariatric Surgery
If you have previously had weight loss surgery, Dr. Marema is well-versed
in revisions. This type of surgery is performed for a variety of reasons,
including complications related to a surgery, weight regain and reflux
after prior procedures.
Gastric Band Removal
In instances where the band system needs to be removed, this can be completed
laparoscopically.
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