Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
The stomach is divided into two sections, with the smaller portion, or “pouch,” surgically attached to a portion of the small intestine, bypassing a large part of the stomach and the duodenum. The newly created stomach pouch is smaller than the normal stomach and can only accommodate smaller quantities of food. In most cases, this procedure can be done laparoscopically, reducing incision size and helping to ease recovery.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
A few small incisions are made in the abdomen, through which about 70 percent to 80 percent of the stomach is removed. The remaining portion is stapled, forming a small, oblong tube shape. This new portion is called the “sleeve” and connects the esophagus to the small intestines – functioning as the new, much smaller stomach. Similar to bypass surgery, sleeve gastrectomy significantly reduces the quantity of food the stomach can accommodate. In most cases, this procedure can be done laparoscopically, reducing incision size and helping to ease recovery.