Minimally Invasive Surgical Weight Loss Procedures

Gastric Bypass Surgery - Laparoscopic Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass

In recent years, better clinical understanding of weight loss procedures combining restrictive (reduction of stomach size) and malabsorptive (bypassing the calorie absorption stage of digestion) approaches has created new options for effective weight loss surgery. By creating malabsorption, food is delayed in mixing with bile and pancreatic juices, which aids in the absorption of nutrients. The result is an early sense of being full, combined with a sense of satisfaction that reduces the desire to eat.

According to the American Society for Bariatric Surgery and the National Institutes of Health, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the most frequently performed weight loss surgery in the United States. In this procedure, Dr. Nunn isolates a small section of the stomach to create a pouch that can hold approximately one ounce of fluid. Rather than removing a large section of the stomach as with more invasive bypass procedures, Dr. Nunn separates this pouch from the remainder of the stomach with staples. The small intestine is then divided just beyond the duodenum, and the lower part is connected to the pouch. This allows the pouch to empty directly into the lower jejunum, bypassing the upper portion of the small intestine where much of the absorption of calories occurs. The upper part of the small intestine, which is connected to the ‘unused’ part of the stomach, is then attached to the side of the ‘Roux limb’ of the intestine, creating a ‘Y’ shape. With this procedure, Dr. Nunn has the option of adjusting the length of either segment of the intestine to produce lower or higher levels of malabsorption, depending on the weight loss needs of the patient.

Because this procedure is performed laparoscopically, post-operative pain, scarring and recovery time are minimized.

Success of Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass

According to clinical studies, patients who have undergone this procedure have been able to lose between 68 and 72 percent of their excess weight over three years. A study performed in 2000 involving 500 patients found that after gastric bypass, approximately 96 percent of obesity related health conditions were improved or resolved.

Contact Detroit Bariatrics today for more information about how Roux-en-Y gastric bypass can help you lose weight. We would be happy to schedule your initial appointment with Dr. Nunn to find out which weight loss procedure is right for you.

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The BioEnterics® LAP-BAND® System

The BioEnterics® LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System is an innovative weight loss procedure that is minimally invasive and adjustable over time.

To implant the LAP-BAND® System, Dr. Nunn uses laparoscopic techniques requiring only a few small incisions, through which long-shafted instruments are inserted to complete the procedure. Once inside the abdominal cavity, Dr. Nunn manipulates the tools to implant the LAP-BAND® by wrapping the inflatable silicone band around the stomach. Like a belt, the band is tightened around the upper portion of the stomach to create a pouch that holds only a small amount of food and liquid, limiting the amount of food the patient is able to eat after surgery. The LAP-BAND® also creates a smaller outlet for stomach contents, which slows down the emptying process to extend the sensation of being full.

Because this procedure is performed laparoscopically, post-operative pain, scarring and recovery time are minimized.

Adjustment of the LAP-BAND® After Surgery

The LAP-BAND® System can be adjusted after initial implantation without the need for further surgery. By injecting or removing saline solution through a convenient tubing system, Dr. Nunn can adjust the diameter of the LAP-BAND® to meet your individual weight loss needs. During your post-operative visits, Dr. Nunn may decide to inflate the band to tighten the opening and further slow the pouch emptying process, or deflate the band to relax the opening and allow for increased nutritional intake and more rapid pouch emptying. The LAP-BAND® System can also be removed, if necessary. In most cases the stomach is able to return to its normal shape and function after removal of the band.

Success of the LAP-BAND® System

Clinical studies have shown that, over a five-year period, LAP-BAND® patients experience weight loss results similar to those of gastric bypass patients over the same period.

Contact Detroit Bariatrics today for more information about losing weight with the LAP-BAND® System or to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Nunn to find out if weight loss surgery is right for you.

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