Bariatic Surgery for Severe Obesity Part 7 of 9
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
RYGB works by restricting food intake and by decreasing the absorption of food. Food intake is limited by a small pouch that is similar in size to the adjustable gastric band. In addition, absorption of food in the digestive tract is reduced by excluding most of the stomach, duodenum, and upper intestine from contact with food by routing food directly from the pouch into the small intestine.
Gastric Sleeve
GS is usually performed as the first stage of biliopancreatic bypass with duodenal switch in patients who may be at high risk for complications from more extensive types of surgery. These patients high risk levels are due to body weight or medical conditions. A GS operation restricts food intake and does not lead to decreased absorption of food. However, most of the stomach is removed, which may decrease production of a hormone called ghrelin. A decreased amount of ghrelin may reduce hunger more than other purely restrictive operations, such as gastric band.
