A small pouch is created in the upper stomach to which a limb of small intestine is attached. Food passes into the small stomach pouch and then directly into the small intestine. The first portion of the small intestine is bypassed, giving the rise to two of the nutritional consequences of the procedure. Both iron and calcium are absorbed best in the first portion of the small intestine. Since this area is being bypassed, supplementation with both iron and calcium is very important. Vitamin B-12 is also important and can be administered as an injection just once a month. A diet high in protein and an exercise program are also important in order to achieve maximum benefit from the procedure.

LAP-BAND®

In the Lap-Band® procedure, a small pouch is created through the placement of a silicone band around the upper part of the stomach, allowing only a small amount of food to be held. The larger, lower part of the stomach is connected to the newly-formed pouch by a small outlet (the stoma) created by the band. Food then passes through the stoma from the upper stomach pouch to the lower part more slowly, allowing the patient to fill full longer. The Lap-Band® system is unique in that it is adjustable - the inner surface of the band can be inflated with saline solution or deflated via a fine needle through the skin to adjust the size of the stoma, thus accommodating the patient's changing needs (if any) without additional surgery.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE SURGERY?

This is probably the most important question. Certainly all patients lose weight, but success with the procedure is not measured in absolute weight loss, but more importantly, in the improvement in one's quality of life. Specifically, if the medical problems related to your obesity improves and the number of mediations you need to take, to control those medical conditions decreases, or hopefully is eliminated, then clearly the surgery has provided a dramatic improvement in your quality of life and could be deemed a success. However, success is best measured by you and how close you come to meeting your specific goals.

Weight loss surgery is not the solution to all of your problems. The surgery will help you lose weight but you must continue to work through exercise and diet to obtain the maximum benefits of the surgery. After surgery, you will not be able to eat nearly as much food as you are used to eating. Most social and family events seem to center around food, and usually large quantities of it. Some patients find these situations much more stressful after the surgery, and the temptation to overeat during these times is great. Patients must understand this and be disciplined to fight the temptation to overeat and keep the primary goal of an improved health and quality of life in mind. Support groups are very important in helping patients get through these crisis periods.