There are several options for weight loss surgery, but the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the procedure most frequently performed. Studies show that gastric bypass is the most effective procedure for long-term weight loss for patients who are 100 pounds or more overweight. However, if you are 75 or more pounds overweight with severe medical conditions (i.e., diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, etc.), you may also be a candidate for this procedure.

Gastric Bypass, reduces the amount of food you are able to eat. It is a permanent procedure that changes the structure of the stomach, helping patients achieve and maintain their weight loss goal.

When performed using the open approach, an incision is made in the abdomen extending from just under your diaphragm to a spot close to your belly button. A stapling device is then used to create a tiny stomach pouch by partitioning the stomach near its upper end.

The laparoscopic approach follows the same guidelines internally, however this surgery is done using 5 small keyhole-sized incisions. A camera is inserted in one of the incisions, which aids the surgeon for guidance, and several small instruments are inserted into the other incisions to perform the surgery.

Typically, patients experience a shorter recovery and less scarring with laparoscopic surgery than with traditional open surgery. However, laparoscopic surgery is not appropriate for every patient and, sometimes, surgeons do not know if they can perform the procedure laparoscopically until the surgery is underway. Various medical conditions may make laparoscopic surgery unsafe for certain patients. We do make every effort to perform gastric bypass surgery by the least invasive method whenever possible.

	Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

While many patients are ready for gastric bypass surgery, others prefer to take a different surgical route. Laparoscopic gastric banding is a minimally invasive procedure for patients who are 100 pounds or more overweight. Unlike gastric bypass, which re-structures the stomach, gastric banding is an adjustable and reversible procedure that tightens the stomach to create a feeling of fullness. Patients may have the band adjusted as needed.

While the pace of weight loss is slower with gastric banding than it is with gastric bypass, gastric banding is an attractive alternative for patients who are serious about weight loss, but would like more control over their food options. Many patients have enjoyed weight loss success with gastric banding and appreciate the freedom of knowing the procedure is reversible.

	Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

Physician Supervised Weight Loss Program

Bariatric Associates of North Dallas provides a complete Physician supervised weight loss program for non-surgical patients, pre-operative individuals, long-term follow-up, and those who do not meet the criteria for surgery. Our Physician supervised program provides each patient with:

Expert guidance from an experienced Bariatrician
Comprehensive medical assessment to identify your specific needs
Customized food guidelines and counseling
Personalized selection of supplements and prescription of medicines
Behavioral counseling
Ongoing patient support programs

Support Staff

No matter which program is used to help you achieve your weight loss goals, you will be supported by a nutritionist, psychologist and exercise specialist to make sure that your program is personalized to meet your weight loss needs.

Support Group Meetings and related activities

To be successful everyone needs to feel supported. We provide Support Group Meetings to discuss our successes and challenges. Patients are provided with online access to our office and to message forums so that our support group meetings can continue beyond the confines of a monthly meeting. We are here to support you when you need support, not just once a month.