In a gastric bypass, your surgeon separates part of your stomach and creates a small pouch, then attaches it to a part of your small intestine. The new pouch is about the size of a golf ball, whereas the stomach is usually about the size of a football. Like the other surgeries, it holds less food, making you feel full faster. Since food bypasses the stomach and upper part of the small intestine, you absorb fewer calories and nutrients.
The gastric balloon procedure is simple. A soft balloon is placed in the stomach. Once placed, it is filled with saline to help limit the amount of food you eat. After six months, the balloon is removed, but the support for lifestyle change will continue for an another six months.
In a gastric sleeve (also known as sleeve gastrectomy), the surgeon removes up to 85 percent of the stomach. The stomach is changed to a “sleeve” shape, from the esophagus to the small intestine. It holds less food making you feel full faster.
Some people need additional surgery after a previous weight loss surgery, either for additional weight loss or for issues such as gastroesophageal reflux disease. Before a revision, additional tests are usually needed.
