Choose the Bariatric Surgery Option that’s Right for You.

Bariatric or weight loss surgery is a life-changing decision, and you want only the best medical care for this major procedure. At Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, we offer an outstanding, nationally accredited bariatric surgery program that provides you with bariatric surgery options and weight loss support.

Our bariatric surgeons were some of the first in the country to develop minimally invasive approaches to bariatric surgery and to offer several bariatric surgery options based on individual needs and assessments. All procedures can be done laparoscopically (with minimal incisions) and some can be performed using the da Vinci robot system for robotic-assisted surgery.

Laproscopic Bariatric Surgery Options
In laparoscopic surgery, physicians make 5-6 small incisions in the abdomen, instead of a major surgical incision. Scopes and a variety of special instruments are used from outside the body, while the procedure is monitored on a video screen. These minimally invasive surgical techniques mean smaller incisions, a faster recovery and less risk of complications.

Laparoscopic Adjustable Banding (lap band surgery)
Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)

Robot assisted bariatric surgery

Laparoscopic Adjustable Banding (Lap-Band) - a band is placed around the upper stomach and is adjusted to increase or decrease the size of the stomach pouch depending on progress following the surgery. The Band is adjusted during a simple outpatient visit based on each individual’s weight-loss rate, pre-surgery weight, exercise routine and other health issues. Patients are often satisfied with smaller portions of food and can expect to lose 40-80% of their excess body weight.

If necessary, the Lap-Band and its components can be removed from the body with no damage to the digestive organs. The stomach will generally return to its original form and capacity once the band is removed.

With the Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, a tiny stomach "pouch" is created. Food leaves this pouch into a segment of small intestine (the Roux limb), which is brought up from the mid- abdomen to hook onto the stomach pouch. No major surgical incision is required. With this option, patients often lose 50-80% of their excess body weight. They often will eat smaller portions of food due to the pouch size, but have the sense of fullness and satisfaction.

Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS) provides excellent weight loss while allowing you to eat larger portions than a gastric bypass. However, it is the only bariatric surgery procedure where a major portion of the stomach is permanently removed, making the procedure completely irreversible.
In the BPD/DS, roughly one half of the stomach is permanently removed. The remaining stomach pouch is connected to the lower part of the small intestine, resulting in a reduction in the absorption of calories. Because nutrient absorption is also affected, patients must continue on a strict regimen of vitamins and supplements. Typically, patients lose about 60-80% of their excess body weight after BPD-DS.

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy - in this procedure, approximately 85% of the stomach is removed leaving a narrow tube of the stomach that is shaped like a banana. This new stomach pouch significantly reduces the volume of food consumed, while still allowing the stomach to function normally. The part of the stomach that is removed contains cells that produce the hunger hormone, Ghrelin. By reducing the production of Ghrelin, the appetite and sensation of hunger is reduced or eliminated. For some patients, the vertical sleeve gastrectomy can be used as a first-stage procedure, which can later be converted to a duodenal switch or gastric bypass if additional weight loss is needed. Patients often lose up to 80% of excess weight with this procedure.

Robot Assisted Bariatric Surgery Options
You may be a candidate for robot assisted bariatric surgery using the da Vinci Gastric Bypass procedure. This technique is potentially the most effective and least invasive option for weight loss surgery. Robot assisted bariatric surgery allows surgeons to complete a procedure similar to traditional gastric bypass using only a few small incisions but with improved visualization, dexterity and control. It also allows surgeons to operate on higher-BMI patients.