What Type of Weight Loss Surgery Is for You?

Because every patient considering bariatric surgery is unique, the Penn Bariatric Surgery Program offers a full range of weight-loss surgery options including: 

• Sleeve gastrectomy - Surgeon removes about 80 percent of stomach, creating a long, banana-shaped pouch
• Adjustable gastric band - Surgeon places an inflatable band around the top part of stomach, creating a small pouch with an adjustable opening 
• Roux-en-Y gastric bypass - Surgeon staples the top part of stomach, creating a small pouch and attaching it to middle part of the small intestine

But which surgery is right for you?

“Although we still do them, the gastric band is a little bit old-fashioned when it comes to weight-loss surgery,” says Alan Schuricht, MD, bariatric surgeon at Pennsylvania Hospital. “The amount of weight loss expected with the gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy is about the same – about 60 to 70 percent of your body weight - but unlike gastric bypass, with the sleeve gastrectomy, patients avoid the risk of developing an iron deficiency, or other nutritional deficiencies.”

Right now, Dr. Schuricht adds, “Most of my patients are going with sleeve.”

The truth is, the best way to determine the right option for you is to attend a free information session and then come in for a consultation.