Suffolk Surgical Group, P.C.
250 Yaphank Rd., Suite #7
East Patchogue, NY 11772

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Phone: 1-866-422-1024
Fax: (631) 475-5602






Bariatric Surgical Procedures

At Suffolk Surgical Group P.C. we specialize in laparoscopic bariatric surgery to treat patients who suffer from morbid obesity. Individuals are considered morbidly obese when they weigh 100 pounds or more in excess of what is healthy for their bodies to support. Obesity poses a host of serious and life-threatening problems, including a loss of self-esteem, inability to remain active, cardiovascular complications, diabetes, joint pain, depression, and certain types of cancer.

At Suffolk Surgical Group P.C. our surgeons are considered experts in the field of bariatrics, and we regularly perform the two major types of bariatric surgery—laparoscopic gastric banding and laparoscopic gastric bypass. Through decreasing the size of the stomach, these procedures are designed to help patients feel full earlier during a meal and therefore eat less. Each procedure is highly effective for promoting extreme weight loss, but candidates should discuss the benefits and risks of both procedures with their surgeon to decide which surgery is best for them.

We at Suffolk Surgical Group P.C.encourage you to use our website to learn more about gastric bypass and gastric banding. If you have additional questions, or would like to schedule a consultation with our team, contact us.

What Is a Laparoscopic Procedure?

Recent advances in surgical technology have allowed for the possibility of minimally invasive, or laparoscopic, surgery. During laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon creates several very small incisions, or ports, through which he or she is able to insert surgical instruments. Through one of the ports, a tiny video camera, or laparoscope, is inserted. The camera projects images from inside the patient’s body onto a nearby monitor, which the doctor uses to view the entire operation.

There are many benefits to laparoscopic surgery over traditional, open surgical procedures. Because laparoscopic procedures are only minimally invasive, less of the body’s interior is exposed, and there is a lower risk of infection. Smaller incisions also mean less scarring and a dramatically reduced recovery time and hospital stay. This is especially desirable for patients who undergo laparoscopic bariatric surgery, because it enables them to become active sooner after the procedure, and thus lose weight more quickly.

Both open and laparoscopic bariatric operations produce comparable weight loss in patients; however, there are certain patients who may not be good candidates for laparoscopic surgery. It is important that patients discuss all of their surgical options with their doctors in order to decide which type of procedure is best for them.

At Suffolk Surgical Group P.C. Dr. Rubenstein and his team of talented associates are highly skilled in the art of laparoscopic surgery. In fact, through his work with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Dr. Rubenstein has been instrumental in the refinement of laparoscopic bariatric surgery techniques at a federal level. If you are a candidate for bariatric surgery and would like to learn more about recent advances in laparoscopic surgery techniques, contact us here.

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Laparoscopic Gastric Banding (LAP-BAND®) Surgery

Procedure

Gastric banding is known as a restrictive procedure, because it promotes weight loss by restricting the amount of food the patient is able to take in. The LAP-BAND® System is a silicone ring that is placed around the patient’s stomach and filled with saline to control tightness. This procedure is performed laparoscopically, which means that there is no major incision and recovery time is dramatically reduced. During the procedure, surgeons fasten the band around the patient’s stomach in a manner similar to fastening a wristwatch, and then lock the band in place. Once the band is in place, the surgeon is able to control the tightness of the band by injecting or removing saline through an access port embedded in the patient’s abdomen.

Above images show the silicone ring in place, around the stomach. The image, at the left, shows the access port which is embedded in the patients abdomen.

Benefits of Gastric Banding

While patients who undergo gastric bypass may lose weight more quickly in the first year after surgery, long-term results of gastric banding are comparable and nearly equivalent to those of gastric bypass. Perhaps the most unique benefit of the LAP-BAND® System is that it can be adjusted to best suit the patient’s weight loss needs at any given time. For example, patients can have their band tightened if they aren’t losing sufficient weight. Pregnant patients may have their bands loosened so they can eat enough to nourish both themselves and their fetuses. Another benefit is that the band can be removed in a relatively simple procedure if the patient faces complications or is not losing weight, and the stomach will return to its original shape.

Disadvantages and Risks of Gastric Banding

Because patients who have undergone this restrictive procedure are no longer able to consume large quantities of food, it is essential that they focus on eating foods that are rich in vitamins and nutrients to prevent malnutrition and to give their bodies the fuel they need.

It is crucial to remember that these procedures are to be used as tools in the patient’s quest for weight loss. Gastric bypass and gastric banding do not preclude patients from the need to maintain a healthy diet and to exercise regularly. Patients at Suffolk Surgical Group P.C.who undergo gastric bypass or gastric banding are enrolled in a month-long education and counseling program to ensure that they adopt and maintain healthy lifestyle practices. If you are ready to learn more about gastric banding, contact us here.

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Gastric Bypass Surgery

Procedure

During this procedure, surgeons literally bypass a large part of patient’s stomach and intestines. This is done by first stapling off part of the stomach to form two smaller pouches. Then, the larger part of the patient’s stomach and his or her intestines are bypassed by attaching a part of the intestine to the smaller stomach pouch. The bypass prevents food from cycling through parts of the small intestine, thus limiting the calories and nutrients the body can absorb. Furthermore, the reduction in stomach size promotes a feeling of fullness after a much smaller intake of food, enabling the patient to eat less and lose weight.

The above image shows the stomach "strapped off" into two pouches. The smaller pouch is attached to the small intestine, thus bypassing the larger portion of the stomach.

Benefits of Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery has been performed for a longer time in the United States than has gastric banding, so surgeons have more experience with this procedure. Patients who undergo gastric bypass see more rapid initial weight loss and a higher total weight loss than patients of gastric banding. On average, patients who undergo gastric bypass see a long-term weight loss of 65 to 75 percent.

Disadvantages and Risks of Gastric Bypass Surgery

Because the patient’s stomach and bowel are cut and stapled during this operation, there is a higher risk of infection and complications than with gastric banding. Gastric bypass surgery, unlike gastric banding, does not allow for future adjustments and is very difficult to reverse. Another risk associated with gastric bypass is a decrease in the patient’s ability to absorb the nutrients in the food they eat, because a portion of the digestive tract is bypassed. For this reason, it is important for patients of gastric bypass to closely adhere to all nutritional guidelines they receive from our nutritionist in order to avoid malnourishment. While at Suffolk Surgical Group P.C.the majority of bypass procedures can be performed laparoscopically, there is a risk that the surgery may, out of necessity, evolve into an open procedure. Contact us here to learn more about gastric bypass surgery.

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