The
Bariatric and Metabolic Institute at UC San Diego Health offers multiple bariatric surgery options for
long-term weight loss. Take the next step in your weight loss journey.
Call us today at 858-657-8860.
What Is the Safest Weight Loss Surgery?
Each surgery for weight loss has benefits for certain people, depending on their health status and situation. Below are summaries of the surgeries offered and the ideal candidates for each type of procedure:
Gastric Sleeve
Ideal Candidates
Severely obese (BMI of 35 or more) for more than five years. Nonsurgical serious weight-loss attempts unsuccessful. Willingness to make significant lifestyle changes.
How It's Done
Large segment of the stomach is removed through a small incision. Minimally invasive laparoscopic technique. Part of stomach that creates hunger-producing hormone is removed. Patients experience diminished appetite.
Benefits
No device is implanted with the gastric sleeve. Simpler procedure than gastric bypass. Fewer food intolerances than with gastric band. No intestinal rerouting. Faster weight loss than gastric banding. Appropriate for teenagers from age 14 and up.
Expected Weight Loss
30 to 50 percent of excess weight in the first six to 12 months, with a total of 50 to 70 percent excess weight loss over two years.
Read more about the gastric sleeve
Gastric Banding
Ideal Candidates
Severely obese (BMI of 35 or more) for more than five years. Nonsurgical serious weight-loss attempts unsuccessful. Willingness to make significant lifestyle changes.
How It's Done
Gastric band is placed around the stomach to create a small stomach pouch. Minimally invasive laparoscopic technique. Port accessible at the skin's surface allows for easy adjustments. Works by limiting food intake, reducing appetite and slowing digestion.
Benefits
One of the safest, least invasive surgical weight loss options. No stomach stapling or intestinal rerouting. Outpatient procedure. Adjustable and reversible bariatric surgery option. Fast recovery time. Appropriate for teenagers from 14 and up.
Gastric Bypass
Ideal Candidates
Severely obese (BMI of 35 or more) for more than five years. Nonsurgical serious weight-loss attempts unsuccessful. Willingness to make significant lifestyle changes.
How It's Done
Stomach is made smaller by creating a small pouch; intestines are rerouted. Minimally invasive laparoscopic technique. Post-surgery, patients absorb fewer calories and nutrients.
Benefits
Rapid weight loss from gastric bypass. Patients have experienced resolution of diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and coronary artery disease. Increased weight loss compared to gastric banding. Appropriate for teenagers from age 14 and up.
Gastric Bypass Revision
Ideal Candidates
Former gastric bypass patients who have regained weight. Patients who did not lose weight after gastric bypass.
How It's Done
Incisionless procedure returns the stomach pouch to the size achieved after gastric bypass. A small, flexible endoscope is inserted through the mouth.
Benefits
Outpatient procedure. Fast recovery time. No scarring. Minimal post-operative pain.
Gastric Balloon
Ideal Candidates
Have a BMI between 30-40. Nonsurgical weight loss attempts unsuccessful. Have one or more health issues related to obesity.
How It's Done
A thin, deflated balloon is placed in the stomach through the mouth. Once in place, it's filled with a saline solution.
Benefits
No incisions required. Temporary, balloon is only in for six months or less. Outpatient procedure done under mild sedation.