About Types of Weight Loss Surgeries Specialists Location

Bariatric Procedures We Offer

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The type of bariatric surgery that works best for you will depend on several factors. These include your general health, needs and preference.

Our surgeons at the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute at UC San Diego Health offer multiple bariatric surgery options for long-term weight loss. Take the next step in your weight loss journey.

Types of Weight Loss Surgeries

Each weight loss procedure benefits certain people, depending on their health status, body mass index (BMI) and individual situation. Below are summaries of the surgeries offered and the ideal candidates for each type of surgery:

Gastric Sleeve

Ideal Candidates	How It's Done	Benefits	Expected Weight Loss
Severely obese (BMI of 35 or more) for more than five years. Nonsurgical serious weight-loss attempts were unsuccessful. Is willing to make significant lifestyle changes.	Large segment of the stomach is removed through a small incision. Minimally invasive laparoscopic technique. Part of the stomach that creates hunger-producing hormones is removed. Patients experience diminished appetite.	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 ages 14 and up.	30% to 50% of excess weight in the first 6 to 12 months, with a total of 50% to 70% excess weight loss over 2 years.

Gastric Banding

Ideal Candidates	How It's Done	Benefits	Expected Weight Loss
Severely obese (BMI of 35 or more) for more than five years. Nonsurgical serious weight-loss attempts were unsuccessful. Is willing to make significant lifestyle changes.	Gastric band is placed around the stomach to create a small stomach pouch. Port accessible at the skin's surface allowing for easy adjustments. Minimally invasive laparoscopic technique works by limiting food intake, reducing appetite and slowing digestion.	This is one of the safest, least invasive surgical weight loss options. No stomach stapling or intestinal rerouting. Adjustable and reversible bariatric surgery option. Outpatient procedure. Fast recovery time. Appropriate for teenagers ages 14 and up.	50% of excess weight over 2 years.

Gastric Bypass

Ideal Candidates	How It's Done	Benefits	Expected Weight Loss
Severely obese (BMI of 35 or more) for more than five years. Nonsurgical serious weight-loss attempts were unsuccessful. Is willing to make significant lifestyle changes.	Stomach is made smaller by creating a small pouch. Intestines are rerouted. Minimally invasive laparoscopic technique. After surgery, patients absorb fewer calories and nutrients.	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 ages 14 and up.	65% to 80% of excess weight over 18 months.

Gastric Bypass Revision

Ideal Candidates	How It's Done	Benefits	Expected Weight Loss
Former gastric bypass patients who have regained weight. Patients who did not lose weight after gastric bypass.	Incisionless procedure returns stomach pouch to the size achieved after gastric bypass. A small, flexible endoscope is inserted through the mouth.	Outpatient procedure. Fast recovery time. No scarring. Minimal post-operative pain.	Loss of 1 to 2 pounds a week, starting immediately after surgery.

Gastric Balloon

Ideal Candidates	How It's Done	Benefits	Expected Weight Loss
Have a BMI of 30 to 40. Nonsurgical weight loss attempts were unsuccessful. Have one or more health issues related to obesity.	A thin, deflated balloon is placed in the stomach through the mouth. Once in place, it's filled with a saline solution.	No incisions required. Temporary balloon is placed only for 6 months or less. Outpatient procedure is done under mild sedation.	10% of excess weight over 6 months.

Navigating Your Experience

Our bariatric program’s multidisciplinary team understands the emotional impact of your diagnosis and treatment and will assist you as you navigate this process. We will guide you from your first interaction with doctors and registered dietitians through your recovery.

Our patient navigator can answer questions, address your concerns and offer support as you prepare for surgery. The navigator will also provide an informational webinar to help you understand our services and know what to expect during your bariatric surgical journey with us.

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MBSAQIP Accredited Comprehensive Center

Our Bariatric and Metabolic Institute is a fully accredited Surgical Quality Partner in the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), meeting the highest standards for patient safety and quality. This designation means you get safe, effective and high-quality weight loss surgeries and care at UC San Diego Health.