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Compare Minimally Invasive Weight Loss Surgery Options

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.

Expected Weight Loss

50 percent of excess weight over 2 years.

Read more about gastric banding

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.

Expected Weight Loss

65 to 80 percent of excess weight over 18 months.

Read more about gastric bypass

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.

Expected Weight Loss

Loss of one to two pounds a week, starting immediately after surgery.

Read more about gastric bypass revision

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.

Expected Weight Loss

10 percent of excess weight over 6 months.

Read more about the gastric balloon