Bariatric surgery at a glance

Gastric Bypass

(The most common until 2013.) A small stomach pouch is created by dividing the top of the stomach from the rest. The small intestine is similarly divided, and the stomach pouch is connected to the lower portion of the intestine.

Pro: Loss of up to

80 percent of

the excess weight.

Con: A more complex operation than the usual alternatives and thus more likely to lead to complications.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

(Now the most common.) About 80 percent

of the stomach is removed, leaving a banana-shaped pouch.

Pro: Weight loss comparable with the gastric bypass, with a shorter hospital stay and

less danger of complications.

Con: Nonreversible.

Adjustable Gastric Band

An inflatable band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach, creating a small pouch. The size of the opening is adjusted over time. New Jersey Gov. Christie had this type of surgery.

Pro: Reversible and can often be done with a hospital stay of less than 24 hours.

Con: Less likely to result in early weight loss.

Biliopancreatric Diversion Gastric Bypass

A tubular stomach pouch is created, similar to the sleeve gastrectomy, but a much larger portion of the intestine is bypassed. A very rare procedure, comprising less than 1 percent of

bariatric surgeries in the United States.

Pro: Greater weight loss than the alternatives.

Con: Higher complication and mortality rates,

longer hospital stay.

SOURCE: American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

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