Learn about your weight loss surgery options at Duke, including:

• Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
• Gastric Banding
• Duodenal Switch
• Sleeve Gastrectomy

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Recently, the most successful weight loss outcomes have been obtained by combining the gastric restrictive procedure with a very limited intestinal bypass -- so called "Gastric Restrictive Procedure with Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity; with Short Limb (75 to 150 cm) Roux-en-Y Gastroenterostomy" (more commonly referred to as simply the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Procedure). This procedure currently is giving the best short- and long-term results.

For information on Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, including expected weight loss, operating time, and possible complications, download a procedure comparison chart (PDF, 20 KB).

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Gastric Banding

Since first described by Wittgrove in 1971, the laparoscopic approach to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass has rapidly become the procedure of choice. When compared to an open procedure, where an upper midline incision is made, the laparoscopic approach avoids potential serious wound complications, shortens hospital stay, and results in a more rapid recovery of normal function and return to work.

For more information on gastric banding, including expected weight loss, operating time, and possible complications, download a procedure comparison chart (PDF, 20 KB).

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Duodenal Switch

Duodenal switch is a procedure performed by removing the left portion of the stomach to limit food intake and then “switching” the small intestine around to alter the digestion process and limit food absorption.

For more information about duodenal switch, including expected weight loss, operating time, and possible complications, download a procedure comparison chart (PDF, 20 KB).

A biliopancreatic bypass duodenal switch has been proposed by some as another possible approach to the surgical management of super obesity.

Reported weight loss has been slightly greater than for the average weight loss following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, however metabolic and nutritional disturbances have been seen with this procedure and there is little long-term results available. If it is indicated in any patient, it would be one who is markedly overweight.

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Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy generates weight loss by restricting the amount of food that can be eaten by removing 85 percent or more of the stomach. What remains of the stomach is a narrow tube or sleeve, which connects to the intestines.

The nerves to the stomach and the outlet valve remain intact with the idea of preserving the functions of the stomach while drastically reducing the volume without bypassing the intestines or causing any gastrointestinal malabsorption.

For more information about sleeve gastrectomy, including expected weight loss, operating time and possible complications, download a procedure comparison chart (PDF, 20 KB).

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