The journey to becoming a patient of New York Bariatric Group generally starts when someone becomes frustrated with repeated, failed attempts to lose weight. We treat adults and adolescents who have struggled with obesity, and often also have health conditions associated with extra weight.
Despite the myth that obesity can be treated by simply “eating less and exercising more,” we know that is easier said than done. The weight loss experts at New York Bariatric Group are well aware of the biological, metabolic, psychological, and other barriers to losing weight and keeping it off.
When you begin your journey, you’ll find you have choices. You have a choice of procedures like the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and Lap Band. You also may choose to try a non-surgical option like the Orbera or ReShape weight loss balloon. The best way to make your choice of which obesity treatment will be best for you, is to learn about the different procedures and then meet with a surgeon to discuss the specifics. You can learn more with our free informational seminar.
The other choice you’ll have is which practice or surgeon to work with. At New York Bariatric Group, we are a leader in terms of our experience and patient success. If you come to an in person seminar, you can meet some of our team and begin to see why so many patients in the New York area choose us.
Schedule a consultation today and learn how we can help you find an improved quality of life.
Schedule OnlineIf you are at a point where you wonder if you’ll ever lose a substantial amount of weight, find your energy, and reduce your pain, we understand that feeling. We have thousands of patients who were stuck in that frustration, until they made the choice to begin their journey at New York Bariatric Group.
“Before Lap Band surgery I had difficulty walking up stairs. I was always out of breath and I felt as if I was ‘bursting’ out of my skin. Now that I lost the weight I am able to do so much more and I have my energy back. For the first time in a long time I am proud of myself!”
“After 30 years of dieting and weight gain I thought it was time to look into weight loss surgery. My extensive research brought me to Dr. Garber and the New York Bariatric Group. They not only have the experience that is needed to perform successful surgery but the support needed to help keep the weight off. My surgery is very recent and I have already lost weight and I look forward to losing more and feeling better.”
“Before weight loss surgery I was constantly tired with backaches and leg aches. I always felt awful and hated the idea of walking. After surgery I feel so much better and I am more active. I am living life instead of watching it go by. The whole staff is wonderful and caring at the New York Bariatric Group…. they answer any questions right away and they helped tremendously with all insurance issues. I would recommend New York Bariatric Group to everyone!”
We look forward to working with you and guiding you throughout the entire journey of successful bariatric surgery, to a healthier, longer life. Call the New York Bariatric Group at 800-633-8446 for more information about getting started with weight loss surgery. You can also take our free informational seminar, which will give you more details about the pre-surgery processes at New York Bariatric Group. Our seminar information is here.
The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure is usually performed laparoscopically (i.e. keyhole surgery with a telescope). In this gastric bypass operation, the stomach is completely divided with a stapler to leave a pouch that initially measures only 25 mls. The small bowel is divided and the divided end brought up and joined to the small stomach pouch. The other small bowel end is joined back on to the small bowel about a meter down from the stomach. Thus the whole stomach is bypassed apart from a tiny pouch. This operation works in two ways:
Gastric bypass is an effective weight loss operation in most patients (although where patients end up is always dependent on how they use the tool they are given). Advantages of gastric bypass:
Diabetes is a leading cause of death in the United States, so it is important to recognize that the bypass can be a particularly good choice for patients who have type 2 diabetes. In studies, patients with diabetes who undergo gastric bypass surgery experience a remission of their diabetes as soon as days after their operation. This is particularly interesting because there is no way that the weight lost over a few days could lead to remission of diabetes. There appears to be a physiological change that happens from gastric bypass surgery that may treat diabetes. Although this is not the case for all patients, those with diabetes should be considered for gastric bypass surgery. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), approximately 80% of patients who have gastric bypass surgery go into remission of their type 2 diabetes.
Disadvantages of gastric bypass:
It is important to remember that The New York Bariatric Group and its affiliate Bariatric Center has been recognized as a “MBSAQIP and its Accredited Center-Comprehensive”. This designation provides the public with the assurance that our practice provides complete care for patients before, during and after bariatric surgery, and we have a proven track record verified by an independent review organization.
Based on this designation, we have proven that your hospital stay, will provide all that is necessary for a fast and pleasant recovery. From our full time bariatric nurse coordinator to specialized equipment that is needed to fulfill the needs of patients post-bariatric surgery, including bariatric chairs, beds, gowns and other specialized equipment. At the end of your hospital stay, you will find that our program is designed solely for the purpose of the bariatric patient.
The surgery usually takes only 75-90 minutes and is performed under general anesthesia. You will usually spend two nights in the hospital. On the first morning after the surgery you will undergo a GI series to make sure everything looks good. You will then be started on a liquid diet. On postoperative day two you will start on a pureed diet. Once you are tolerating pureed food you will be discharged home.
The recovery period after Gastric Bypass surgery is usually about 2 weeks until you can return to work.
Adjusting to your post bariatric surgery diet and lifestyle is one of the most important keys to your long-term success. Develop healthy daily habits based on eating in moderation that match your new body instead of failed eating patterns that can ultimately lead to poor health, fatigue, depression and attempts at binge eating. Making a commitment to lifestyle change will bring fast & substantial weight loss. Let us show you how.
Is permanent weight loss after bariatric surgery possible? Absolutely! But you aren’t going to find weight loss success by merely having restrictive weight loss surgery. Get thin quick schemes are a dime a dozen. They are usually costly plans that promise fast weight loss. They work too – temporarily. The problem with fast weight loss plans alone is they are not long-term solutions to losing weight and keeping it off.
Post bariatric surgery diet guidelines are fully discussed with patients during their comprehensive nutritional evaluation prior to surgery. Patients follow a Stage I diet for the first 4-6 week after surgery. This includes all foods that are soft, mushy and/or pureed consistencies. Examples for pureed foods are anything blended and smooth such as baby foods, fruitless yogurt, cottage cheese and hummus. Soft/mushy foods include chopped up ground meats such as turkey, veal, chicken or pork, soft, white, flaky fish that is baked, broiled or grilled, scrambled eggs and egg whites. Solid foods of all kinds should be completely avoided until weeks 4-6 or when the surgeon allows it.
This practice stresses the importance of good hydration, using non carbonated, decaffeinated, sugar free beverages. We always promote good quality proteins to be consumed from day one after bariatric surgery. High sugar and high fat foods are limited and very specific guidelines are provided to help equip patients with a clear-cut way to determine which foods are healthy for them to eat. Fruits, vegetables, and high fiber foods are reintroduced after the first 3 months. All patients get full details on dietary progression from our experienced nutritionists at their follow up visits.
The New York Bariatric Group is fully dedicated to promoting high standards for nutritional health. That doesn’t mean that patients should not enjoy eating. The New York Bariatric Group weight loss program has been designed to help patients lose weight rapidly, but provide you with resources to help enjoy your new lifestyle by keeping the flavor and fun in eating. Each patient is given the option to enroll in our Store. We brought together great tasting meals and supplements for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even snacks which can be ordered on our website.
Although bariatric surgery is usually quite effective, at times, it does not work as well as one would like. In such instances, a revisional bariatric surgery procedure may be considered. It is important to remember that revision operations are more technically challenging and carry a higher complication risk. Patients need to seek out very experienced bariatric surgeons that perform revisional bariatric surgery procedures routinely. Not everyone who regains weight or fails to lose as much weight as they would have liked are candidates for revisional bariatric surgery.
One must stress that morbid obesity is a multi-factorial disease, hence a multi-disciplined approach should be utilized to treat patients that have regained or failed to lose weight. Successful bariatric surgery starts with the operation. Some operations have been done much longer and have been proven to be more durable over time. Postoperative instruction and support is also very important. Snacking behavior, poor water intake, lack of exercise, and poor supplementation intake can all lead to poor outcomes. When patients are being evaluated for a revision in our program, a consultation with the surgeon is scheduled.
There are a few reasons for a patient with a gastric bypass to have inadequate weight loss. One of the most common is the stomach pouch or stoma,( the opening of the new stomach pouch to the small intestine), of a gastric bypass having been made too large by the surgeon Another possibility is the pouch and/or stoma stretching out over time. If the pouch is too large, than patients need to eat more to fill the pouch to feel full. If the stoma stretches out, food passes quickly from the stomach into the small intestine thus patients become hungry too soon after eating a meal. In all of theses cases, the patient may initially lose weight but eventually loses their sense of satiety or restriction and weight gain ensues. Usually an upper GI x-ray series or endoscopy will help us determine the pouch size, and to determine which of the revision options are best.
Fortunately, there is now a highly successful, safe option for gastric bypass patients that have been “left behind” in their weight loss. A revision with Lap-Band surgery over the previous gastric bypass may be the answer — known as a banded bypass, or simply band over bypass. Whether you have regained weight after a gastric bypass or you never lost the expected weight, a band over bypass can give you back the restriction that you felt in the first months after your gastric bypass. The gastric banding surgery will give you the tool necessary to restore your ability to limit your food intake and promote a feeling of fullness (satiety) after meals. This procedure is also considered safer than traditional revisional procedures. As with primary Lap-Band surgery, lap band over bypass surgery can most often be placed laparoscopically even if your initial gastric bypass was done open By placing a Lap-Band around the bypass can control the outlet of the stomach via the tightness of the band, in other words tighten down stoma and pouch and restore the restriction that you may have lost over time or even give you the restriction that your may have never had. Like the traditional or “primary” placement of an adjustable gastric band, in a band over bypass, a silicone band is placed around the stomach pouch and an injection port is attached to the abdominal wall under the skin. The port is connected to the gastric band with tubing. The silicone band is lined with an inflatable balloon that can be filled with saline (this can be done right in our office), via the access port in order to adjust the size of the stomach pouch and stoma. Adding fluid tightens the band and increases weight loss, while removing liquid loosens the band and reduces weight loss.
A second revision option for Roux En Y Gastric bypass patients who are seeking a revision is non-surgical endoscopic revisional surgery also known as a ROSE procedure, (Revision of Obesity Surgery Endoscopically), using the new Apollo OverStitch procedure for gastric bypass.
This gastric bypass revision procedure is performed using a four-channel tube and special Incisionless Surgery tools. The surgeon advances the flexible tube and a small endoscope through the patient’s mouth, into the stomach pouch. The surgeon will then insert the surgical tools through the channels of the tube. Tissue anchors are used to create multiple tissue folds around the stoma to reduce the diameter. The surgeon will then use the same technique to place anchors in the stomach pouch to reduce its volume. This results in slower emptying of the stomach and earlier satiety and more weight loss. The revisional bariatric surgery procedure also shrinks the stomach pouch and makes it small (similar to the original gastric bypass procedure).Due to the lack of external incisions, this procedure provides important advantages, including, less risk than traditional open or laparoscopic surgery, minimal postoperative pain, fast recovery time and no scarring. As with any weight loss procedure, results of gastric bypass revision vary with each patient. The OverStitch procedure is new and long term data are not yet available. Avoiding weight gain after gastric bypass is vital to improve your health and reduce the co-morbidities associated with obesity such as Type II diabetes, heart disease, joint disease and respiratory conditions. If you have started to regain weight since your initial surgery, ask your doctor about ROSE-OverStitch procedure gastric bypass revision.
There are many reasons why someone who has a Lap Band might consider revision surgery. Often, patients who had lap band surgery initially experience excellent weight loss, then the band fails for technical reasons like a port infection, lap band slip or erosion. Because these patients did have successful weight loss prior to the technical issue, repairing or replacing the band is an good option. Other lap band patients who never had good success with the lap band or have lost weight and then regained the weight for a non technical issue, converting to a different procedure is a path that should be strongly considered. In these patients converting to either a Sleeve Gastrectomy or a Roux En Y Gastric Bypass are good options. If a conversion is right for you, our experience shows that doing this in a “two stage” fashion is the safest. What is meant by a two stage procedure is first removing the band and taking down and eliminating any folds of the stomach that were meant to hold the band in place. We then wait approximately 2-3 months prior to conducting the next procedure whether it be a conversion to a Gastric Sleeve or Roux en Y Gastric bypass. We wait 2-3 months after removing a Lap Band because the stomach tissue becomes thickened as a reaction to the lap band. By waiting the 2-3 months, it gives your stomach time to recuperate and normalize closer to its original thickness from prior to the band. This more normal thickness stomach tissue holds the staples that are required to seal the stomach for a sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass better than the thicker stomach tissue does and appears to be a safer way of converting a patient from a band to a sleeve or bypass. On the other hand, if a patient had a technical issue with the Lap Band and decides to have the Lap Band repaired or replaced, this usually can be done in one stage and usually does not require a second operation but that determination is always made on a case by case basis as some exceptions do exist. You can learn about sleeve gastrectomy here. You can learn about gastric bypass here
Sleeve revision surgery should be considered when the initial sleeve has failed to achieve the desired results. Sometimes a patient who undergoes a gastric sleeve does not experience sufficient weight loss. This could be due to the sleeve being made too large by the initial surgeon (which oftentimes happens early in a surgeons experience conducting this operation), the sleeve stretching out over time, or the result of poor reduction of calorie consumption. Revision surgery is an excellent option for the first two types of problems whereas the third type patient would benefit mostly from proper instruction and can therefore avoid revisional bariatric surgery. The revisional options for sleeve gastrectomy include Re-Sleeving, placing a gastric band over the sleeve or converting to a Roux En Y Gastric Bypass.
Several factors that determine if you will be a good candidate for revisional surgery include: 1) What was the initial operation performed? 2) When was the initial operation performed? 3) Where was the initial operation was performed? 4) At what stage was your surgeon in his/her career? 5) Were the postoperative instructions and guidance given after the initial surgery adequate? 5) What was the initial weight loss history following surgery? 6) Were there any complications that occurred following the initial operation?
Lack of proper postoperative instructions and guidance after the initial surgery can result in misleading patients into believing they need a revisional procedure. In this case, the patient never learned the best way to use their new “tool”. It is this type of patient that will benefit considerably from proper instruction and can therefore avoid revisional bariatric surgery. Obtaining the weight loss history following the initial surgery tells us if the operation was ever effective or if it “failed the patient” from the very beginning. If postoperative weight loss never occurred or was minimal, then it is likely that there was a technical problem with the operation, and revisional surgery may be able to correct the problem at the root. Likewise, complications occurring after the surgery may have led to technical problems that have influenced the durability of the weight loss. Such complications may include intraabdominal infections, ulcerations, band infections, and prolonged vomiting postoperatively. Considering bariatric surgery as a “tool” to be used for long-term weight loss, we must determine if the patient has used their “tool” ineffectively or if the patient’s “tool” does not work. If the “tool” has not been used effectively then it is unlikely that a revision would be beneficial. However, if the “tool” is broken or never worked, then a revision may be beneficial.
It is important to remember that The New York Bariatric Group and its affiliate Bariatric Center has been recognized as a “MBSAQIP and its Accredited Center-Comprehensive”. This designation provides the public with the assurance that our practice provides complete care for patients before, during and after bariatric surgery, and we have a proven track record verified by an independent review organization.
Based on this designation, we have proven that your hospital stay, will provide all that is necessary for a fast and pleasant recovery. From our full time bariatric nurse coordinator to specialized equipment that is needed to fulfill the needs of patients post-bariatric surgery, including bariatric chairs, beds, gowns and other specialized equipment. At the end of your hospital stay, you will find that our program is designed solely for the purpose of the bariatric patient.
Revisional surgery time is very variable and is determined by many factors. If your previous surgery was performed through an open incision you will most likely have more scar tissue and the surgery will take longer. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. You will usually spend one night in the hospital for most surgeries except for gastric bypass usually requires two nights in the hospital. Once you are tolerating pureed food you will be discharged home.
The recovery period after Revisional Bariatric surgery is usually just 3 -5 days until you can return to work. If you undergo a gastric bypass the recovery could be approximately 2 weeks.
Adjusting to your post bariatric surgery diet and lifestyle is one of the most important keys to your long-term success. Develop healthy daily habits based on eating in moderation that match your new body instead of failed eating patterns that can ultimately lead to poor health, fatigue, depression and attempts at binge eating. Making a commitment to lifestyle change will bring fast & substantial weight loss. Let us show you how.
Is permanent weight loss after bariatric surgery possible? Absolutely! But you aren’t going to find weight loss success by merely having restrictive weight loss surgery. Get thin quick schemes are a dime a dozen. They are usually costly plans that promise fast weight loss. They work too – temporarily. The problem with fast weight loss plans alone is they are not long-term solutions to losing weight and keeping it off.
Post bariatric surgery diet guidelines are fully discussed with patients during their comprehensive nutritional evaluation prior to surgery. Patients follow a Stage I diet for the first 4-6 week after surgery. This includes all foods that are soft, mushy and/or pureed consistencies. Examples for pureed foods are anything blended and smooth such as baby foods, fruitless yogurt, cottage cheese and hummus. Soft/mushy foods include chopped up ground meats such as turkey, veal, chicken or pork, soft, white, flaky fish that is baked, broiled or grilled, scrambled eggs and egg whites. Solid foods of all kinds should be completely avoided until weeks 4-6 or when the surgeon allows it.
This practice stresses the importance of good hydration, using non carbonated, decaffeinated, sugar free beverages. We always promote good quality proteins to be consumed from day one after bariatric surgery. High sugar and high fat foods are limited and very specific guidelines are provided to help equip patients with a clear-cut way to determine which foods are healthy for them to eat. Fruits, vegetables, and high fiber foods are reintroduced after the first 3 months. All patients get full details on dietary progression from our experienced nutritionists at their follow up visits.
The New York Bariatric Group is fully dedicated to promoting high standards for nutritional health. That doesn’t mean that patients should not enjoy eating. The New York Bariatric Group weight loss program has been designed to help patients lose weight rapidly, but provide you with resources to help enjoy your new lifestyle by keeping the flavor and fun in eating. Each patient is given the option to enroll in our Store. We brought together great tasting meals and supplements for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even snacks which can be ordered on our website.
Popularly known as the LAP-BAND®, a gastric band is a hollow band made of special material is placed around the stomach near its upper end, creating a small pouch and a narrow passage into the larger remainder of the stomach. The band is then inflated with a salt solution. Following the initial surgery, the band itself can be tightened or loosened over time to change the size of the passage by increasing or decreasing the amount of salt solution.
In certain patients, we can do this with a single incisions in your belly button, so a scar is barely noticeable.
In the surgical procedure, the band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch that can hold only a small amount of food. The narrowed opening between the stomach pouch and the rest of the stomach controls how quickly food passes from the pouch to the lower part of the stomach. The system helps the patient eat less by limiting the amount of food that can be eaten at one time and increasing the time it takes for food to be digested.
Depending on the patient’s needs, after the device is implanted via the initial surgery the narrowed opening between the pouch and the lower part of the stomach can be adjusted in size by inflating or deflating the hollow band. Inflating the band makes the opening smaller, causing food to pass more slowly. Deflating the band makes it wider, and causes food to pass more quickly. This adjustment is made by adding or removing fluid inside the hollow band. The doctor does this by injecting or removing the fluid through a small button-like part called the access port. This access port is placed under the skin in a muscle in the chest wall. The port is connected to the band by the tubing. Learn about the adjustments of the band post-op below.
Gastric banding is most simple of the bariatric surgery options, and leads to the smallest number of serious complications. LAP-BAND patients often return to work in just a week or two. Another advantage of this weight loss treatment is that the band is adjustable. This means that the surgeon can change the level of fluid in your band at a quick office visit. Adding fluid makes the band tighter, and removing fluid makes the band looser. Each patient is different, so as time goes on you will work with our team and can call the office any time your band feels too loose or too full.
Another advantage of the band is that it is reversible. Although the band is meant to stay in place permanently, if there are side effects or other reasons to remove it, this is an option. No cutting or stapling is done, and the anatomy of the body is not changed at all when the gastric band is put in place. The LAP-BAND also does not have a malabsorbtion risk, like other procedures. When part of the stomach is removed or the intestines are rerouted, patients’ bodies absorb fewer nutrients which can lead to negative health consequences, especially if they do not follow their vitamin and supplement routine. Because the LAP-BAND has no risk of malabsorbtion, there would be no extra vitamin deficiencies to worry about.
Most patients experienced at least one side effect. Common side effects include nausea and vomiting, heartburn, abdominal pain, and slippage of the band. The most serious side effects required either another operation or hospitalization.
Because of the LAP-BAND design, it can be tempting to ‘cheat’ on your diet. Foods like chocolate or ice cream are easy to eat with the band, so it is important that patients commit to the eating changes that need to go with the surgery in order for it to be successful. It is also possible for food to get stuck, if you take bites that are too big or do not chew your food very carefully. This can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. Patients must be mindful of eating carefully with the band.
Most patients experience at least one side effect when they have a LAP-BAND. Common side effects include nausea and vomiting, heartburn, and abdominal pain. Some side effects are managed in follow up visits, but the most serious side effects require either another operation or hospitalization. There are risks to the gastric band, just like there are with any surgical procedure. These risks include prolapse, pouch dilatation, band erosion, and infection of the band, or port leak.
An adjustable band procedure should not be used for people who are poor candidates for weight loss surgery, have certain stomach or intestinal disorders, have an infection, have to take aspirin frequently, or are addicted to alcohol or drugs. It should not be used on patients who are not able or willing to follow the rules for eating and exercise that are recommended by the doctor after surgery.
It is important to remember that The New York Bariatric Group and its affiliate Bariatric Center has been recognized as a “MBSAQIP and its Accredited Center-Comprehensive”. This designation provides the public with the assurance that our practice provides complete care for patients before, during and after bariatric surgery, and we have a proven track record verified by an independent review organization.
Based on this designation, we have proven that your hospital stay, will provide all that is necessary for a fast and pleasant recovery. From our full time bariatric nurse coordinator to specialized equipment that is needed to fulfill the needs of patients post-bariatric surgery, including bariatric chairs, beds, gowns and other specialized equipment. At the end of your hospital stay, you will find that our program is designed solely for the purpose of the bariatric patient.
The surgery usually takes only 25 – 35 minutes and is performed under general anesthesia. You will usually spend one night in the hospital or sometimes can go home the same day. Once you are tolerating pureed food you will be discharged home.
The recovery period after Lap-Band surgery is usually just 3 -5 days until you can return to work. With the virtually scarless (SILS) single incision technique you can soemtimes return to work sooner.
Adjusting to your post bariatric surgery diet and lifestyle is one of the most important keys to your long-term success. Develop healthy daily habits based on eating in moderation that match your new body instead of failed eating patterns that can ultimately lead to poor health, fatigue, depression and attempts at binge eating. Making a commitment to lifestyle change will bring fast & substantial weight loss. Let us show you how.
Depending on the patient’s needs, after the device is implanted via the initial surgery the narrowed opening between the pouch and the lower part of the stomach can be adjusted in size by inflating or deflating the hollow band. Inflating the band makes the opening smaller, causing food to pass more slowly. Deflating the band makes it wider, and causes food to pass more quickly. This adjustment is made by adding or removing fluid inside the hollow band. The doctor does this by injecting or removing the fluid through a small button-like part called the access port. This access port is placed under the skin in a muscle in the chest wall. The port is connected to the band by the tubing. Learn about the adjustments of the band post-op below.
Post bariatric surgery diet guidelines are fully discussed with patients during their comprehensive nutritional evaluation prior to surgery. Patients follow a Stage I diet for the first 4-6 week after surgery. This includes all foods that are soft, mushy and/or pureed consistencies. Examples for pureed foods are anything blended and smooth such as baby foods, fruitless yogurt, cottage cheese and hummus. Soft/mushy foods include chopped up ground meats such as turkey, veal, chicken or pork, soft, white, flaky fish that is baked, broiled or grilled, scrambled eggs and egg whites. Solid foods of all kinds should be completely avoided until weeks 4-6 or when the surgeon allows it.
This practice stresses the importance of good hydration, using non carbonated, decaffeinated, sugar free beverages. We always promote good quality proteins to be consumed from day one after bariatric surgery. High sugar and high fat foods are limited and very specific guidelines are provided to help equip patients with a clear-cut way to determine which foods are healthy for them to eat. Fruits, vegetables, and high fiber foods are reintroduced after the first 3 months. All patients get full details on dietary progression from our experienced nutritionists at their follow up visits.
The New York Bariatric Group is fully dedicated to promoting high standards for nutritional health. That doesn’t mean that patients should not enjoy eating. The New York Bariatric Group weight loss program has been designed to help patients lose weight rapidly, but provide you with resources to help enjoy your new lifestyle by keeping the flavor and fun in eating. Each patient is given the option to enroll in our Store. We brought together great tasting meals and supplements for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even snacks which can be ordered on our website.
With the gastric sleeve surgery, we remove approximately 70 - 80% of your stomach, leaving a “sleeve” of stomach. The surgery reduces the volume of your stomach, thus making you feel full more quickly. The section of your stomach that is responsible for producing the hormone Ghrelin is taken out. This hormone stimulates feelings of hunger, so after the procedure, you can be confident that your hunger levels and thus your food intake will decrease.
Patients usually lose approximately 70% of their excess weight with the sleeve gastrectomy.
In certain patients, we can do this with a single incisions in your belly button, so a scar is barely noticeable.
The New York Bariatric Group is proud to be among the first and only surgeons in the area that now offer virtually scarless single incision sleeve gastrectomy, or gastric sleeve surgery, performed completely through the umbilicus. This results in improved cosmesis and quicker recovery when you choose sleeve gastrectomy. Another benefit to vertical sleeve gastrectomy is that most patients usually spend only one night in the hospital, while the recovery time for bypass surgeries is longer. Ask your surgeon if you qualify for the new virtually scarless SILS sleeve gastrectomy.
Gastric sleeve surgery is a simpler procedure to perform than gastric bypass, resulting in lower complications and faster recovery times. Because we are not changing the gastrointestinal track, it decreases the chances of complications like vitamin deficiencies that occur with gastric bypass surgery. Patients can lose weight similar to gastric bypass surgery, over a significantly shorter time.
Also, the section of your stomach that is responsible for producing the hormone Ghrelin is taken out. This hormone stimulates feelings of hunger, so after the procedure, you can be confident that your hunger levels and thus your food intake will decrease. The surgery also reduces the volume of your stomach, thus making you feel full more quickly.
Another benefit of this surgery is that your stomach will continue to function normally. As a result, you can still eat most of your favorite foods with no worries about suffering from dumping syndrome, which is characterized by abdominal discomfort and other related symptoms. You also do not have to worry about foreign bodies being implanted in you, as is the case with lap band surgery.
One reason the gastric sleeve results are so positive, is when we do the operation, we take out a section of your stomach that produces a hormone called Ghrelin. Ghrelin is known as the hunger hormone. It stimulates feelings of hunger, so when we remove this portion of the stomach, our patients find their hunger levels drop, and it is easier to eat less. Additionally, we are removing about 70 – 80% of your stomach, so the stomach is able to hold a smaller volume of food. For this reason, patients tend to eat less and feel full more quickly.
Another reason patients like the sleeve surgery is that the stomach will continue to function normally. Because of this, you can still eat most of your favorite foods with no worry about suffering from a side-effect called dumping syndrome, which sometimes happens after gastric bypass surgery. Dumping syndrome is characterized by abdominal discomfort and other related symptoms.
Gastric sleeve resection is considered a new operation and therefore long-term data is not available. Because a long tube is created with a lot of resistance, it does severely limit the amount of food that a patient can eat. Sleeve gastrectomy does have higher complication rates than the adjustable gastric banding procedure, due to the risk of leaks or bleeding from the staple lines.
The gastric sleeve procedure is also irreversible. Any form of gastric surgery carries risks; we are happy to go over these with you and you may ask any questions you might have so that you can feel confident about your weight loss procedure decision.
Any form of gastric surgery carries risks, but we do these operations because when the patients are chosen carefully—and the surgeons are as experienced as the ones at New York Bariatric Group—the benefits outweigh the risks.
It is important to remember that The New York Bariatric Group and its affiliate Bariatric Center has been recognized as a “MBSAQIP and its Accredited Center-Comprehensive”. This designation provides the public with the assurance that our practice provides complete care for patients before, during and after bariatric surgery, and we have a proven track record verified by an independent review organization.
Based on this designation, we have proven that your hospital stay, will provide all that is necessary for a fast and pleasant recovery. From our full time bariatric nurse coordinator to specialized equipment that is needed to fulfill the needs of patients post-bariatric surgery, including bariatric chairs, beds, gowns and other specialized equipment. At the end of your hospital stay, you will find that our program is designed solely for the purpose of the bariatric patient.
The surgery usually takes only 35-40 minutes and is performed under general anesthesia. You will usually spend one night in the hospital. On the first morning after the surgery you will undergo a GI series to make sure everything looks good. You will then be started on a liquid diet and advanced to a pureed diet for lunch. Most patient will go home around lunch time.
The recovery period after Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery is usually just 3 -5 days until you can return to work. With the virtually scarless (SILS) single incision technique you can sometimes return to work sooner.
Adjusting to your post bariatric surgery diet and lifestyle is one of the most important keys to your long-term success. Develop healthy daily habits based on eating in moderation that match your new body instead of failed eating patterns that can ultimately lead to poor health, fatigue, depression and attempts at binge eating. Making a commitment to lifestyle change will bring fast & substantial weight loss. Let us show you how.
Is permanent weight loss after bariatric surgery possible? Absolutely! But you aren’t going to find weight loss success by merely having restrictive weight loss surgery. Get thin quick schemes are a dime a dozen. They are usually costly plans that promise fast weight loss. They work too – temporarily. The problem with fast weight loss plans alone is they are not long-term solutions to losing weight and keeping it off.
Post bariatric surgery diet guidelines are fully discussed with patients during their comprehensive nutritional evaluation prior to surgery. Patients follow a Stage I diet for the first 4-6 week after surgery. This includes all foods that are soft, mushy and/or pureed consistencies. Examples for pureed foods are anything blended and smooth such as baby foods, fruitless yogurt, cottage cheese and hummus. Soft/mushy foods include chopped up ground meats such as turkey, veal, chicken or pork, soft, white, flaky fish that is baked, broiled or grilled, scrambled eggs and egg whites. Solid foods of all kinds should be completely avoided until weeks 4-6 or when the surgeon allows it.
This practice stresses the importance of good hydration, using non carbonated, decaffeinated, sugar free beverages. We always promote good quality proteins to be consumed from day one after bariatric surgery. High sugar and high fat foods are limited and very specific guidelines are provided to help equip patients with a clear-cut way to determine which foods are healthy for them to eat. Fruits, vegetables, and high fiber foods are reintroduced after the first 3 months. All patients get full details on dietary progression from our experienced nutritionists at their follow up visits.
The New York Bariatric Group is fully dedicated to promoting high standards for nutritional health. That doesn’t mean that patients should not enjoy eating. The New York Bariatric Group weight loss program has been designed to help patients lose weight rapidly, but provide you with resources to help enjoy your new lifestyle by keeping the flavor and fun in eating. Each patient is given the option to enroll in our Store. We brought together great tasting meals and supplements for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even snacks which can be ordered on our website.
Our team is happy to speak with you and help you understand any of the treatments we offer, or answer any questions you have. Please call and speak with us at 800-633-8446, or read more about the surgical and non-surgical options we offer here.
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Learn more“The staff and doctors at the New York Bariatric Group are amazing! They are always patient, helpful, and very understanding and pro-active with questions, problems, etc. After Lap Band surgery I feel fantastic. For the last 6 years I have not had to worry if my clothes would fit. I have been able to maintain my weight loss, and have so much more energy.”
Learn more"Dr. Holover has a great personality, I love him, I consider him a good friend, and I recommend him to everyone. He and his staff are amazing. I thought my recovery would be worse, but it wasn’t. It was great. After a couple of days I was back on my feet and going, with three boys you don’t have time to be down. Now, my kids have to keep up with me!"
Learn more"My results are incredible; I can go to any store and find clothes that fit, I don’t have to go to the big and tall store anymore. My family and friends say I look great, but more so are so happy about my health. Definitely go for it, it is well worth it."
Learn more"My recovery was very easy, I started moving around pretty quick because the nurses had me up and about. Dr. Angstadt has a great bedside manner, a cheerful disposition and is very knowledgeable. He was genuinely concerned for me, he answered all of my questions and put me at ease. I couldn’t be happier, I think it is the best decision I ever made."
Learn more"I was concerned about my health, my blood pressure, cholesterol, my mobility, my flexibility. A few friends told me about NYBG and I went to a seminar. I wanted to live a healthier life and live a long life. My recovery was great, after a week I was 100%. My doctor, Dr. Sekhar, has the best personality in the world."
Learn more"I had a couple of friends who had bariatric surgery done by Dr. Garber a few years back and I decided to make the appointment. My favorite thing about the surgery is not being able to eat that much, eating whatever I want but in smaller portions. My results are amazing"
*Individual results may vary.
