Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Roux-en-Y gastric bypass — one of the most common Bariatric surgeries — is a minimally invasive procedure that creates a smaller, golf ball-sized stomach out of the existing one. Having less space in the stomach means smaller amounts of food will make patients feel full, so they consume less. Also, by bypassing the larger portion of the stomach and rerouting the path to the intestine, food comes in contact with digestive juices for a shorter period of time, so less calories are absorbed. In addition, alteration of the stomach also causes changes in the hormones which help regulate appetite and hunger. View full image
Sleeve Gastrectomy One of the newest minimally invasive techniques available to weight-loss patients, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is particularly well-suited for those at the highest risk for surgery, either because of their medical history or their weight. Under certain conditions, it is also offered as a first-step, lower-risk bridge to other bariatric operations. The procedure involves removing 80 percent of the stomach, leaving only a tube or "sleeve" of stomach behind. This restricts the amount of food that a patient can eat, and often leads to significant weight loss, in addition to also changing hormone production related to hunger. View full image