Bariatric Surgery Options at UPMC

If you need to lose more than 100 pounds, and diet and exercise haven’t worked, bariatric surgery can be an effective tool for treating obesity and its related health complications.

At UPMC's Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, our surgeons perform a spectrum of weight loss procedures. They'll work with you to develop a personalized weight loss plan and determine the best surgical option for you.

Quick Comparison of Bariatric Surgery Options

Gastric Bypass Surgery Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band Surgery Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Creates a small pouch that bypasses the stomach and attaches to the intestine. Inserts a thin, inflatable band to create a new, smaller stomach pouch. Removes part of the stomach and creates a new, tube-shaped stomach or "sleeve."
Restricts the amount of food you can eat and reduces the number of calories your body will absorb. Regulates the flow of food and helps you feel full sooner. Limits the amount of food you can eat and helps you feel full sooner.
Weight loss is rapid. Lose 60 to 80 percent of excess body weight within 12 to 18 months. Weight loss is slow and gradual. Lose 40 to 50 percent of excess body weight over 24+ months. Weight loss is slower than gastric bypass. Lose 50 to 80 percent of excess body weight within 12 months.
Surgery time: 1.5 hours. Under an hour for surgery. About an hour for surgery.
Hospital stay: 2–3 days. 1–2 days in hospital. 2–3 days in hospital.
Recovery time: About 2 weeks. About 10 days recovery time. 2–4 weeks recovery time.
Not reversible, in most cases. Reversible and adjustable. Not reversible.
Risk of dumping syndrome. No risk of dumping syndrome. No risk of dumping syndrome.

 

Malabsorptive and Revision Bariatric Procedures

Malabsorptive and Combined Procedures:

  • Reduce the stomach size by two-thirds, but do not severely restrict food intake.
  • Reduce the body’s ability to absorb calories and nutrients from food.
  • Create much more intestinal bypass and therefore more malabsorption.

Revision (Restrictive) Procedures:

  • Reduce the size of the stomach to restrict food intake.
  • Are for people who have already had bariatric surgery and either had complications or didn't successfully lose weight.

Surgical Methods

Depending on your health, the type of bariatric procedure you're having, and other factors, surgeons will use one of the following surgical methods:

  • Minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery — The surgeon inserts a laparoscope through several, 1/4- to 1/2-inch incisions to access the stomach and intestines.
  • Traditional open baritric surgery — The surgeon makes a 10- to 12-inch incision to access the stomach and intestines.
  • Single-incision techniques — The surgeon uses a single incision, reducing future scarring and potentially accelerating healing.

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