Surgical Weight Loss Options

It is important to understand the two methods which create weight loss in our patients, restriction and malabsorption.

  • Malabsorption refers to when surgery is used to shorten or bypass part of the gastrointestinal tract, which decreases the number of calories and nutrients the body absorbs when food passes through.
  • Restriction refers to when a surgical procedure physically changes the capacity of the stomach, which confines the number of calories you can eat.

Knowing more about each type of surgery we offer can help you have an informed conversation with a Cleveland Clinic doctor.

Gastric bypass (malabsorption)

Gastric bypass, also known as Roux-en Y gastric bypass, is a minimally invasive procedure that is one of the most common forms of bariatric surgery. Our team has mastered this procedure. Gastric bypass surgery is an operation that creates a small pouch to restrict food intake and bypasses a segment of the small intestine.

Gastric sleeve (restriction)

Gastric sleeve is becoming a more popular procedure in recent years. Gastric sleeve is a laparoscopic procedure, meaning that it is less invasive and may lead to reduced recovery times and minimal scarring. The procedure involves making five or six small incisions in the abdomen and performing the procedure using a video camera (laparoscope) and long instruments that are placed through these small incisions.

Both of these effects have the same purpose however, to reduce life-threatening obesity and related illnesses.

After you choose one of these surgical options for weight loss, you'll be expected to change your lifestyle after bariatric surgery.

Nonsurgical Weight Loss Options

The Bariatric and Metabolic Institute offers nonsurgical weight loss options to help patients achieve a healthy weight:

Medical weight loss program

For medical weight loss, dietitians review each patient’s food and exercise history as an important part of the medical assessment. Psychologists help our patients address issues like depression, eating disorders and smoking and other addictions, helping our patients adopt healthy behaviors to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Exercise physiologists also can create individualized exercise programs, including stress testing. Medication, such as appetite suppressants, can be prescribed to help with weight loss.

Intragastric balloon system

The intragastric balloon is a new nonsurgical treatment option for patients who failed previous attempts at weight loss through diet and exercise alone.