Most people think “gastric bypass” when it comes to weight-loss surgery. But there are actually several types of bariatric surgery. Take a look at the options below to learn more.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB): This referrers to a lap band, which is an inflatable silicone device, placed around the top portion of the stomach. It treats obesity by reducing the amount of food consumption. The procedure requires general anesthesia and lasts anywhere from one to three hours. This particular procedure can be reversed at any time.

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG): The surgeon will remove a portion (about 80 – 85 percent) of the stomach. The new, smaller stomach is about the size of a banana, and the patient will now feel full after eating smaller portions of food; thus, resulting in weight loss. This procedure cannot be reversed.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB): Pronounced “roo-on-why,” gastric bypass is the most common from of bariatric surgery performed on adults in the United States.  A surgical stapler is used to separate the upper portion of the stomach from the lower portion. The upper portion, referred to as the “pouch,” is then connected to the middle portion of the small intestine, thus bypassing part of the stomach and small intestine. This means less food and nutrients are absorbed, leading to weight loss. This procedure cannot be reversed.

 Risks for bariatric surgery include:

• Inflamed stomach with heartburn
• Injury to the stomach, intestines or other organs during surgery
• Poor nutrition and vitamin deficiency
• Vomiting from eating more than your stomach pouch can hold