Bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, includes a range of procedures designed to help individuals with obesity achieve lasting weight loss and alleviate related health conditions by modifying the digestive system. These changes restrict food intake and/or reduce nutrient absorption.

Bariatric surgery is typically recommended when other weight loss methods—such as diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes—haven’t been successful, especially when excess weight poses serious health risks.

In addition to aiding weight loss, bariatric surgery has been shown to improve or even resolve other obesity-related conditions, including:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Sleep apnea
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Osteoarthritis

The surgical team here at Orlando Minimally Invasive Surgery offers a variety of bariatric procedures, including:

• Robotic or Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
• Robotic or Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve

With specialized training in minimally invasive techniques, our surgeons perform these procedures using laparoscopic or robotic surgery through just 4 to 6 small incisions on the abdomen. This approach minimizes recovery time, often allowing patients to return home within 1–2 days.

Most importantly, our team recognizes that weight loss surgery is just one part of a successful treatment plan. While obesity is a surgical disease, a multidisciplinary approach—including pre- and post-surgical lifestyle changes and support from a nutritionist, dietitian, physical therapist, and others—is essential for optimal outcomes.

Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass surgery, coined Roux-en-Y surgery, is known as the gold standard of weight loss procedures and consists of two segments. In the first phase, a surgeon staples the stomach to decrease its size and create a small pouch. This allows patients to consume less food and drink while feeling full. Afterward, the surgeon attaches the lower end of the small intestine to the stomach pouch, allowing food to bypass most of a patient’s digestive system and limiting their calorie absorption.

The bypassed portion remains attached to the rest of the stomach, enabling digestive enzymes to flow from the stomach and the upper small intestine into the lower part of the small intestine. The bypass also affects gut hormones, bacteria, and other factors influencing appetite and metabolism. Although it presents a significant challenge, gastric bypass can be reversed by a surgeon if deemed medically necessary.

Gastric Sleeve

A more recent weight-loss procedure, gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is where a surgeon removes roughly 80% of a patient’s stomach, leaving only a tube-shaped portion that is sealed with staples. The procedure reduces the size of the stomach, allowing patients to feel full faster.

Its most significant impact may be seen on gut hormones and bacteria that limit appetite, curb hunger, improve satiety, and enhance metabolism and blood sugar control. The surgery is permanent as the part of the stomach that was taken out cannot be restored.