Surgilite

This type of operation maintains the principles of a small pouch and a narrow outlet to produce restriction of food intake, the main cause of weight loss. In addition, most of the stomach and duodenum are bypassed, and malabsorption occurs. By adding malabsorption food is delayed in mixing with stomach secretions, bile and pancreatic juice which are needed for the digestion and absorption of nutrients. The result can be a sense of fullness, combined with a sense of satisfaction, which reduces the desire to eat.

This procedure is considered to be the current gold standard procedure for weight loss surgery. It is the most frequently performed weight loss procedure in the United States. In this procedure, stapling creates a small (15 to 20 cc) stomach pouch. The remainder of the stomach is not removed, but is completely stapled shut and divided from the lower stomach. The outlet from this newly formed pouch empties directly into the lower portion of the jejunum, thus bypassing calorie absorption and the duodenum. This is done by dividing the small intestine just beyond the duodenum and bringing it up to the pouch constructing a connection with the new smaller stomach pouch. The other open end of the bowel is sewn back into the side of the Roux limb of intestine, completing a Y-shaped arrangement that gives the technique its name. The length of either segment of the bowel can be increased to produce more malabsorption, but increase in length also increased the risks and side-effects. The average weight loss is higher in the compliant patient, than with pure restrictive procedures. Poor absorption of iron and calcium may result because the duodenum is bypassed.