Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Options

The following four procedures are currently available to treat diabetes and obesity. To determine which surgery is most appropriate, it is necessary to evaluate each patient’s height, weight, and medical problems, while also taking into consideration his or her lifestyle. Most operations performed at Mount Sinai use laparoscopic, minimally invasive techniques.

  • Gastric Bypass: An established operation that has been used to treat obesity for more than 40 years, the gastric bypass entails creating a small stomach pouch and bypassing three to five feet of intestine. Obese patients typically lose 50-75 percent of their excess weight. Type 2 diabetes is resolved in 80 percent of patients.
  • Adjustable Gastric Band (LAP-BAND™): The adjustable gastric band is wrapped around the upper stomach, restricting the stomach’s food capacity. The amount of restriction is adjusted by injecting saline solution into a small access port located under the skin. Patients typically lose 40-50 percent of their excess weight. Diabetes is resolved in 50-60 percent of patients.
  • Sleeve Gastrectomy: During this procedure, the left side of the stomach is removed, leaving a stomach roughly the size and shape of a banana. Weight loss is similar to gastric bypass, and Type 2 diabetes resolves in 60 percent of patients.
  • Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD-DS): A sleeve Gastrectomy is performed and a large amount of small intestine is bypassed, resulting is decreased absorption of nutrients. Weight loss is typically slightly better than gastric bypass, and Type 2 diabetes resolves in over 90 percent.

Explore the metabolic procedures gallery to learn more about these treatments.

Weight Loss Clinical Trials

In addition to the established procedures, Mount Sinai Metabolic is evaluating several investigational operations to treat diabetes and obesity. Additionally, we are studying established procedures in patient populations that have not traditionally qualified for bariatric surgery operations.