Top Four Reversible Bariatric Procedures

Choosing to have bariatric surgery is a significant decision. If you have a gastric bypass or a sleeve gastrectomy, permanent changes are made to your body. While these procedures have been successful for long-term weight loss, especially the gastric sleeve, not everyone is comfortable making changes to their digestive system that cannot be reversed. The good news is that there are less invasive bariatric procedures that are also reversible. Here are the top four reversible bariatric procedures that we offer at The Weight Loss Surgery Center of Los Angeles.

Gastric Plication

Gastric plication is similar to gastric sleeve surgery, but instead of removing a large portion of the stomach, it is reduced in size by folding. During the procedure, the stomach is folded to create a smaller size that can only hold about three ounces of food or liquid at a time. This dramatically reduces how much you can eat, like gastric bypass or gastric sleeve. However, the stitches can be removed, and the stomach unfolded if you desire.

Gastric Balloon

Not everyone needs to lose 100 pounds or more, but that does not make it any easier to lose 30, 40, or 50 pounds. Gastric balloon procedures are an excellent option for those that need to lose weight but do not want or need bariatric surgery. These balloons are inserted into the stomach and inflated to reduce the space inside the stomach. The devices are designed to stay inside the stomach for several months, then deflated and removed from the body after weight loss.

Lap-Band

One of the most effective bariatric procedures that can be reversed is Lap-Band surgery. This weight loss procedure places a band around the stomach to create a small pouch. Our bariatric surgeon Dr. David Davtyan had this procedure himself over twenty years ago with much success. The band can be adjusted as needed for improved fullness or to allow more room within the stomach. It can also be removed in the future if the patient decides they no longer need or want the Lap-Band.

Gastric Pacemaker

The gastric pacemaker is a gastric electrical stimulation device that sends impulses to the vagus nerve, which sends hunger and fullness signals to the brain. This minimally-invasive procedure attaches two leads to the outside of the stomach where the vagus nerve is located. A pulse generator is also implanted into the abdomen to send signals to the stomach when you eat, making you feel fuller faster and reducing your hunger. These devices can be removed if, for any reason, you no longer want the effects of the gastric pacemaker.

Bariatric procedures can be very effective for losing weight, but you do not need to commit to a lifetime of change. If you want a reversible weight loss procedure, options are available. To learn more about all our bariatric procedures and which one may be right for you, contact our team at The Weight Loss Surgery Center of Los Angeles, CA, to schedule your consultation.