Gastric bypass surgery: This surgery creates an upper stomach pouch and “bypasses” the majority of the stomach as well as the first part of the intestine. The bypassed stomach is still alive and drains so it is not removed. The new stomach pouch is smaller so you will feel full with less food. Bypassing some of your original digestive system also changes absorption of the foods you eat as well as some medications that you may take. There are several different types of gastric bypass surgery (including the Roux-en-Y pictured, which is the most commonly performed type). Smoking of any type and NSAID medications (ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, etc.) are not allowed after this surgery as they will lead to ulcer formation and other complications.
Loop duodenal switch/stomach intestinal pylorus sparing surgery (SIPS): This surgery removes a large portion of your stomach, and also reroutes or bypasses part of your small intestine. SIPS surgery keeps your pyloric valve intact which controls how quickly food leaves your stomach. Bypassing some of your original digestive system also changes absorption of the foods you eat, as well as some medications that you may take. By connecting the small bowel to another piece of small bowel (instead of to the stomach like in the gastric bypass) patients can take NSAID medications (ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, etc.) after this procedure without increasing the risk of complications. This is like a merging of the sleeve and the gastric bypass.
Sleeve gastrectomy surgery: This surgery simply removes a large portion of your stomach. The stomach that is left is much smaller so you will be able to eat less before you feel full. This surgery does not change the position or function of your small intestine. There is no effect on absorption of the foods you eat or the medications you take. The weight loss with this procedure is very good but it is slightly less than the other procedures. Also, the remission of diabetes with this operation is not as good as the other procedures. Patients can take NSAID medications (ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, etc.) after this procedure without increasing the risk of complications.