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Surgical Opions

Types of Procedures • Conditions & Reactions • Education • Insurance Options

Types of Procedures

The surgery procedures that are offered at the Bariatric Center at Mather Hospital – Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding – have outstanding success rates with a proven track record of excellent weight loss, dramatic improvements in quality of life and resolution of weight-related medical problems.

Laparoscopic surgery, the medical term for minimally invasive surgery, is when surgery is performed using a narrow magnification camera, called a laparoscope, and narrow surgical instruments. Many studies have documented the benefits of laparoscopic surgery where the small incisions cut very little skin, muscle and nerve thereby minimizing patient discomfort.

Because laparoscopic cameras magnify the images on a large TV screen, surgeons can see the internal organs much better than through a traditional incision which allows for an exactness and visual sensitivity that cannot be achieved with the unaided eye. If your surgery is done laparoscopically, expect a faster recovery and a shorter hospital stay.

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (LAGB or Lap Band)

This surgical option is a restrictive procedure because it controls the amount of food that you can eat at one time. A hollow silicone band, placed around the top of your stomach, creates a small pouch and narrow passageway into the rest of the stomach, thereby limiting the amount of food you can consume. The band is then inflated with a saline solution. After food enters the pouch, it slowly empties into the rest of the stomach. Liquids pass through the narrow opening created by the band while denser foods are delayed from passing through.

Band adjustments occur six to eight weeks after surgery and as needed thereafter. Patients considering this procedure are carefully screened for dietary habits and preferences, as well as pre-existing gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Laparoscopic/Open Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Your surgeon uses staples to separate a small pouch at the top of the stomach from the rest of the organ. A hole is then cut in the pouch and the lower part of the small intestines is rerouted to it. The small pouch serves as your functioning stomach, limiting the amount of food you can consume. Food bypasses the lower stomach and upper part of the small intestines and is digested in the lower part of your small intestines. Gastric bypass surgery is a restrictive-malabsorptive procedure because it not only limits the volume of food you can eat, but also leads to decreased absorptions of fat and calories, thereby limiting your daily caloric intake.

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Conditions and Reactions

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Bariatric Education Sessions

Hosted By: Arif Ahmad, MD

We are pleased to announce Arif Ahmad, M.D as Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at John T. Mather Memorial Hospital. Dr. Ahmad is a Board Certified Laparoscopic Bariatric and General surgeon; a member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons', American College of Surgeons', Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons'.

Dr. Ahmad presents educational and support groups to patients on the following days:

*Please contact Dr. Ahmad's office to register and for further information at (631) 689-0220.

Please note: The Support Groups are conducted by Dr. Ahmad and his office for his patients only.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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Insurance Information

Insurance coverage for this surgery is variable. It is your responsibility to inquire about your insurance company's requirements and to be certain you have covered benefits for morbid obesity surgery. (If you prefer to pay for bariatric surgery out of your own pocket, contact your surgeon's office for financial advice). Your procedure may be covered by out-of-network coverage if you have that in your policy. Mather  Hospital participates in many plans. When you come in for your consultation, please bring in the name and phone number of the insurance representative with whom you spoke.

Physician Letter
Most insurance carriers that cover bariatric surgery require documentation of medically supervised weight loss attempts within the last two years. Ask your primary care physician to write a letter that documents:

• How long you've been obese.
• Attempted weight loss methods and the outcome of those efforts.
• Advice given to you by your primary care physician such as diet types and exercise recommendations.
• Visits or instruction from a dietitian.
• Weight loss prescription medications.
• Psychotherapy for eating disorders or stress reduction.

A sample physician letter might read as follows:

Dear Dr. ____,

Jane Doe has been under my care for the past two years. She suffers from severe obesity as well as diabetes, hypertension and severe joint pain. During the past two year period, I advised Jane to participate in Weight Watchers, prescribed sessions with a nutritionist and supervised her through these efforts. While Jane did lose some weight and demonstrated minimal improvement in her health issues, she regained the lost weight and more. At this point, the only reasonable treatment alternative is bariatric surgery.

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