What You Should Know About Bariatric Surgery

Eminent bariatric surgeon, scholar, professor and researcher Aurora Pryor, MD, is shaping the future of endoscopic and bariatric surgery — right here on Long Island. During the last 16 years, she has presided over more than 3,000 surgical cases, including 1,000 bariatric procedures she performed. Dr. Pryor also holds patents for surgical technologies, has trained 25 surgical fellows, has published and presented worldwide, and holds leadership positions with prominent professional societies including the governing board of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), representing 6,000 surgeons.

What is involved in bariatric surgery?

Geared to patients who are substantially overweight, bariatric surgery makes the stomach smaller so the patient feels satisfied with less food. Some types of bariatric surgery are also malabsorptive, so you take in fewer calories from what you eat. To work most effectively, bariatric surgery should be part of an ongoing journey toward transforming your health through lifestyle and behavior changes. It's not an automatic fix.

What is exceptional about Stony Brook's approach?

We have an extraordinary interdisciplinary team of professionals who work side by side with you every step of the way — committed, compassionate experts who really make a difference. Based on your needs and goals, your treatment strategy may include surgery, medical management, diet and exercise, behavior modification and psychological counseling. Group support includes a presurgery medically supervised weight loss program, as well as monthly support group meetings after surgery. We continue to meet with you routinely during the first year after your surgery, then annually or as needed for the rest of your life. Patients at Stony Brook also have access to the broad range of expertise, services, technology and facilities available at Long Island's only academic medical center — which includes Suffolk County's only tertiary care hospital and Level 1 Trauma Center.

What types of bariatric procedures are offered?

We offer today’s most advanced, effective procedures. The vast majority are performed laparoscopically, which means minimal scarring and faster recovery.

  • Adjustable Gastric Banding. A silicone band with an injection port is surgically implanted to create a small pouch of stomach above the band. The band can be adjusted during postsurgical office visits using a needle to inject saline solution into the band through the port. The smaller stomach causes patients to feel full sooner and eat less food.
  • Banding with Plication. Like adjustable gastric banding, this procedure reduces stomach capacity without requiring resectioning. It is a new and investigational variation that involves folding the stomach under the band to reduce it to a sleeve-like pouch.
  • Sleeve Gastrectomy. The surgeon creates a small, sleeve-shaped stomach about the size of a banana. It preserves the functions of the stomach while severely reducing its volume. It may be a stand-alone procedure or the precursor to gastric bypass in a two-part treatment for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 60 or higher.
  • Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. This procedure reduces stomach size while redirecting food to bypass a portion of the small intestine, which absorbs calories and nutrients. The surgeon creates an egg-sized stomach pouch using about five percent of the stomach and then attaches a Y-shaped section of the small intestine directly to the pouch.

Am I a candidate for bariatric surgery?

We follow National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. Most of our surgical patients are about 100 pounds or more overweight, but those who are less overweight may qualify for adjustable gastric banding.

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The first and third Monday of every month

5 to 7 pm
Stony Brook University Hospital
Café Fresco

To register for these free events, call (631) 444-4000.

 

For more information, visit bariatrics.stonybrookmedicine.edu or call Catherine M. Tuppo, PT, Coordinator, Bariatric and Metabolic Weight Loss Center, at (631) 444-BARI (2274).

 
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All health and health-related information contained in this article is intended to be general and/or educational in nature and should not be used as a substitute for a visit with a healthcare professional for help, diagnosis, guidance, and treatment. The information is intended to offer only general information for individuals to discuss with their healthcare provider. It is not intended to constitute a medical diagnosis or treatment or endorsement of any particular test, treatment, procedure, service, etc. Reliance on information provided is at the user's risk. Your healthcare provider should be consulted regarding matters concerning the medical condition, treatment, and needs of you and your family. Stony Brook University/SUNY is an affirmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer.