Surgical Options
Gastric surgery provides a dramatic weight loss, and in many cases, a dramatic improvement in health as well. Several surgical approaches are available and offered through Mission, almost always through minimally invasive procedures. In many cases, bariatric surgery is now performed at Mission using the innovative Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) technique which offers patients many advantages, including almost no external scars.
Bariatric surgery is a serious medical procedure and meticulous care and follow-up is required. Mission provides continued counseling afterwards to help you build upon healthy lifestyle habits. Weight regain is possible with all procedures, if you do not adhere to a healthy lifestyle.
Our interdisciplinary staff
Because weight management is so complex, the Mission Weight Management Center has a comprehensive team of medical specialists. These include physicians, both board-certified medical bariatricians and bariatric surgeons; registered dietitians, registered nurses, an exercise specialist, and behaviorist.
Surgical weight management
Gastric Banding
Also known as LAP-BAND® procedure, this surgery may be appropriate for those with a
BMI of 35-60. This procedure uses laparoscopic surgery to place a silicone band around the upper portion of the stomach, creating a smaller gastric pouch and reducing the size of the stomach without compromising the absorption of nutrients or changing the natural digestive process. The LapBand can be adjusted, which allows your surgeon to find the right level of restriction for you. Long-term weight loss is usually between 50 to 60 percent of excess weight.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
If you have a BMI of 35-50, you may want to consider gastric bypass surgery, the most common surgical method used to control obesity today. A small stomach pouch is created to restrict food intake, and a section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch to allow food to bypass the lower portion of the stomach and the first segment of the small intestine. Patients typically lose 75 percent of their excess weight within the first 18 to 24 months after surgery.
Gastric Sleeve
Gastric Sleeve, also known as a Sleeve Gastrectomy, is an alternative to surgeries that bypass the intestinal tract or introduce a foreign object into the body. It may be considered if you have a BMI of 35-60. In this procedure, a large portion of the stomach is permanently removed, leaving a narrower sleeve-like organ. The stomach nerves and outlet valve are left intact, which preserves the function of the stomach. The procedure mechanically decreases the size of the stomach but also decreases the secretion of the hormone ghrelin, which is responsible for the feeling of satiety (fullness). If you choose this option, you typically will have fewer dietary restrictions than those who undergo other weight loss surgeries; but will be able to eat less.
Ongoing support for you
Whether you choose surgery or medical weight loss, follow-up and support are critical to your long-term success. Our programs, offered on site, include:
- Education
- Support groups
- Seminars
- Cooking workshops
Learn more
To learn more about the Mission Hospital Weight Loss Program, register today to attend one of the free weight loss information sessions. To know which information session is right for you, we will need your body mass index (BMI); calculate it using our online BMI form. Then call 828-213-2222, option 2; Monday through Friday between the hours of 8-5 or submit an online application and a weight management representative will contact you.
Mission Hospital Weight Management Program is conveniently located at Regional Medical Park just off I-40 at exit 51.
2 Medical Park Drive, Suite 102
Asheville, NC 28803
828-213-4100
