The decision to have surgery is an important one. It is comforting to know that Dr. Kent  has more than five years of experience specializing in bariatric surgery. They collectively have performed more than 750 bariatric surgeries.

As a finely trained, minimally invasive surgeon, Dr. Kent  provides the three safest, most effective options for weight-loss surgery:

Adjustable Gastric Banding procedure – The latest, least invasive technique for weight-loss surgery. This procedure is performed laparoscopically and in most cases can be done on  an outpatient basis. It also offers reduced complications and pain compared to other bariatric surgeries. Gastric banding is a variation on the gastroplasty, in which the stomach is neither opened nor stapled. Instead, a band is placed around the outside of the upper stomach, to make an hourglass-shaped stomach. This produces a small pouch with a narrow outlet. The special device used to do this is made of implantable silicone material, and contains an adjustable balloon. The balloon allows the surgeon to adjust the function of the band without re-operation.

This device, pictured at right, has considerable advantage over the standard gastroplasty:
• It can be inserted laparoscopically, without a large incision.
• It does not require any opening in the gastrointestinal tract, so infection risk is reduced.
• There is no staple line to come apart.
• It is adjustable.

Only surgeons with advanced laparoscopic skill can perform the Lap-Band® procedures. That’s why, in our region, you’ll only find it with Dr.Kent at Georgia Coast Surgical. Click here to learn more.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass  – Considered the “gold standard” of weight-loss surgery. This procedure is often performed using an “open” approach. Dr. Kent also performs gastric bypass with the minimally invasive laparoscopic technique, which requires only a few tiny incisions for a quicker, more comfortable recovery. Both methods typically involve a two-day hospital stay.

This surgical method effectively shortens the bowel available for absorption of food. The weight loss effect is then due to both the very small stomach and malabsorption of nutrients. Calcium absorption may be impaired as well as absorption of vitamins, particularly fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamin supplements must be used daily, and failure to follow the prescribed diet and supplement regimen can lead to serious nutritional problems in a small percentage of patients. An increased incidence of post-operative ulcers was noted among patients having this procedure. Our surgeons feel that this procedure may offer some benefits to larger patients.

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy – This procedure is a restrictive weight loss operation being offered by our Bariatric Surgery program.  It involves removal of a substantial portion of the stomach leaving a narrow tube along the lesser curve of the stomach. It is larger than the stomach pouch created during Roux-en-Y bypass—and is about the size of a banana. Weight loss is achieved by restricting the amount of food that can be eaten. There is no bypass of the intestines or malabsorption of food. The nerves to the stomach and the outlet valve (pylorus) remain intact with the idea of preserving the functions of the stomach while reducing the volume. By comparison, in a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the stomach is divided but not removed and the pylorus remains a part of the “bypassed” stomach which does not come into direct contact with food. The operation is performed laparoscopically or open and requires a short inpatient stay.

Patient Selection Criteria:

• First stage procedure or primary procedure for patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 60.
• Patients with a BMI lower than 60 who are concerned about the potential long term side effects of an intestinal bypass such as intestinal obstruction, ulcers, anemia, osteoporosis, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency.
• Those who are considering an adjustable banding procedure but are concerned about a foreign body inside the abdomen.
• Those who have medical problems that prevent them from having weight loss surgery such as anemia, Crohn's disease, extensive prior surgery, and other complex medical conditions.
• People who need to take anti-inflammatory medications may also want to consider this. Usually, these medications need to be avoided after a gastric bypass because the risk of ulcer is higher. 
•  Patients needing a revision of their adjustable gastric band procedure or vertical band gastroplasty, due to inadequate weight-loss, or other band complications.