New York Magazine
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The patient, who at the time of surgery weighed 290 pounds, meets with the anesthesiologist before her procedure. She will have a ring placed in her stomach which will reduce its size and restrict the amount of food she’ll be able to consume.
Photo: Q. Sakamaki/Redux
Dr. Teixeira dons his scrubs, while the scrub nurse prepares to pass him surgical gloves.
Photo: Q. Sakamaki/Redux
Dr. Teixeira uses the images from a camera as his guide through the operation. The screen shows the liver, stomach, and surrounding fat.
Photo: Q. Sakamaki/Redux
Dr. Teixeira, mid-surgery.
Photo: Q. Sakamaki/Redux
The patient’s navel, transformed into the incision site.
Photo: Q. Sakamaki/Redux
Four separate instruments are inserted through the patient’s navel. From bottom to top: the camera, the liver retractor, and two dissectors, which Dr. Teixeira will use to prepare the area where the band will go.
Photo: Q. Sakamaki/Redux
The white silicone band, now around the stomach, is about to be locked into place.
Photo: Q. Sakamaki/Redux
Post-surgery, the patient is able to breathe on her own.
Photo: Q. Sakamaki/Redux
Dr. Teixeira on his way to speak to the patient’s family.
Photo: Q. Sakamaki/Redux
In the recovery room, Dr. Teixeira talks to the patient. In two hours, she’ll go home. She has already lost twelve pounds and is expected to lose two pounds a week over three years to reach her desired weight.
Photo: Q. Sakamaki/Redux
Photo: Q. Sakamaki/Redux
Photo: Q. Sakamaki/Redux
Photo: Q. Sakamaki/Redux
Photo: Q. Sakamaki/Redux
Photo: Q. Sakamaki/Redux
Photo: Q. Sakamaki/Redux
Photo: Q. Sakamaki/Redux
Photo: Q. Sakamaki/Redux
Photo: Q. Sakamaki/Redux