Weight-loss, or bariatric, surgery, is more effective than any other approach to weight loss. It can dramatically improve most, if not all, obesity-related health problems. However, it should not be considered an easy way out or quick solution. You should consider bariatric surgery if:
- You’ve tried more conservative methods for controlling weight, such as diet, exercise and medication, with limited or no success.
- You want to avoid the very serious health problems and risks that result from morbid obesity.
Our clinic offers several surgery options. Our doctors and nurses will work with you to determine the procedure and care plan that best fits your needs.
- Sleeve gastrectomy
- Gastric bypass
- Duodenal switch
- Lap-Band® removal
- Robotic surgery
- Conversion of Lap-Band® to sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass
- Conversion of sleeve gastrectomy to duodenal switch or gastric bypass
Results after surgery vary by person. Bariatric surgery is a tool, and like any tool, it has to be used properly to work effectively. For bariatric surgery, that means following specific diet and exercise guidelines and paying attention to signals your body is sending you.
For us, weight loss alone is not the primary goal. We want to help improve your overall health.
Benefits
The benefits of bariatric surgery go beyond weight loss. Yes, you’ll lose weight, especially in the first year, but other health problems will be improved or even resolved as well.
One of the greatest benefits is the impact of bariatric surgery on type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to other health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, kidney disease, nerve problems and more. Bariatric surgery procedures can help improve diabetes, even before any weight is lost. For many people, their diabetes goes into remission following surgery. It’s not uncommon for a person to have surgery and see improvement of their diabetes within just a few days.
Other health problems also can be improved or resolved, including hypertension, sleep apnea, acid reflux and high cholesterol.
Criteria
Your decision to have bariatric surgery is complex and should involve your doctors. In general, the criteria is based on your body mass index (BMI), which is calculated from your height and weight. The following are guidelines that can help determine whether or not you are a good candidate for bariatric surgery.
- Your BMI is 40 or greater.
- Your BMI is 30 or greater and you have diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea or certain other medical conditions diagnosed by a physician.
Calculate your BMI here.
Recovery
Surgery is performed in the hospital under general anesthesia. Usually, the hospital stay is one to two nights. While in the hospital, you will gradually advance to a clear liquid diet. Once the doctors are sure there are no signs of complications, you will be discharged. Most patients are back to work within one to three weeks, depending on the person and the job. Your doctor and our staff will discuss post-op guidelines to ensure proper healing and recovery.
Risks
All surgeries have risks. Risks of bariatric surgery (gastric bypass, Lap-Band®, sleeve gastrectomy, duodenal switch, SADI-S) include, but are not limited to:
- Conversion of laparoscopic to open surgery
- Injury to organs
- Failure of device (Lap-Band®) requiring additional procedure
- Development of gallstones
- Development of metabolic and vitamin disorders
- Suture line leak with abscess or fistula formation
- Failure of wound to heal, or wound dehiscence (separation of wound)
- Obstructive symptoms requiring additional surgical procedure
- Death
- Anesthesia complications
- GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease)
- Ulcers in the stomach or intestines
- Stricture (narrowing) of the stomach or intestines
- Intestinal obstruction from adhesions or internal hernias
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Excessive weight loss or insufficient weight loss
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Blood clots known as deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE)
Cost
Pricing varies based on your insurance coverage and procedure, but we do offer cash pricing.
Additional Information
Again, our goal is to help you improve your overall health. It’s important to be sure you are ready to commit to a healthy lifestyle for the rest of your life. You can learn more about each procedure by clicking the links below.