Weight loss surgery

We combine clinical excellence with educational programs to give you the best possible outcome with your weight loss surgery. Some of the resources you have access before and after your surgery include:

Educational assistance

As our bariatric patient, you will receive support at every stage of your weight loss journey. This includes:

• Informative seminars where you can learn about surgical options and what to expect
• Medically managed weight loss programs if you are required by your insurance provider to participate in a weight loss program prior to surgery
• Support groups and postoperative classes, in which you can learn how to maintain a healthy weight post-surgery
• Specialized facilities designed to create a comfortable environment when you undergo weight loss surgery.

Weight loss classes

Our bariatric surgery centers offer free seminars so you can meet our surgeons, get answers to your questions, and find out more about what is involved in bariatric surgery. You will also learn about your surgical options, lifestyle changes, risks, how weight loss surgery will help reduce your risk of life-threatening conditions and what you can expect after surgery.

About our bariatric surgery seminars

These seminars are for people seeking information about weight loss surgery. Depending on the type of bariatric surgery, program attendance may be required for potential candidates prior to setting up a consult with our surgeons.

Bariatric surgery is a major, life-changing decision — a decision we feel affects and should be understood by important people in your life. For that reason, we ask that, if available, spouses or committed partners attend seminars alongside you.

Not everyone is a candidate for weight loss surgery, but we can help you through the process of figuring out if it is right for you. If it is, we offer a comprehensive range of surgeries.

Gastric bypass

The Roux en-Y Gastric Bypass has long been considered the "gold standard" for obesity surgery. This procedure is particularly suited to persons with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or greater along with comorbidities, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea. Most people are able to return to work in two to three weeks after surgery.

One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) or "mini gastric bypass"

We proudly offer this even more specialized procedure for surgical weight loss. This faster, yet equally effective approach enables you to begin your weight loss journey sooner and with greater ease than many traditional methods.

Gastric lap band

The gastric lap band procedure reduces weight loss through restriction (a band around the outside of the uppermost stomach). This surgery can serve as a great option for gaining long-term control of your weight. It is typically better suited for people who have a lower BMI (30 to 40). It is also a good option for people who prefer a quicker recovery and the ability to undergo a surgical procedure that is adjustable and removable. Most patients can return to work three days after surgery.

Duodenal switch

The duodenal switch is a procedure that combines two types of bariatric procedures — restriction and malabsorption. One of the benefits of this is that it leaves the valve at the bottom of the stomach. This lengthens the amount of time food stays in the stomach, which gives a longer feeling of fullness. Another advantage is that it limits the amount of fat that is absorbed from the intake of food. Lastly, the procedure is completely reversible because the small intestine is not removed.

Other bariatric procedures

Our team is highly experienced and committed to finding the least invasive method of treatment, while still providing a safe outcome for you. Click the links below to learn more about the benefits and details of each.

• Balloon nonsurgical procedures
• Gastric plication
• Gastric sleeve
• Robotic surgery

Weight loss surgery can be a lifesaving and life-changing tool in your effort to improve your overall health. Even so, in some cases, it may cause unforeseen health outcomes, stop being effective or not be right for you for other reasons. When this happens, we will typically first try to use additional nutritional, physical and lifestyle support to help you get the most from your weight loss surgery. However, if revision surgery is the best option, our team will meet with you to review your needs determine why the original procedure was ineffective.

Bariatric surgery revisions we perform

Our bariatric revision surgeons are skilled at determining the reasons behind the issues with your primary surgery. They offer many options if you need additional surgery after your initial bariatric surgery.

Procedures we offer include:

• Gastric band over gastric bypass
• Gastric band to sleeve gastrectomy
• Vertical banded gastroplasty to sleeve gastrectomy
• Gastric banding with plication

Who needs bariatric surgery revision?

Patients who need a bariatric surgery revision are typically experiencing one or more of the following:

• Inadequate weight loss from the procedure
• Medical complications related to the procedure
  • Including symptoms such as vomiting, difficulty swallowing, reflux or gastric ulcers
• Significant weight regain after an initial period of weight loss

Reasons bariatric surgery "fails"

It is important to remember that even if your bariatric surgery isn't successful, it is not your failure. Bariatric surgery is not right for everyone and may not work as expected for a variety of reasons, such as:

• Your type of weight loss surgery was not the best option for you. Procedures and technologies in this space are always evolving. You may have had surgery before the best method for you was developed.
• You did not have the post-surgery support needed for long-term success. After bariatric surgery, you will need educational classes as well as support groups, which you can find at our many facilities.
• Technical aspects of the surgery require changes. Bariatric surgery is highly complex. Even with a trained, experienced surgical team that uses advanced technology, certain elements of your surgery may need to be changed to best suit your unique physiology.

For some patients, it may be one or more of these reasons. For others, it may never be clear why the surgery did not lead to the desired outcome. No matter the cause, our team will work with you to provide the support, guidance and, if necessary, revision surgery you need for long-term success.

Surgery is the beginning of your weight loss journey. Commitment and hard work are needed after surgery to reach your weight loss goals. Diet and exercise will be important in your recovery process. We will help you with that as you follow these basic guidelines after your surgery.

Continued medical care and nutritional support

Over time, you will need periodic checks for anemia (low red blood cell count) and vitamin B12, folate and iron levels. Follow-up tests will initially be conducted every six months or as needed, and then every one to two years afterward. Additionally, you are encouraged to attend regular free support group meetings with our registered dietitian.