Is bariatric surgery right for you?

These days it’s easy to change your appearance, whether it be your hair style or even your eye color. However, one thing that some people want to change about themselves is their weight, and that’s not usually as easy. When diet and exercise fail, bariatric surgery can be a lifesaver for approximately 93 million Americans who are considered obese.

Weight loss provides several benefits and has been shown to help improve or resolve many obesity-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and more. Remember though, bariatric surgery requires significant lifestyle changes and ongoing patient commitment.

The benefits go beyond your weight

Bariatric surgery may dramatically improve your quality of life, including your mobility, self-esteem, work, social interactions and sexual function. Some studies also suggest that people live longer after weight loss surgery, compared to those equally obese who do not have surgery. Other improvements may be an improvement of arthritis, asthma and depression symptoms, allowing many people to decrease the amount of medications they take to treat these conditions.

Explore the different treatments we offer:

You have several options when it comes to weight loss surgery. Take the time to learn about each of these options and their risks and benefits before deciding which one is right for you. We want you to be informed about all the aspects of your treatment, so feel free to ask questions.

• Gastric Bypass
• Sleeve Gastrectomy
• Adjustable Gastric Band

Adjustable Gastric Banding

LAP-BAND Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB) involves placing an adjustable band around the top part of the stomach to create a small pouch for food. The band restricts the amount of food that can be eaten and increases the amount of time it takes for food to digest. The band can be adjusted to change how quickly food leaves the pouch, or surgically removed if necessary. LAGB can be performed laparoscopically.

Candidates for LAGB have a body mass index (BMI) over 40 or a BMI between 35 and 39 with obesity-related illnesses such as Type II diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass surgery involves closing off a large portion of the stomach while leaving only a small portion to hold food and dividing the small intestine to allow less food to be absorbed by the body. It is one of the most frequently performed bariatric procedures in the United States. Many surgeons prefer gastric bypass because it generally has fewer complications than other weight loss surgeries. The procedure can provide long-term, consistent weight loss if you exercise and eat a healthy diet. Before deciding to have gastric bypass surgery, it’s important to understand what’s involved and what lifestyle changes you must make. In large part, the success of the surgery is up to you.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

During a sleeve gastrectomy, the stomach is restricted by stapling and dividing it vertically, removing more than 85%, and leaving a small, sleeve-shaped pouch (about the size of a banana). This process helps the patient lose weight by restricting the amount of food that can be eaten. It also produces less of the hormone (ghrelin) that causes hunger.  A sleeve gastrectomy is performed laparoscopically, and the procedure cannot be reversed.

Weight loss surgery is generally designed for those with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 40, or equal to or greater than 35 with serious co-morbidities. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is also FDA-approved for weight loss surgery in people with a BMI of 30 to 35 who have at least one obesity-related condition. Weight loss surgery is considered safe, but like many types of surgery, it does have risks. Consult with your physician about the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery.