Weight loss surgery

We are an accredited bariatric surgery center, as recognized by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation & Quality Improvement Program. Our clinic offers multiple options for weight loss surgery, including bariatric revision, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy procedures. Each treatment includes a different surgical strategy, meaning your doctor will assist you in choosing the best one for your individual circumstances.

Bariatric revision surgery

In certain instances, past surgeries for weight loss need to be changed or redone. We are able to perform revision surgery, regardless of where you had your first procedure.

Your physician may suggest a second procedure if your initial surgery hasn't produced the desired weight loss effects, or you have regained a significant amount of weight.

Certain complications or medical conditions may also prompt the need for bariatric revision surgery, including:

• Development of an ulcer or hiatal hernia
• Expansion of the stomach during a sleeve gastrectomy
• Slippage or deflation of the band after gastric band surgery
• Stretching of the tiny stomach pouch created during RYGB surgery

Gastric bypass surgery

Gastric bypass is considered to be the benchmark for weight loss surgery, working to modify the digestive system so that you consume and absorb fewer calories and nutrients.

During RYGB surgery, your doctor uses a stapling device to create a small pouch at the top of your stomach. The remainder of the stomach is completely separated from the new pouch, though is not removed. Part of your small intestine is then shaped into a "Y" and connected to the new small stomach pouch. Food travels from the pouch directly to the small intestine when you eat, bypassing the stomach remnant and reducing the number of calories you consume.

Sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve) surgery

A sleeve gastrectomy is considered a restrictive procedure, meaning it reduces the amount of food you can consume. During this procedure, your doctor removes about 80 percent of your stomach, leaving a small vertical pouch in the shape of a banana. The intended result is that you eat less because you feel full after eating small amounts of food.

Recovering from a sleeve gastrectomy

After a sleeve gastrectomy, you will remain in the hospital for one to two nights. Once you have recovered from the anesthesia, you will begin a liquid diet that you will follow for several weeks. Also, just hours after surgery, you will begin performing simple exercises from your bed. There will be slight discomfort following surgery, but pain relief will be provided as needed.

You will return to the hospital for postoperative follow-up visits after one to two weeks, five weeks, three months, six months, nine months and one year. Following the one-year mark, you will return annually to ensure long-term success. During these visits, a member of our bariatric team will check your strength and weight, measure certain parts of your body and perform additional tests as needed. Check-ups help make certain that you're healthy and following the diet and exercise guidelines.

During your postoperative recovery, you will stay in our dedicated bariatric surgery unit, which is staffed by specialized nurses to meet your unique needs. Following your discharge, you will have 24/7 access to a nurse via telephone. You also need to attend scheduled appointments with your bariatric surgeon, advanced practice professional and dietitian, as well as regular weight loss support group meetings. Research has shown that these appointments are crucial to your success. Please view our classes and events calendar for up-to-date schedules.

Lastly, we strongly advise that women of childbearing age use at least two effective forms of birth control during the first 18 to 24 months following a procedure for weight loss. Pregnancy places additional demands on the body that may result in increased complications. Talk to your doctor about your pregnancy plans and how to properly manage them throughout weight loss.

Benefits of weight loss surgery

There are many possible benefits associated with significant weight loss. However, bariatric surgery is considered a major medical procedure that requires preoperative education and a significant recovery period. Some of the benefits of bariatric surgery may include:

• Heightened self-esteem
• Improved health
• Increased mobility
• Longer life span

Surgically addressing obesity often aids in initial drastic weight loss, but it is only truly successful when you adhere to the diet, exercise and vitamin requirements following surgery.

Required changes in eating habits

After weight loss surgery, some permanent changes must be made to your daily eating habits. Your doctor will help you understand what is required, but some typically they will ask you to avoid several items altogether, including:

• Alcohol
• Carbonated drinks
• Foods that list sugar as one of their first three ingredients
• Foods with high fat and high fiber
• Milkshakes
• Nutritional supplements, especially those that are high calorie