Weight Loss Surgery & Support
Download the free Guide to Weight Loss Surgery to get a glimpse of the Saint Alphonsus Metabolic and Bariatric program. This guide will walk you through what to expect on your personal journey including:
- Appointment schedule
- Insurance requirements
- Nutrition guidelines for before and after surgery
- Exercise and mobility guidelines for before and after surgery
Download the guide today by filling out the form on this page.
Get the Facts
Who qualifies for bariatric surgery?
There are two ways a person can qualify for bariatric surgery. One is to have a BMI between 35 and 40 and have one or more of those medical conditions associated with obesity. The other way to qualify is to have a BMI of 40 or more. Patients meeting these criteria can consult with a bariatric surgeon to determine if surgery is right for them.
What are the benefits of bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery has been shown to have many benefits. First, surgical treatment of obesity results in 55 to 80 percent of patients losing 50% or more of their excess weight and keeping it off for at least 5 years. In addition, bariatric surgery patients very often see dramatic improvement in their obesity related medical problems, including diabetes and sleep apnea. Many of these patients are able to stop taking medications for such medical problems. These people often experience a greater feeling of well-being and have more confidence. Bariatric surgery lowers the risk of premature death by 89%.
What procedures are used to treat obesity?
There are multiple operations performed to treat obesity. The two most common operations are the Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy. The vast majority of the time, these operations are performed laparoscopically, meaning by 'minimally invasive surgery.' This means operations are performed thorough multiple small incisions (5 or 10mm) in a person's abdomen rather than one large incision.
Gastric Bypass (Roux en Y Gastric Bypass)
This procedure involves creating a stomach pouch about the size of a person's thumb. This limits how much a person can eat. Then, the small intestine is divided about 2 feet downstream from the stomach. One end of the intestine is brought up and attached to the small stomach pouch (gastrojejunostomy). The other end of the intestine is attached to the downstream intestinal tract. The gastric bypass restricts how much food a person can eat and results in decreased absorption of the food a person eats.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
This procedure involves creating a tube or 'sleeve' shaped conduit out of the stomach and removing the remaining portion of the stomach. This restricts how much a person can eat.
What can I expect?
Most people stay in the hospital for two nights after bariatric surgery. They are started on a special diet in the hospital and continue advancing the diet when they go home. Patients are responsible to follow the guidelines after surgery in what they e at and their activity. Successful patients follow these guidelines and are motivated to exercise and alter behaviors that help them stay on track. There are many adjustments in lifestyle that must be made with bariatric surgery.
Where do I Start?
Whether you are still deciding if surgery is right for you or you are ready to make your first appointment, we encourage you to view our informational video.