Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery (also know as bariatric surgery) is a procedure performed on the stomach or intestines to help with weight loss. It has been shown to be the most effective and long-lasting treatment for morbid obesity.
This type of surgery results in significant weight loss and helps prevent, improve or resolve more than 40 obesity-related diseases or conditions including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obstructive sleep apnea and certain cancers.
Studies show that individuals with morbid obesity (BMI≥ 30) have a 50-100% increased risk of premature death compared to individuals of healthy weight. Clinical studies have demonstrated significant improvements in safety, showing that the risk of death is 0.1%, and the overall likelihood of major complications is about 4%.
Safety & Risks
Overall mortality rate is about 0.1% - less than gallbladder (0.7%) and hip replacement (0.93%) surgery - and overall likelihood of major complications is about 4.3%. Clinical evidence shows risks of morbid obesity outweigh risks of metabolic and bariatric surgery.
Effectiveness
Studies show patients typically lose the most weight one-to-two years after surgery, and maintain substantial weight loss with improvements in obesity-related conditions. Patients may lose as much as 60% of excess weight six months after surgery, and 77% of excess weight as early as 12 months after surgery. On average, five years after surgery, patients maintain 50% of their excess weight loss.
Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery
These procedures improve or resolve more than 40 obesity-related diseases and conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, sleep apnea, GERD, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and joint problems. Additional benefits include:
- 60% reduction in mortality from cancer, with the largest reductions seen in breast and colon cancers
- 56% reduction in mortality from coronary artery disease
- 92% reduction in mortality from type 2 diabetes
- 40% overall reduction in mortality in gastric bypass patient
Medical Outcomes of Weight Loss Surgery
| Condition/Disease | % Resolved or Improved |
|---|---|
| Type 2 Diabetes | 86 |
| Hypertension | 78.5 |
| Obstructive Sleep Apnea | 85.7 |
| Hyperlipidemia | 78.5 |
Types of Weight Loss Surgery We Offer
The team at the Weight & Wellness Program offer two different types of weight loss surgery which include Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass and Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.
Stomach reduced to size of walnut and then attached to middle of small intestine, bypassing a section of the small intestine (duodenum and jejunum) and limiting absorption of calories.
Stomach divided and stapled vertically, removing more than 85%, creating tube or banana-shaped pouch restricting amount of food that can be consumed and absorbed by the body.
Important Information for Bariatric Surgery Patients
Eating For Life - Bariatric Surgery Handbook
- Nutrition basics - before and after surgery
- The important of protein and fluids
- How to read food labels
- Menus and meal plans
- Physical activity
- Helpful resources
About Weight Loss Surgery
Commonly Asked Questions About Bariatric Surgery
- How to set yourself up for success
- Protein supplements
- Dehydration
- Vitamin and mineral supplements
- Pre- and post-operative diet guide