
Weight loss surgery (also known as bariatric surgery) is a procedure that modifies the stomach and/or intestines to treat obesity and obesity-related medical conditions and improve the body’s ability to achieve a healthier weight. It has been shown to be the most effective and long-lasting treatment for the disease of obesity.
This type of surgery results in significant weight loss and helps prevent, improve or resolve more than forty obesity-related diseases or conditions including: type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obstructive sleep apnea and certain cancers.
Studies show that individuals with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) have a 50-100% increased risk of premature death compared to individuals without obesity. Clinical studies have demonstrated significant improvements in safety of surgery, 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 surgery (0.7%) and hip replacement surgery (0.93%). Overall likelihood of major complications is about 4.3%. Clinical evidence shows the associated risks with the disease of obesity outweigh risks of bariatric surgery.
Effectiveness
Studies show patients typically lose the majority of weight in the first two years after surgery. Patients may lose as much as 60% of excess weight in the first six months after surgery, and 77% of excess weight as early as 12 months after surgery. On average, patients maintain 50% of their weight loss five years after surgery.
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 |
*Reference American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery
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.

*Reference American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery
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.

*Reference American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery
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
Contact Us
MMC Weight & Wellness Program
41 Donald B. Dean Drive
Suite A
South Portland, ME 04106
Phone: 207-661-6064
Fax: 207-253-6073
Provider Referrals
Adult patients must have a BMI of 35 or greater to be referred. To be eligible for surgery the patient must have a BMI of greater than 40 or a BMI greater than 35 with comorbidities (insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, stroke, sleep apnea). Pediatric patients must have a BMI that is greater than the 85th percentile. MaineHealth providers may refer through EPIC AMB REF1104. Otherwise, please mail or fax the following to our office:
- Patient contact information/demographics
- Emergency contact
- Insurance(s)/guarantor (pediatrics)
- Current BMI
- Medical history & physical exam notes (within the last year)
- Recent lab work (within the last year)
- Most recent EKG