Making the decision to pursue weight loss surgery is a significant step toward reclaiming your health and well-being. When excess weight contributes to chronic health conditions, emotional distress, and limitations on your daily life, bariatric surgery can be a powerful tool for lasting change. At Summit Health, our team is committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate care to support you through every phase of this transformative journey.
This guide will explain what bariatric surgery involves, who is a good candidate, and what you can expect before and after your procedure. Our goal is to empower you with the information you need to make a confident and informed decision about your health.
Understanding Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, modifies the digestive system to help you lose weight. These procedures work by either restricting the amount of food your stomach can hold, limiting the absorption of calories, or a combination of both. At Summit Health, our expert bariatric surgeons use minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic surgery, to reduce pain and shorten recovery time.
Common types of weight loss surgery
Our surgical team specializes in the most effective and widely recognized bariatric procedures. We are also among the few in the region who perform complex revision surgeries to correct or alter a previous weight loss procedure.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
In a sleeve gastrectomy, the surgeon removes a large portion of the stomach, leaving behind a smaller, banana-shaped "sleeve." This smaller stomach capacity restricts the amount of food you can eat at one time and helps you feel full sooner and for longer. It also reduces the production of the "hunger hormone" ghrelin.
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass, or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, involves creating a small stomach pouch and rerouting a section of the small intestine to connect directly to it. This procedure limits food intake and reduces the absorption of calories. It also triggers beneficial hormonal changes that can significantly improve or resolve obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
Duodenal Switch
The duodenal switch is a complex procedure that combines a sleeve gastrectomy with a significant intestinal bypass. It is one of the most effective surgeries for substantial weight loss and the resolution of metabolic diseases. This procedure works by both restricting food intake and dramatically decreasing the absorption of calories and fat.
Who is a candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
Weight loss surgery is a serious commitment and is typically recommended for individuals who have not achieved long-term success with other weight loss methods. The journey requires a lifelong dedication to significant lifestyle changes.
General criteria for surgery
To ensure your safety and success, our team evaluates every candidate based on established medical guidelines. You may be a candidate if you meet the following criteria:
- You have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher.
- You have a BMI of 35 or higher with at least one obesity-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or heart disease.
- You are between the ages of 18 and 70 (exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis).
- You are prepared to make permanent dietary and lifestyle adjustments.
- You understand the risks and benefits of the procedure.
- You commit to lifelong medical follow-up appointments.
Find a Bariatric Surgeon near you
View Our SpecialistsThe journey: before and after your surgery
Your success depends on thorough preparation and a strong commitment to your new, healthier lifestyle. Our multidisciplinary team will guide you every step of the way.
Preparing for your procedure
Before surgery, you will meet with your bariatric surgeon to discuss the procedure in detail. To ensure you are ready physically and mentally, you will also undergo:
- A behavioral evaluation: A psychologist or psychiatrist will assess your readiness for the lifestyle changes required after surgery.
- A medical evaluation: You may need blood work, an electrocardiogram (EKG), or a sleep study to identify any health issues that could increase surgical risks.
- Nutritional counseling: Our dietitians will help you prepare for your post-surgery diet.
Life after weight loss surgery
Your commitment continues long after the procedure is complete. Success is built on permanent changes, including:
- Eating small, nutrient-dense meals.
- Chewing food thoroughly.
- Engaging in regular physical activity.
- Taking daily vitamin and mineral supplements as prescribed.
- Attending all scheduled medical checkups to monitor your health.
Meet our Bariatric (Weight Loss) team
Collin Creange, MD
General Surgery, Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgery
Simone Gampel, RD, CDE
Nutrition Services
Patrick LeMasters, MD
General Surgery, Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgery
James Lopes, MD, FACS
General Surgery, Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgery
John "Joao" Lopes, MD, FACS
General Surgery, Bariatric (Weight Loss) SurgeryFrequently Asked Questions
The first step is to schedule a consultation with one of our bariatric surgeons. You can search for "bariatric surgeons near me" on our provider directory. During this appointment, the surgeon will review your medical history, discuss your goals, and determine if you are a potential candidate for surgery.
Weight loss varies depending on the type of surgery and your adherence to the post-operative lifestyle plan. Patients who undergo sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass can typically expect to lose 60-70% of their excess body weight within the first one to two years.
Many insurance plans cover bariatric surgery if you meet the required medical criteria. It is important to contact your insurance provider directly to understand your specific policy, coverage details, and any pre-authorization requirements, such as a medically supervised diet plan.
As with any major surgery, bariatric procedures have potential risks. These can include infection, blood clots, and complications from anesthesia. Our surgical team uses minimally invasive techniques to minimize these risks and will discuss them with you in detail during your consultation.
Recovery time depends on the specific procedure and the individual. Thanks to minimally invasive techniques, most patients stay in the hospital for one to three days. You can typically expect to return to work and normal activities within two to four weeks.
Considering weight loss surgery?
Watch the virtual Considering Weight Loss Surgery? seminar below given by our board-certified surgeons.