Bariatric surgery procedures and outcomes
Bariatric surgery can be a life-changing procedure for individuals who have morbid obesity and have struggled to lose weight and keep it off. Our team coordinates care for bariatric surgical candidates leading up to their procedure and support them as they navigate life after surgery, so they can live with greater energy, comfort and confidence.
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Also known as weight-loss surgery, bariatric surgery is a medical procedure that is used to help people with a body mass index for 35 or greater lose a significant amount of weight. It works by making a person’s stomach smaller.
Because there are a variety of different types of bariatric surgery, our team will work with you and your loved one to determine which type is the best fit for your needs, based on your age, health status, personal preferences and goals.
The main types of bariatric surgery include:
- Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
- Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Duodenal Switch
Each type of surgery presents its own risks and benefits. In some cases, revisional surgery or multiple procedures may be necessary to optimize your results.
Are you a candidate for bariatric surgery?
Generally speaking, bariatric surgery is for individuals who have a medical diagnosis of morbid obesity and have struggled to lose weight and keep it off through other conservative approaches (like diet and exercise). Morbid obesity is defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) more than or equal to 40, or a BMI above 35 co-occurring with serious medical conditions (co-morbidities).
Just like with any surgical procedure, bariatric surgery carries some risk.
What to expect after bariatric surgery
Bariatric surgery offers many benefits. It promotes better overall body weight loss compared to other interventions, can support long-term weight management, and even helps resolve weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. A patient’s success with bariatric surgery depends on follow-through with our partner at Memorial Wellness Center and an ongoing commitment to make healthier life choices.
If you are considering having bariatric surgery you must be willing to follow our medical team’s advice regarding nutrition. Because your stomach is smaller, bariatric surgery recipients may be at risk for nutritional deficiencies if they’re not consuming the right blend of nutrient-dense food and supplements.
It’s also important that you find a type of regular physical activity to enjoy after surgery. This will also help your weight loss continue and further reduce the risk of obesity-related health problems.
At SIU Medicine, our bariatric surgeons work with the team at Memorial Wellness Center to provide weight loss surgical services. If you’d like to inquire about a consultation for bariatric surgery, call 217-545-8000.
