Bariatric Surgery

About This Specialty

What is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery, often via gastric sleeve or gastric bypass, provides the tool to assist you in your weight loss and has been proven to be the most effective intervention for successful and sustainable weight loss.

Types of bariatric surgery

There are two primary tyes of bariatric surgery for weight loss - gastric bypass surgery and gastric sleeve surgery. 

• Gastric Sleeve Surgery - Also called a sleeve gastrectomy or vertical gastrectomy, gastric sleeve surgery is a procedure in which the stomach is made smaller to about the size and shape of a banana. This procedure does not involve re-routing the digestive tract or reconnecting the intestines.
• Gastric Bypass Surgery - Gastric bypass surgery is a procedure in which a new, small stomach pouch is created and re-routed to bypass part of the smaller intestine.

Who can get bariatric surgery?

You do not need to have exhausted alternative weight loss programs or options before you talk about bariatric surgery.

Weight loss surgery is likely an option if you have a:

• BMI of 40 or more with no health conditions
• BMI of 35 or more with two obesity-related health issues* (such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, arthritis, sleeping disorders, or other conditions)

Whether or not you are a candidate for bariatric surgery will ultimately be decided by your surgeon.

*Obesity-related health issues are conditions associated with obesity because they come on more often and can be more serious when obesity is present. Weight reduction can help resolve health conditions that stem from obesity.

Making an appointment to talk to a bariatric surgeon can help you with: 

• Understanding your options and what to expect
• Deciding the surgery that is best suited for your needs
• Getting an estimate of how much weight you can expect to lose and in what time frame

What are the benefits of bariatric surgery?

Benefits of bariatric surgery can include:

• Significant & sustainable weight loss
• Increased energy
• Better ability to engage in physical activities
• Improved breathing
• Lower risks for a variety of diseases and conditions associated with obesity

There is evidence to support that weight loss surgery is the most effective and sustainable way to lose weight. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), "Studies find that more than 90 percent of bariatric patients are able to maintain a long-term weight loss of 50 percent excess body weight or more. "

There are benefits beyond weight loss though. After bariatric surgery, people often report:

• Getting energy back or having more energy than before
• Being able to climb stairs and run better
• Breathing better

Benefits may also include being able to reduce medications, and lowing your risk for other diseases or conditions.

Will health insurance cover bariatric surgery?

Health insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare, does cover weight loss surgery and may also cover bariatric surgery revisions. To verify if your insurance plan covers bariatric surgery, contact one of our bariatric centers.

Why choose Franciscan Health for bariatric surgery?

At Franciscan Health, your weight loss surgery plan is tailored to you. In addition to providing advanced bariatric surgery procedures, we offer a variety of supportive programs and providers who can collaborate as members of your total healthcare team.

• Clinical team dedicated and focused in the bariatric surgery process
• Registered dietitians who concentrate on diet for bariatric surgery patients
• Psychologists to assist in your readiness for surgery
• Financial counselors available to discuss financial concerns and payment plans
• Insurance services that work directly with your insurance provider to sort through coverage issues and concerns

These supportive programs work together to help ensure that every patient is treated holistically mind, body and spirit.

How to get started with bariatric surgery

• Confirm you have bariatric coverage by speaking with one of our insurance specialists. (You can call a location near you to get connected.)
• Schedule an appointment. (Your initial appointment will be an opportunity to discuss bariatric surgery options, the process and ask questions.)

Not ready to make an appointment, but want more information? Visit our event center to find a weight loss seminar in your area.