We specialize in bariatric surgery and other surgical solutions for those who have exhausted other weight loss options. You can trust our bariatric team to guide you every step of the way, from preparing for surgery through recovery and on to healthy living.

Bariatric surgery includes techniques that change the amount of food the stomach can hold. In turn, the body absorbs fewer calories and nutrients, which can result in dramatic weight loss.

Route-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Gastric Bypass is a procedure that reduces the size of the stomach by limiting the nutrients that the intestines can absorb. The surgeon divides the stomach, creating a pouch – about the size of an egg – that feels full after eating a small amount of food. The larger portion of the stomach and a portion of the small intestine are bypassed and reconnected in a Y-shaped configuration. The shortened length of intestine absorbs fewer calories.

First, the stomach is divided into a smaller top portion (pouch) which is about the size of an egg. The larger part of the stomach is bypassed and no longer stores or digests food. The small intestine is also divided and connected to the new stomach pouch to allow food to pass. The small bowel segment which empties the bypassed or larger stomach is connected into the small bowel approximately 3-4 feet downstream, resulting in a bowel connection resembling the shape of the letter Y. Eventually the stomach acids and digestive enzymes from the bypassed stomach and first portion of the small intestine will mix with food that is eaten.

The gastric bypass works in several ways. Like many bariatric procedures, the newly created stomach pouch is smaller and able to hold less food, which means fewer calories are ingested. Additionally, the food does not come into contact with the first portion of the small bowel and this results in decreased absorption. Most importantly, the modification of the food course through the gastrointestinal tract has a profound effect to decrease hunger, increase fullness, and allow the body to reach and maintain a healthy weight. The impact on hormones and metabolic health often results in improvement of adult onset diabetes even before any weight loss occurs. The operation also helps patients with reflux (heart burn) and often the symptoms quickly improve. Along with making appropriate food choices, patients must avoid tobacco products and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

The Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, often called the “sleeve”, is performed by removing approximately 80% of the stomach. The remaining stomach is the size and shape of a banana. The new stomach holds less food and liquid helping reduce the amount of food (and calories) that are consumed. By removing the portion of the stomach that produces most of the “hunger hormone”, the surgery has an effect on the metabolism. It decreases hunger, increases fullness, and allows the body to reach and maintain a healthy weight as well as blood sugar control. The simple nature of the operation makes it very safe without the potential complications from surgery on the small intestine.

Single Anastomosis Duodenal Switch (SADI-S)

The Single Anastomosis Duodenal-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy, referred to as the SADI-S is the most recent procedure to be endorsed by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. The operation starts the same way as the sleeve gastrectomy, making a smaller tube-shaped stomach. The first part of the small intestine is divided just after the stomach. A loop of intestine is measured several feet from its end and is then connected to the stomach. This is the only intestinal connection performed in this procedure.

When the patient eats, food goes through the pouch and directly into the latter portion of the small intestine. The food then mixes with digestive juices from the first part of the small intestine. This allows enough absorption of vitamins and minerals to maintain healthy levels of nutrition. This surgery offers good weight loss along with less hunger, more fullness, blood sugar control and diabetes improvement.

Are you a candidate for surgical weight loss?

To qualify for bariatric surgery, you must have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater, or have a BMI of 35 with other health issues related to obesity, with obesity being defined as being 100 pounds or more overweight. These health issues might include:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Hypertension
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Infertility/polycystic ovary syndrome
• Lipid and cholesterol disorders
• Venous Stasis
• Fatty Liver Disease

What does the process look like for bariatric surgery?

Step 1 – Get Started

Schedule an initial consultation with one of our bariatric nurse practitioners.

Step 2 – Attend Your Appointments

Attend your appointments with the registered dietitian and the behavioral health counselor. All appointments will be conveniently located in the Weight Loss Center

Step 3 - Complete Requirements

Complete pre-operative requirements which vary based on insurance and the individual. You will be informed of your pre-operative requirements at your initial consultation. Then schedule an individual consultation with one of our Bariatric Surgeons.

Step 4 – Insurance Submissions

Our staff will submit your patient packet to your insurance company.

Step 5 – Schedule Surgery

Step 6 – Surgery

Step 7 – Begin your new lifestyle

Follow the post-op instructions and attend support groups and follow-up appointments to help you stay on track with your new healthy lifestyle.