Weight Loss Resources
Understanding Obesity and Weight-Loss Surgery
Many people have heard the term "obesity epidemic." In the United States, obesity affects a large number of adults and can increase the risk of serious health problems.
Healthcare providers often use Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine whether a person is at a healthy weight. BMI is a measurement based on a person's height and weight.
- A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obesity.
- A BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions may be considered severe obesity.
Obesity is linked to many medical conditions, including:
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Sleep apnea
- Acid reflux (GERD)
- Arthritis
- Infertility
- Heart disease
- Certain types of cancer
Severe Obesity and Weight Loss
Severe obesity can increase the risk of serious health complications and shorten life expectancy.
Losing weight and keeping it off can be difficult. While healthy eating and regular exercise are important, many people struggle to achieve long-term weight loss through lifestyle changes alone. For some patients, bariatric (weight-loss) surgery may be an effective treatment option.
Who May Qualify for Bariatric Surgery?
You may qualify for bariatric surgery if you:
- Have a BMI between 35 and 40 and have one or more obesity-related health conditions, such as diabetes or sleep apnea, or
- Have a BMI of 40 or higher
If you meet these guidelines, you can meet with a bariatric surgeon to discuss whether weight-loss surgery is right for you.
Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
Weight-loss surgery can provide many health benefits, including:
- Significant long-term weight loss
- Improvement in obesity-related health conditions
- Better control of diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol
- Improvement or resolution of sleep apnea
- Reduced need for certain medications
- Increased energy and overall well-being
- Improved quality of life and confidence
Many patients experience major health improvements after surgery and are able to live more active, healthy lives.
Common Weight-Loss Surgery Procedures
Several surgical procedures can help treat obesity. The two most common are:
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
This procedure helps patients lose weight by:
- Creating a small stomach pouch that limits how much food can be eaten at one time.
- Rerouting part of the small intestine so fewer calories and nutrients are absorbed.
The combination of eating less food and absorbing fewer calories helps support significant weight loss.
Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve)
- Removing about 75% to 80% of the stomach.
- Creating a smaller, tube-shaped stomach, often called a "sleeve."
- Limiting the amount of food that can be eaten.
- Reducing hunger through changes in hormones.
This procedure can help patients achieve significant weight loss and improve obesity-related health conditions.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Both procedures are usually performed using laparoscopic surgery, which uses several small incisions instead of one large incision. This approach often leads to:
- Less pain after surgery
- Smaller scars
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster recovery
What to Expect After Surgery
Most patients stay in the hospital for one to two nights after bariatric surgery.
After surgery:
- You will begin a special diet and gradually progress to other foods as directed by your care team.
- You will receive instructions about eating, drinking, physical activity, and recovery.
- Regular exercise and healthy lifestyle habits are important for long-term success.
- Follow-up appointments will help monitor your progress and support your goals.
Weight-loss surgery is a tool for success, but lasting results require a commitment to healthy habits.
What Are the Risks?
Like any surgery, bariatric surgery carries some risks, including:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Hernias
- Blood clots
- Leaks from surgical connections or staple lines
- Complications related to anesthesia
Advances in surgical techniques and patient care have made bariatric surgery safer than ever. At Saint Alphonsus, we follow proven safety practices and provide comprehensive support before, during, and after surgery to help reduce risks and promote successful outcomes.
What Does Bariatric Center Accreditation Mean?
Saint Alphonsus has earned Bariatric Comprehensive Center Accreditation from the American College of Surgeons. This accreditation recognizes programs that meet high standards for quality, safety, and patient care.
This means our program is committed to:
- Excellent surgical outcomes
- Tracking and monitoring patient results
- Following established treatment guidelines
- Providing comprehensive care from a team that includes surgeons, nurses, dietitians, and behavioral health professionals
- Using specialized equipment designed for patient safety
- Providing long-term follow-up care after surgery
- Offering patient support groups
- Providing access to bariatric surgical care when needed
- Training staff to safely care for bariatric patients and recognize complications
A Team Approach to Your Success
At Saint Alphonsus, weight-loss surgery is only part of the journey. Our team works closely with you before and after surgery, providing education, support, and ongoing care to help you achieve lasting weight loss, improve your health, and maintain your success for years to come.