Is Bariatric Surgery Right for Me?

Managing weight long term through non-surgical treatments has proven largely unsuccessful for those suffering from obesity.  With diet, medications, behavior modifications and exercise, patients often lose modest amounts of weight for short periods of time.  However, statistics show that long-term weight loss using these methods is rare.  In contrast to non-surgical treatments, weight loss surgery has demonstrated to be highly effective at sustaining long-term weight loss.        

For those individuals who cannot lose weight and keep it off by non-surgical means, or who suffer from serious obesity related problems, bariatric surgery may be the best option if their BMI is greater than 35.  Click here to calculate your BMI. 

Weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) is a life-changing procedure.  In some cases, the patient can lose 100 pounds or more.  We offer several options for surgery.  As you consider these options you’ll have many questions and concerns.  Our team of bariatric professionals is dedicated to helping you make an informed decision about which surgery is right for you. 

Overview of Weight Loss Surgery

Bariatric surgery alters the stomach and digestive process. There are basically two types of surgical procedures: restrictive and malabsorptive.  All of these procedures are designed to produce weight loss.

Restrictive procedures promote weight loss by helping patients feel full with very small amounts of food.  These are the most popular procedures.  Malabsorptive procedures cause food to be incompletely absorbed. The malabsorptive procedures have unpleasant side effects, including lasting diarrhea, which have made them much less popular.   

The laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the most common restrictive weight loss procedure performed throughout the United States. Open Roux-en-Y surgical procedures have been done for 50 years; however, the use of the laparoscopic method of surgery now allows for a shorter hospitalization and recovery period.  We also offer the adjustable gastric band, gastric sleeve procedure, and revisions of previous bariatric procedures.

Using your Surgical Tool 

Whichever weight loss procedure is the right fit for you, it is important to think of your surgery as a "tool".  Just as it would be difficult to build an entire house with only one tool, the same could be said about relying solely on your surgical tool for long term, lasting success on your weight loss journey.  Through our years of experience, we've found that people do best with weight loss surgery when they include all the other "tools" in their toolbox-- diet vigilance, regular exercise, vitamin/mineral supplementation as advised, support from family/friends/support groups, and regular visits with their bariatric team.  When you are a patient with William A. Graber, MD, PC, you are our patient for life- never hesitate to contact us for anything that you need.