If you’ve been thinking about how bariatric surgery could be the answer to your weight-loss struggles, you are not alone. To help with these struggles, Lakewood Health System’s bariatric surgery program is here to help you lose weight, and live a happier, healthier life.
While there are several bariatric procedure options, the one being performed at Lakewood is the sleeve gastrectomy.
The Weight is Over
If you are interested in learning more about bariatric surgical options at Lakewood, watch our 3-part video series.
Making the Decision
In order to make the right decision for YOU, it’s necessary to know the facts.
- Obesity is having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30. BMI compares a person’s weight to their height. A normal BMI is 19-24, and a BMI of 25-29 is considered overweight. Click here to learn your BMI.
- The National Institute of Health’s (NIH) guidelines for surgery to treat severe obesity are to have either a BMI greater than 40 OR a BMI greater than 35, with weight-related health problems (diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol, arthritis, etc.).
- You’ve tried and been unsuccessful with organized weight loss programs, or working with your provider or dietitian.
- Most insurance companies require you to work with a bariatric team for six months prior to approving your surgery, so if you’re interested, or even think you might be, it’s best to get started right away. (Most insurance companies consider any work you’ve done in preparation for the surgery, current for 12 months.)
The Surgery
The sleeve gastrectomy is minimally invasive, and of all the surgical procedures, it has the lowest rate of complication. By removing a portion of the stomach, thus reducing the size, you will feel fuller, while eating less food. Part of the stomach portion that is removed is responsible for hunger producing hormones, which means you won’t be as hungry between meals due to the decreased hormones. This procedure does not cause malabsorption because it provides steady weight loss with the least amount of dietary restriction.
Contact us if you have any questions about bariatric surgery!
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