Weight Loss 101: Bariatric Surgery

If one of your health goals is to lose weight in the new year, but you have no idea where to start, you’ve come the to the right place. Our three-part series, Weight Loss 101, will help you understand the complicated weight loss world so that you can make a better, more informed decision of which path to choose.

If you’re reading this then you’ve probably started and stopped numerous diets. If you’re like us, you’ve discovered that weight loss is tough. No matter where you are in your weight loss journey, we’re here for you. The team at Trinity Health Michigan has the tools for you to be successful.

One tool to consider is weight loss surgery, better known as bariatric surgery, and can make a world of difference if previous weight loss efforts have not been successful. On average, you can expect to lose between 50% to 70% of excess body weight after bariatric surgery.

Bariatric surgery is a safe, weight loss procedure that leads to quick results and for the long-term. And, at Trinity Health Michigan, we do more than surgery - we provide a team-approach to weight loss with board-certified surgeons, dietitians, psychologists, support groups and more to ensure you are supported every step of the way.

Below are some of the most commonly asked questions that we get from our patients about bariatric surgery.

Who qualifies for bariatric surgery?

Qualifying for bariatric surgery requires one of the following:

• A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more.
• A BMI of 35 or more with a serious health problem linked to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnea.
• A BMI of 30 or more with type 2 diabetes that is difficult to control with medical treatments and lifestyle changes.

What is the risk?

The perception is that bariatric surgery is high-risk. However, that’s wildly wrong. Other “routine” laparoscopic surgeries, such as gallbladder removal, have 3-4 times more risk than bariatric surgery. No surgery is ever risk-free, but the risks here are extremely low.

Is it covered by my insurance?

Most major insurances cover bariatric surgery. Your insurance provider can help you identify what is covered and offer covered weight loss alternatives if they are available.

What are the surgical options?

At Trinity Health Michigan, you have access to every type of bariatric surgery. Our team takes time to get to know you, your medical history and health goals. We will explain the types of bariatric surgery we offer, discuss which type may be best for you and together determine a path forward.

Types of bariatric surgery we offer include: roux-en-Y gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, duodenal switch and revisional bariatric surgery.

Does it hurt?

Our surgeries are performed laparoscopically, often with robotic assistance, which is minimally invasive. This means you have small incisions and a lot less “moving around” inside your body than a traditional surgery. As a result, you can expect less pain overall. You will receive a limited prescription for narcotic pain medications. You should not expect significant or long-lasting post-operative pain.

How long will I stay in the hospital?

Most of our patients stay in the hospital for only one night. Many years ago, patients might have stayed for five nights, but this is not the same process it used to be.

How long will I be out of work?

If your job is not particularly strenuous and does not involve lifting, you will probably be back to work in 1-2 weeks, depending on how you feel. You will have a 20 lb. weightlifting restriction for two weeks. You can resume any activity by six weeks after surgery.

Will I be able to stop taking medications for other health concerns once I have the surgery?

Many conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes are weight- and nutrition-related. If you are able to successfully lose a significant amount of weight, it’s very likely that you can either reduce or eliminate other medications. However, this should always be done in consultation with your physician.

Why choose Trinity Health Michigan for my surgery?

The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) has designated us as an accredited Bariatric Surgery Center due to our quality and favorable clinical outcomes in weight loss surgery. These quality measures are important because many insurance companies require that your provider have one or both of these accreditations.

How do I get started or learn more?

Getting started is easy; visit TrinitHealthMi.org/Bariatrics to learn more, take an assessment and/or watch our online seminar.

At Trinity Health Michigan, the path to a healthy weight is as unique as you are. We realize not everyone is looking for the same results, and not every program works for each person. That’s why we offer more choices, including nutrition counseling and weight management programs, in addition to bariatric surgery.

Experienced weight loss specialists take time to get to know you as an individual and learn about your health goals. They then tailor services to your needs and preferences, giving you the best chances for success.