Is it time to consider bariatric surgery? If you are severely overweight, this surgery can dramatically impact your health. Surgery can help you lose excess weight, and also improve health problems associated with severe overweight, such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis. If you choose bariatric surgery, you must be willing to make permanent dietary and lifestyle changes.
Procedures
Roux-en-Y
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass greatly reduces the size of your stomach bypassing part of the stomach and portions of the small intestine (duodenum and jejunum). This will make you feel full quicker and decrease absorption of food in the intestine. These changes will help you in your goal of improving weight management and control.
Adjustable Band
For the adjustable band procedure, a surgeon places a silicone band around the upper part of the stomach. The stomach is sewn over the band to hold it in place. This limits the amount of food you can eat at one time, so you will feel full more quickly and eat less. The band also limits the food leaving the small gastric pouch, so you will feel full longer.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
A sleeve gastrectomy greatly reduces the size of your stomach. The stomach will be stapled and divided, forming a gastric tube for the passage of food. The rest of the stomach is removed, and there is no rearrangement of the intestine. This will make you feel full quicker and eat less.
Learn more and see pictures of the procedures.
Education
Attending an information session can help you decide if surgery is the right choice for you. Find out about different bariatric surgery procedures, how the surgery works, what it can do for you, and much more. A friend or family member is also encouraged to attend with you. Attendees will receive a free one-week pass to the Bronson Athletic Club. Learn about the bariatric surgeons who perform procedures at Bronson Methodist Hospital.
2012 information sessions presented by Kibwe Weaver, MD
Monday, January 9, 6 to 8 p.m.
Monday, February 20, 6 to 8 p.m.
Monday, March 19, 6 to 8 p.m.
2012 information sessions presented by Stuart Verseman, MD
Monday, January 16, 6 to 8 p.m.
Monday, February 6, 6 to 8 p.m.
Monday, March 5, 6 to 8 p.m.
For more information, visit Classes & Events, or call (269) 341-7723 to register.
Support Group
If you have had or are considering bariatric surgery and would like ongoing support, consider attending our support group.
Surgery Criteria
The typical bariatric surgery candidate:
- Is at least 18 years old (those younger than 18 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
- Has a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40
- Has a BMI of at least 35 with obesity-related medical problems such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, or sleep apnea
- Has previously tried a non-surgical weight loss program
- Is willing to stick with the lifestyle and nutrition requirements
- Is psychologically stable
- Attend support group sessions following surgery
Visit the National Institutes of Health website for more information about bariatric surgery and to calculate your BMI.
Patient Testimonials
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Josephine Fowler of Van Buren County cannot believe she’s training for a 60 mile walk next summer. This 27-year-old mother of twins used to have a hard time just walking up a flight of stairs. Not any more. She has lost more than 145 pounds thanks to the Bronson Bariatric Surgery Program.
Read Josephine's story. |
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When Eric Phillips decided to enter Bronson’s bariatric surgery program, he was amazed at the support he received. Today, Eric says he feels like he did ten years ago and can keep up with his two-year-old.
Read Eric's story |
Want to hear about other patients who had bariatric surgery at Bronson?
Read Susan Imanse's story!
Read Darcie Mitchell's story!
Read Ralph Balkema's story!
Read Dan and Julie Reisner's story!
Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage for bariatric surgery varies. Many insurance companies that provide reimbursement for bariatric surgery require that patients meet certain selection criteria. If you are considering bariatric surgery, contact your health insurance provider to ask questions about your specific benefits. Bronson Methodist Hospital is not currently credentialed for Medicare or Priority Health for bariatric surgery.
Health Risk Assessments
Learn your risk for a variety of health conditions, including being overweight and weight-related problems. Take our free, confidential health risk assessments today.
What is BMI (Body Mass Index)?
BMI is a reliable indicator of total body fat, which is related to the risk of disease and death. The score is valid for both men and women but it does have some limits. The limits are:
- It may overestimate body fat in athletes and others who have a muscular build.
- It may underestimate body fat in older persons and others who have lost muscle mass.
Use the BMI calculator or tables to estimate your total body fat.
Commonly Used Products
The Outpatient Pharmacy on the campus of Bronson Methodist Hospital now stocks the following items for your convenience:
- Boost Glucose Control in chocolate and vanilla
- Impact Advanced Recovery drink in chocolate and vanilla
- Benefiber
- Beneprotein
Helpful Links
obesityhelp.com
mypyramidtracker.gov
fitday.com
my-calorie-counter.com
bariatricedge.com
obesityaction.org
See WebMD's weight loss surgery video.
