Why should I consider having bariatric surgery?

Obesity is hard on your health. Someone who is 40 percent overweight is twice as likely to die prematurely after 10 to 30 years of being obese than a person of average weight.  In this country alone, about 300,000 deaths per year can be blamed on obesity. Obesity is a risk factor for many serious, life-threatening diseases, including diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea and stroke.

After weight loss, studies show that the risk of death from these conditions returns to normal.  Within the first six months of having weight loss surgery, patients usually no longer need to take medications for diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and other conditions.

Who is eligible for bariatric surgery?

You must be between 16 and 70 years old and at least 100 pounds over your ideal body weight with a BMI of 40. If your BMI is between 35 and 39, you may also qualify for the procedure if you have other health conditions related to obesity, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or sleep apnea. 

If you are of childbearing age and planning a pregnancy, you MUST NOT get pregnant within the first 18 months to two years following surgery. The rapid weight loss and nutritional deficiencies associated with bariatric surgery make pregnancy very dangerous for you and your developing baby.

What bariatric surgical procedures are performed at Obesity Health Solutions?

Dr. Stowers performs restrictive procedures, such as the Lap-Band and gastric sleeve, as well as malabsorptive procedures, such as gastric bypass surgery.

The Lap-Band procedure restricts the amount of food you can eat by placing an adjustable gastric band around the top portion of the stomach. Lap-Band surgery is performed laparoscopically, which means the operation is performed through several small incisions instead of one large one. Laparoscopic surgery generally offers a shorter operative time, less scarring and a faster recovery, and patients generally can return to work after one week. One of the major benefits of the Lap-Band is the ability to adjust the band to the individual patient's needs. In addition, the band can be removed through a minimally invasive procedure, making the surgery reversible. Compared to gastric bypass surgery, the Lap-Band procedure typically allows patients to eat a more varied diet.

Another restrictive procedure is the sleeve gastrectomy, also called the gastric sleeve. During this procedure, the stomach is divided vertically into a smaller section and a larger section using sutures. The new, smaller stomach restricts the amount of food a person can comfortably eat, thereby limiting the patient’s caloric intake. However, the surgery does not change how food is digested, because the stomach’s natural connection to the small intestine is left intact. In addition, because gastric sleeve surgery is performed laparoscopically, recovery time in the hospital is generally kept to two days, and patients have minimal scarring.

The most commonly performed malabsorptive procedure is called the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. This method not only reduces the size of the stomach, but also alters digestion by creating a direct connection from the stomach to the lower segment of the small intestine, literally bypassing portions of the digestive tract that absorb calories and nutrients. Because the procedure both reduces the size of the stomach and inhibits the absorption of calories, gastric bypass patients tend to experience more rapid weight loss than Lap-Band or gastric sleeve patients. In many cases, Dr. Stowers also can perform the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure using minimally invasive surgical techniques, which offer smaller incisions, fewer complications and a quicker recovery.

What is the recovery time after surgery?

Most patients have no complications after surgery and stay in the hospital for two to four days following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, two days following a sleeve gastrectomy, and overnight following Lap-Band surgery.

Will I have support following my procedure?

At Obesity Health Solutions, we carefully evaluate all patients being considered for gastric bypass, gastric sleeve or Lap-Band surgery in Decatur, TX. Prior to your weight loss surgery, we conduct nutritional and behavioral counseling, and you are required to attend at least one weekly support group session.  In addition, we schedule regular follow-up visits during the first year after weight loss surgery to check your overall physical and mental health, metabolism and nutritional status.  We also encourage all of our patients to participate in our support groups.

How much weight loss can I expect?

Most patients will lose between 66 and 80 percent of their excess body weight (a little less for Lap-Band, a little more with gastric bypass). Weight loss usually peaks at 18 to 24 months following surgery.

What are the dietary restrictions following weight loss surgery?

After surgery, you will need to follow specific eating guidelines, which are outlined in a handbook that you will get to take home with you.  Also, our registered dietitian will work closely with you to help plan healthy, appropriate meals for you.

Is it possible to gain the weight back after surgery?

Although bariatric surgery has a great history for helping morbidly obese individuals lose weight, there are no guarantees with any method of weight loss, even surgery. Success depends on your commitment to making lifestyle and dietary changes for the rest of your life. Participating in our regular support group meetings or in an online support forum can help you stay on track for the long-term, even years after your bariatric surgery procedure.

What are the risks?

All surgical procedures have risks, especially when the patient is morbidly obese. Different procedures involve different risks, and depending upon your individual circumstances, your risks may be higher or lower than average. However, surgeons like Dr. Stowers, who have more experience performing bariatric surgery, report fewer complications. Dr. Stowers and other members of our care team will discuss the potential risks of surgery with you during your initial consultation, so you can make an informed choice.  You can also refer to the following sections of the website for information about specific risks for the procedures performed at Obesity Health Solutions:
•    Adjustable Gastric Banding (Lap-Band) Surgery
•    Gastric Bypass Surgery
•    Sleeve Gastrectomy

Can bariatric surgery be reversed?

The Lap-Band procedure is reversible in a minimally invasive manner. The gastric sleeve and gastric bypass procedures are not considered reversible, since portions of the stomach are cut away, and in the case of gastric bypass surgery, the digestive tract is rerouted. We recommend that you not consider reversal as an option if you are committed to your surgical procedure, regardless of which type of weight loss surgery you choose.

Will insurance cover bariatric surgery?

Many insurance companies are paying for bariatric surgery because they recognize obesity as a major health risk. Contact your insurance provider to find out whether the procedure you choose is a covered benefit under your insurance contract. For more information, visit our section on Financing Options. If you have other questions, call us at 866-980-8598. We're happy to help.

Why Choose Obesity Health Solutions?

Dr. Scott Stowers, medical director of Obesity Health Solutions, is board certified in general surgery and has performed more than 100 bariatric surgery procedures. He is actively involved with some of the nation's top medical organizations, including the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and stays informed about the latest developments and research concerning bariatric procedures. Dr. Stowers emphasizes minimally invasive or laparoscopic procedures for most bariatric surgeries performed, thus minimizing complications and speeding recovery for patients. In addition, Obesity Health Solutions offers a comprehensive program of pre- and post-operative care and counseling, to ensure that patients have the greatest opportunity for long-term success and happiness