Many have been on that endless treadmill of the latest diet fads, quickly losing 20 pounds only to put them back on a few months later. If you’re stuck in this rut, there may be weight loss surgery options right for you.

Bariatric surgery procedure

Many different weight loss surgeries are available. These surgeries work by either restricting calories and/or not allowing calorie absorption. Common weight loss procedures include:

• Sleeve gastrectomy: A stapling device removes 75% of the stomach to limit the amount of food comfortably eaten.
• Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: In addition to a smaller stomach pouch, the small intestine is bypassed to limit absorption of calories and nutrients.
• Laparoscopic gastric band surgery: An adjustable band is placed around the upper stomach to limit the amount of food comfortably eaten.
• Duodenal switch (BPD-DS): An extreme procedure only used in those with super morbid obesity due to higher complication rates.

“I typically perform Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy because they are the most effective at losing weight with the least amount of long-term nutritional deficiencies and complications,” said Dr. Vijaya Nirujogi, surgeon and director of bariatric and metabolic surgery for Marshfield Clinic Health System.

Performed laparoscopically

All these procedures can be performed laparoscopically under general anesthesia. This reduces recovery time of 1-2 days. Nirujogi said complications from bariatric surgery are low – lower than more common procedures like gall bladder surgery, hip replacement or colon surgeries.

Related health concerns

Surgical weight loss treats much more than obesity. In fact, many obesity-related health conditions improve significantly or resolve after surgery, including:

• Diabetes mellitus type 2
• Hypertension
• Hyperlipidemia
• Obstructive sleep apnea

Reducing weight can also reduce chances of:

• Heart disease
• Arthritis of weight-bearing joints
• Multiple cancers
• Fatty liver disease
• Metabolic syndrome
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Recurrent abdominal hernias
• Recurrent skin fold infections

“Bariatric surgery is the best treatment option for weight loss and metabolic conditions like diabetes and fatty liver disease,” Nirujogi said. “On average, it is expected to add up to 6-10 years to your life and reduce the risk for up to 12 different cancers.”

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Positive long-term impact

The effects of surgery not only modify what and how much one can eat, but also resolves multiple metabolic issues so the body can:

• Use energy effectively
• Decrease insulin resistance
• Decrease hunger
• Improve feelings of fullness

Patients frequently express delight in not feeling hungry or craving food as they did before surgery when trying to diet via traditional methods.

While part of this effect may be temporary, most patients keep off 50% or more of the initial weight lost even after 10 years. Weight loss surgery is the only option that shows prolonged weight loss. Most people lose 75% or more of their excess weight and are at their desired weight within two years.

“Metabolic and bariatric surgery is the only option to date that improves many medical conditions along with obesity. No medical or other surgical treatment can claim this,” Nirujogi said. “The changes in hormones, metabolism, insulin sensitivity and energy utilization are truly profound even before substantial weight is lost. Even when some regain weight over the years, they still have improved metabolic health.”

Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield is the only accredited Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program Accredited Adult Comprehensive Center in north central Wisconsin and provides follow-up care for the life of a patient. To learn more, go here.

Take the assessment

This five-minute online assessment is an easy way to understand whether bariatric surgery is right for you.

For more information about weight loss, talk to a Marshfield Clinic Health System provider.

Find a bariatric surgery provider Learn more about bariatric surgery

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