Bariatric and Weight Loss Care

Ensuring a successful weight loss program with medication involves the following steps:

• Request an appointment
• Complete your assessment for eligibility
• Complete required lab tests
• Consult with your physician
• Select the best medication for your goals
• Have medication authorized and prescribed by us
• Start medication
• See positive results
• Continue with ongoing assessment, consultations and support

FDA guidelines recommend that weight-loss medicines may be considered for people who have tried lifestyle changes and meet one or more of the following conditions:

• BMI equal or greater than 30
• BMI equal or greater than 27.5 for people of South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern family background
• BMI equal or greater than 27 with one or more obesity-related conditions (e.g., high blood pressure or diabetes)

The gastric bypass is the gold standard procedure for weight loss surgery. Weight loss is achieved by surgically creating a smaller stomach which limits the amount of food that can be eaten at one time. Patients eat less and feel full sooner. Additionally, the small intestine is bypassed which reduces calorie and nutrient absorption. A high-quality bariatric multivitamin must be taken for the rest of your life. Patients can expect to lose 60-70% of excess weight within the first year after surgery. Many patients experience remission of obesity related diseases such as type 2 diabetes.

In this procedure, 80% of the stomach is completely removed, effectively turning the stomach into a small tube. By creating a smaller stomach, this surgery limits the amount of food that can eaten at one time. Patients eat less and feel full sooner. Food passes through the digestive tract in the usual order, allowing it to be fully absorbed in the body. Unlike the gastric bypass surgery, there is a reduced need for ongoing nutritional supplements. Patients can expect to lose about 60% of excess weight within the first year after surgery. Many patients experience remission of obesity related diseases such as type 2 diabetes.

In this procedure, 80% of the stomach is removed (like the gastric sleeve). Additionally, a segment of the intestine is bypassed. Patients lose weight due to the reduced amount of food needed to feel full along with the decreased absorption through the rerouted small intestine. Patients can expect to lose 80-90% of excess weight in the first 2 years after surgery. Many patients experience remission of obesity related diseases such as type 2 diabetes.

Bariatric surgery is most successful when accompanied by changes in eating habits and physical activity. Over time, your stomach can and will re-stretch to accommodate larger food portions, so a life-long commitment to a healthy diet is needed for long-term success.

We will put you in touch with providers who can help you on your journey, from dieticians to life coaches. We’ll refer you to classes on nutrition, exercise and weight loss practices. We’ll monitor your progress and help you stay on track. We’ll do everything possible to set you up for success and to put you at ease — physically, emotionally and spiritually — so you can remain focused on the great results!

While bariatric surgery has been successful for many patients, it is not for everyone. It is offered as an alternative for individuals who consistently struggle to lose weight though non-surgical methods, and whose health is compromised because of their weight.

Bariatric surgery may be right for you if:

• You’re 100 pounds or more over your suggested healthy body weight
• If your body-mass index (BMI) is 40+ or 35 to 39 with health concerns such as diabetes, moderate to severe sleep apnea, or certain obesity related heart diseases
• If you have tried a variety of weight-loss programs previously with little long-term success