Bariatric Surgery at Swedish Hospital
Bariatric surgery can help patients improve their health and lifestyle, resolve obesity-associated medical conditions and achieve a healthier body weight. We utilize minimally invasive approaches when possible to reduce risk and improve patient outcomes.
NorthShore also offers free information sessions and support groups to help you on your weight loss journey.
Learn more about bariatric surgery and register for information/support groups at NorthShore.org>>
To schedule an appointment with a surgeon, please call
847-570-1700.
General Questions About Bariatric Surgery
What Is Bariatric Surgery? Is It the Same as Weight-Loss Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a form of weight loss surgery. Unlike cosmetic surgery, bariatric surgery is aimed to help patients improve their health and lifestyle, resolve obesity-associated medical conditions and achieve a healthier body weight.
Some examples of obesity-associated medical conditions patients report improvement in include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Sleep apnea
- Joint problems
In addition to helping resolve current health concerns, these operations may also prevent future health problems, increase life span, and improve quality of life.
Who Is a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery? Who Is Not?
We take the individual into account when recommending bariatric surgery within our program. Different bariatric operations are appropriate for different patients. Your medical conditions, level of obesity and social support network all play a role in deciding who is a candidate for bariatric surgery and which operation is best for you.
The basic criteria to qualify for bariatric surgery include a minimum body mass index (BMI) of 30. The US National Institute of Health recommends bariatric surgery for patients with a BMI greater than 35 with an obesity-associated medical condition (diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, among others) or a BMI greater than 40 with or without any obesity-associated medical conditions.
We also consider your history and previous attempts at weight loss through diet, exercise and medications. Regardless of whether you strictly meet any of the above criteria, we welcome you to explore your options in our weight management program.
What Are the Advantages of Bariatric Surgery?
The main advantage of bariatric surgery is living a longer, healthier and happier life. Obesity-related medical conditions usually improve, often to the point where previous treatments of these conditions can be stopped. These conditions include:
- Diabetes
- Sleep apnea
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Joint problems
- Heart disease
- Fatty liver disease
- Increased fertility in women
- And more
What Are the Disadvantages of Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery shares the risks of any operation with anesthesia, including but not limited to, bleeding, infection, blood clots, bowel obstruction, hernia, and intestinal leakage.
Disadvantages specific to bariatric surgery include nutrients being poorly absorbed or a narrowing of your intestinal connections.
In the long-term, bariatric surgery can also increase risk of gallstones, depression, alcohol or substance abuse disorders, changes to your social relationships, sagging skin and hair loss. A minority of patients may also experience weight regain.
Does Insurance Cover Bariatric Surgery?
Obesity is recognized as a chronic disease, similar to diabetes and high blood pressure. While most insurance plans do cover bariatric surgery, individual policies vary. Our team will assist you with insurance verification to determine if your policy includes bariatric surgery coverage, along with any requirements that must be fulfilled to be approved for surgery.
How Do You Prepare for Bariatric Surgery?
Our professional multidisciplinary team of experts specializing in bariatric surgery and obesity medicine will partner with you to help you reach your personal goals.
During your initial visit with your surgeon, a pathway will be created for you based on your insurance requirements and individual needs. Together, you will discuss which procedure is best for you based on your medical history and personal goals. You are also invited to attend a virtual, free information session to learn more about your weight loss options.
Prior to any bariatric surgery, all patients will undergo supervised medical weight loss visits, a comprehensive physical exam, specialized testing such as bloodwork, an EKG and potential referrals to other specialists as necessary. You will also meet with a health psychologist and registered dietitian.
How Long Does Bariatric Surgery Take?
A bariatric operation may take anywhere from 45 minutes to a couple of hours. The operation will take as long as your safety dictates. This is our priority during your surgery.
Is Bariatric Surgery Considered a Major Surgery?
The term bariatric surgery encompasses a variety of procedures that vary in the degree in which they affect your body.
The most common operations are performed using a minimally invasive technique, sometimes with a robotic surgery approach. This generally leads to a decreased operating time, lower infection rate, lower complication rate, shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery time.
All bariatric surgery procedures are performed under general anesthesia. We also offer procedures with an endoscopic approach, where there are no incisions or wounds involved.
Questions About Specific Bariatric Surgeries
What Are the Types of Bariatric Surgery?
Broadly speaking, bariatric surgeries can be divided into two categories: restrictive or hypo-absorptive.
- Restrictive operations aim to reduce the stomach’s ability to hold or store food when consumed. Two common operations in this category are sleeve gastrectomy and gastric balloon.
- Hypo-absorptive operations involve rerouting your intestines in a manner that allows food (and calories) less contact with your intestines and less time for absorption. Two common operations in this category are gastric bypass and duodenal switch.
What Is the Safest Type of Bariatric Surgery?
All surgeries carry risks, specific risks can vary between operations and patients. Most bariatric operations have a low risk of complications or mortality. Most of the operations are equal to or safer than having a gallbladder surgery.
In general, the less invasive an operation is and the less traumatic to the body it is, the lower the risk.
What Is Gastric Bypass?
Gastric bypass is one of the most common operations performed for weight loss and its benefits have been well-studied.
During a gastric bypass, the surgeon divides the stomach into two parts: a small and larger portion. The intestines are then rearranged so that the food you swallow passes into the small part of your stomach and then directly into an area further down into your intestine. This allows the food you swallow to bypass most of your stomach and early small intestine, where most of the absorption of calories and nutrients occurs.
Gastric bypasses have both restrictive and hypo-absorptive properties, allowing you to eat smaller portions and absorb less calories to lose weight.
Gastric bypass has been performed for more than 50 years, and minimally invasive techniques have been refined since 1993. We offer minimally invasive (laparoscopic) gastric bypass surgery with small incisions.
What Is a Gastric Sleeve?
Gastric sleeve is a weight loss operation that has gained popularity in the US in recent years. During this procedure, 75% of your stomach is removed. The new, smaller stomach allows you to feel full with a smaller volume of food. As a result of gastric sleeve, your body will also secrete less of the hormones that stimulate appetite.
We offer this surgery in a minimally invasive approach with small incisions. We also offer an endoscopic approach which uses a flexible camera that is inserted into your mouth and down to your stomach. This alternative approach allows no incisions or scars to be made on your abdomen.
Questions About Bariatric Surgery Results and Recovery
How Much Weight Can You Lose With Bariatric Surgery?
Your estimated weight loss will depend on the type of bariatric surgery you undergo and personal factors, such as starting body mass index. On average, patients undergoing bariatric surgery can expect to lose between 50% to 80% of their excess body weight.
What Is Recovery Like for Bariatric Surgery?
The most commonly reported side effects during the first 1-4 weeks of recovery may include:
- Mild abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Fatigue
- Dehydration
- Constipation
Our weight loss program provides you with enhanced recovery after surgery, including personalized pain, nausea, and constipation relief recommendations. We expect patients to be out of bed, sitting in a chair, and walking the first day of your surgery. Most patients return to work after one to two weeks with a lifting restriction of no more than 20 pounds for the first two to four weeks, depending on your individual needs.
How Long is the Hospital Stay After Bariatric Surgery?
Most patients remain in the hospital for one to two days after surgery.
What Foods Cannot Be Eaten After Bariatric Surgery?
We provide you with a consultation with a nutritionist prior to undergoing surgery and clear instructions on what to eat after surgery.
Your diet after surgery will vary depending on the type of bariatric operation you undergo. You may have certain dietary restrictions. In general, portion sizes will be smaller.
Most diet plans encourage you to keep your protein intake at a certain level. We strongly advise you to ensure you get enough water to prevent dehydration, as this has been known to happen. There will also most likely be vitamin and mineral supplementation after your surgery.
Does Loose Skin After Weight Loss Go Away?
What type of operation you underwent, how much weight you have lost, how fast you have lost the weight, genetics, age, and smoking history are all factors that influence how much excess skin you may experience after your weight loss.
If the loose skin becomes problematic or bothersome, there are options (including surgery) to address this issue.
Contact Us
For more information and to schedule an appointment with a surgeon, please call 847-570-1700.
