Frequently Asked Questions
Please click on a question below:
What is bariatric surgery?
What is BMI (Body Mass Index)?
What are the health risks of morbid obesity?
Is Bariatric Surgery Right for Me?
Do I qualify for bariatric surgery?
How long does it take before I have surgery?
How many appointments will I have to make?
How much weight can I expect to lose?
How successful is bariatric surgery?
Do I qualify for insurance coverage for bariatric surgery?
What are the possible side effects of bariatric surgery?
What are the health benefits of bariatric surgery?
What are the complications and risks associated with bariatric surgery?
What if I want to get pregnant after bariatric surgery?
After surgery, what support will I receive in adjusting to new daily habits?
What is bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery, also known as weight-loss surgery, refers to a number of procedures performed to treat severe obesity. This weight loss method is used for people with a body mass index (BMI):
- Greater than 40
- Greater than 35 if accompanied by health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Both the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and the gastric banding procedures are performed at Saint Vincent Hospital by our bariatric surgeons Michael Potter, MD and Paul Arcand, MD, Director of the Bariatric Surgery Program.
What is BMI (Body Mass Index)?
According to the National Institute of Health – Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women.
| BMI Indicators |
| Acceptable Range |
18.5 - 24.9 |
| Overweight |
25.0 - 29.9 |
| Obese |
30.0 - 34.9 |
| Severe Obesity |
35.0 - 39.9 |
| Morbid Obesity |
40.0 - 49.9
|
| Super-Morbid Obesity |
>50 |
What are the health risks of morbid obesity?
| Women’s Health Risks of Morbid Obesity* |
| Health Condition |
Women |
| Type 2 Diabetes |
400% higher risk of occurrence |
| High Blood Pressure |
210% higher risk of occurrence |
| Coronary Heart Disease |
300% higher risk of occurrence |
| Stroke |
137% higher risk of occurrence |
| Esophageal Cancer (adenocarcinoma) |
200% higher risk of occurrence |
| Kidney Cancer |
84% higher risk of occurrence |
| Breast Cancer |
50% higher risk of occurrence |
| Uterine Cancer |
200% to 400% higher risk of occurrence |
* Compared to people with a healthy weight.
* A Note on Relative Risk
The chart refers to “relative risk,” which compares how likely an event is to occur to a person versus another person. The chart shows how much more likely a person with morbid obesity is to develop cancer or die from cancer versus a person with a healthy weight.
Women living with morbid obesity have 50% to 100% higher mortality rates than women with a healthy weight.
| Women with Morbid Obesity Have Higher Cancer Mortality Rates* |
| Type of Cancer |
Women |
| All types |
62% higher |
* Compared to people with a healthy weight.
| Men’s Health Risks of Morbid Obesity* |
| Health Condition |
Men |
| Type 2 Diabetes |
400% higher risk of occurrence |
| High Blood Pressure |
190% higher risk of occurrence |
| Coronary Heart Disease |
300% higher risk of occurrence |
| Esophageal Cancer (adenocarcinoma) |
200% higher risk of occurrence |
| Kidney Cancer |
84% higher risk of occurrence |
* Compared to people with a healthy weight.
Men living with morbid obesity have 50% to 100% higher mortality rates than men with a healthy weight.
| Men with Morbid Obesity Have Higher Cancer Mortality Rates* |
| Type of Cancer |
Men |
| All types |
52% higher |
* Compared to people with a healthy weight.
* A Note on Relative Risk
The chart refers to “relative risk,” which compares how likely an event is to occur to a person versus another person. The chart shows how much more likely a person with morbid obesity is to develop cancer or die from cancer versus a person with a healthy weight.
Is Bariatric Surgery Right for Me?
Talk with your surgeon about the different surgical treatments, as well as the benefits and risks.
Remember:
- Bariatric surgery is not cosmetic surgery.
- Bariatric surgery does not involve the removal of adipose tissue (fat) by suction or surgical removal.
- The patient must commit to long-term lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, which are key to the success of bariatric surgery.
- Problems after surgery are rare, but corrective procedures may be required.
Do I qualify for bariatric surgery?
Talk with your primary care physician who can refer you into the program. You are eligible to enter the Bariatric Surgery Program if you meet the following criteria:
- A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more
Click here to calculate your BMI
- A BMI of 35 or more along with health problems such as:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Sleep apnea
- Joint problems
- An understanding of the lifestyle changes needed to make bariatric surgery a success.
How long does it take before I have surgery?
The Reliant Medical Group Bariatric Surgery Program is not a “quick fix” for weight loss. Perhaps the questions to ask are: Are you ready to make changes, and are you committed to making the necessary lifestyle changes? Also, time is needed for appointments with doctors, surgeons, psychologists, physical therapists and dietitians. The time from when one enters the program to their surgery date varies from one patient to another.
How many appointments will I have to make?
The Reliant Medical Group Bariatric Surgery Program is a complete program that requires time for appointments with doctors, psychologists and dietitians. After attending the Bariatric Introductory Meeting at Saint Vincent’s Hospital, you will:
- Meet with a Bariatric Internist for a consult.
- Attend a group session and individual meetings with a dietitian.
- Meet with a psychologist for an initial assessment and then attend a six-week group session (additional appointments may be required).
These appointments will help you achieve lifestyle changes including required weight loss. This will demonstrate your commitment to long term changes and will optimize your success.
How much weight can I expect to lose?
After surgery, weight loss varies and is dependent on the type of surgery performed and your adherence to nutrition and exercise goals. Should you undergo Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, you may lose up to 65 percent of your excess weight within one year of surgery. Likewise, should you choose adjustable gastric banding, you may lose up to 56 percent of your excess weight within two years of surgery.
How successful is bariatric surgery?
Studies show that bariatric surgery can effectively improve and resolve many co-morbid conditions. A review of more that 22,000 bariatric surgery patients showed:
- Improvement in or complete resolution of conditions including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea
- 61.2% reduction of excess weight
| Results of Five-Year Follow-up |
| Treatment |
Weight Loss (% of Patients) |
| Diet and Exercise* |
2% to 5% |
| Medication** |
0% |
| Bariatric Surgery*** |
50% to 70% |
* Success measured as a loss of 10% of initial body weight.
** Weight loss is not maintained once treatment ends.
*** Success measured as a loss of 50% of excess body weight (equivalent to loss of approximately 20% to 25% of initial body weight).
Do I qualify for insurance coverage for bariatric surgery?
Reliant Medical Group accepts most health insurances. Review your insurance policy for severe obesity management. Request the policy/contract from your employer or insurance company and ask that they highlight the sections in your plan that discusses the exclusions. Pre-approval is usually required for weight-loss surgery. To receive more information regarding working with your insurance provider in seeking weight-loss surgery, visit www.obesityaction.org.
What are the possible side effects of bariatric surgery?
Side effects include:
- Vomiting
- Dumping syndrome
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Gallstones
- Need to avoid pregnancy temporarily
- Nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, excessive sweating, increased gas, and dizziness
What are the health benefits of bariatric surgery?
Health Benefits
Bariatric surgery has been shown to improve a number of health conditions as noted in the table below. (Percentages refer to the % of Resolved or Improved cases.)
| |
Gastric Bypass |
Gastric Banding |
| Type 2 Diabetes (Resolved) |
83.8% |
47.8% |
| High Blood Pressure (Resolved) |
75.4% |
38.4% |
| High Cholesterol (Improved) |
95% |
78.3% |
| Obstructive Sleep Apnea (Resolved) |
86.6% |
94.6% |
| Acid Reflux/GERD (Resolved) |
98% |
32.3% |
| Depression (Improved) |
47% |
No data available |
| Osteoarthritis and Joint Pain (Resolved) |
41% |
No data available |
| Menstrual Dysfunction Due to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (Resolved and Restored Ovulation and Fertility) |
100%, Yes,
5 of 5 patients |
No data available |
What are the complications and risks associated with bariatric surgery?
As with any surgery, there are immediate and long-term complications and risks. Possible risks can include, but are not limited to:
- Bleeding
- Complications due to anesthesia and medications
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Dehiscence (separation of areas that are stitched or stapled together)
- Infections
- Leaks from staple lines
- Marginal ulcers
- Pulmonary problems
- Spleen injury
- Stenosis (narrowing of a passage, such as a valve)
- Death
What if I want to get pregnant after bariatric surgery?
Most doctors recommend that women wait at least one year after the surgery before a pregnancy. Approximately one year postoperatively, your body should be fairly stable (from a weight and nutrition standpoint), and you should be able to carry a normally nourished fetus. Consult your surgeon as you plan for pregnancy.
After surgery, what support will I receive in adjusting to new daily habits?
Support groups give patients an excellent opportunity to talk about personal issues. Most patients learn, for example, that bariatric surgery will not resolve personal relationship issues. Most bariatric surgeons who frequently perform bariatric surgery will tell you that ongoing support after surgery helps to achieve the greatest level of success for their patients. Patients help keep each other motivated, celebrate small victories together, and provide perspective on the everyday successes and challenges that patients generally experience.
The Reliant Medical Group Bariatric Surgery Support Group meets from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the first floor in Conference Room C located at:
Saint Vincent Hospital
123 Summer Street, Worcester
(Parking will be validated)
Please note that this meeting is free of charge.
2012 Bariatric Surgery Support Group Schedule
January 12
February 9
March 8
April 12
May 10
June 14
July 12
August 9
September 13
October 11
November 8
December 13