Is Weight-Loss Surgery Right For You?
Weight-Loss Surgery Can Lead to a Healthier Life
Weight-loss surgery, or bariatric surgery, has helped many live a more healthy and active life. But your decision to have weight-loss surgery should not be made alone. Your first step should be a consultation with one of our highly skilled and experienced bariatric surgeons. Your surgeon will answer your questions, explain the potential benefits and risks of each surgical option, the extent of the recovery period, and the reality of the follow-up care that will be required. As part of the routine insurance pre-qualification process for weight-loss surgery, you will consult with a registered dietician or nutritionist, and a mental health provider. This is to help you establish a clear understanding of the post-operative changes in behavior that are essential for long-term success and to help you develop a support team.
Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring and Holy Cross Hospital in Germantown are uniquely equipped for weight-loss surgery. We use operating room tables, radiology equipment, beds, furniture and wheelchairs that are specifically designed for the safety and comfort of weight-loss surgery patients.
Weight loss surgery is generally recommended for individuals who:
- Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater. BMI is a measurement of your weight in relation to your height. It is the most common measure of overweight and obesity. You can calculate your BMI using this tool.
- Have a BMI of 35 or greater with a co-morbid condition (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, high cholesterol).
How Effective is Weight-Loss Surgery?
The actual weight a patient will lose after the procedure is dependent on several factors. These include:
- Patient's age
- Weight before surgery
- Overall condition of patient's health
- Surgical procedure
- Ability and commitment to exercise
- Commitment to maintaining dietary guidelines and other follow-up care
- Patient motivation and support from their family, friends, and associates
Weight-loss surgery success is defined as achieving a loss of 50 percent or more of excess body weight and maintaining that level for at least five years. Clinical studies show that, following weight-loss surgery, most patients lose weight rapidly and continue to do so until 18 to 24 months after the procedure. Weight-loss surgery also has been found to be effective in improving and controlling many obesity-related health conditions.
Complications and Risks of Weight-Loss Surgery
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with weight-loss surgical procedures that should be discussed with your doctor. Possible risks include, but are not limited to:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Leaks from staple line or an anastomosis (a surgical connection)
- Deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot that occurs in a deep vein, usually in the leg, thigh, or pelvis)
- Complications due to anesthesia and medications
- Marginal ulcers
- Spleen injury
- Inflammation (such as pancreatitis) and stenosis (narrowing of the connection)
Your surgeon and post-operative care team will closely monitor you for complications and have the specialized training and experience to identify and act should anything arise.
In addition to discussing possible complications, your surgeon will also discuss the risks of not having surgery and continuing to live with obesity.
Check Your Health Plan Benefits
Depending on your health insurance plan, you may need a referral from your primary care physician to have a weight-loss surgery consultation with a bariatric surgeon. Contact your insurance company for more information about your health plan benefits.
To learn more about weight loss surgery and whether it may be right for you, attend a virtual informational meeting or support group.
View a list of surgeons who perform weight-loss surgical procedures at Holy Cross Hospital and Holy Cross Germantown Hospital or call 301-754-8800.