Bariatric Surgery
- Bariatric surgery helps achieve long-term weight loss and improves obesity-related health conditions.
- Candidates must meet BMI and health criteria and commit to lifestyle changes.
- Surgery is safe, minimally invasive and supported by experienced, accredited surgeons.
Bariatric surgery is a minimally invasive weight loss procedure that reduces stomach size to help patients lose significant weight. It also improves obesity-related conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Success requires lifestyle changes before and after surgery. Our accredited surgeons provide support throughout the process.
What is bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, is a procedure to shrink your stomach. It makes you feel fuller sooner, and you cannot eat as much food or absorb as many nutrients. It is used to treat obesity and usually results in significant, long-term weight loss. It also leads to improved health conditions related to obesity, like diabetes and sleep apnea.
There are several types of weight loss surgery. Several remove part of the stomach or create a smaller pouch and one type also reroutes the intestines. We perform all of these as minimally invasive procedures. Each requires a one- or two-night hospital stay.
Learn about the types of weight loss procedures [link to: Services > Total Weight Loss > Bariatric Surgery > Types of Procedures] we offer.
Learn about financing bariatric surgery [link to Services > Total Weight Loss > Bariatric Surgery > Insurance & Cost].
Weight loss surgery is one step in a larger journey. The best results come with making changes in diet, exercise and behavior. Staying connected with your care team through follow-up visits is also important. Learn more about life after bariatric surgery [link to: Services > Total Weight Loss > Bariatric Surgery > After Surgery].
If you smoke or vape, you must quit before surgery because nicotine increases your risk of complications. View tips for quitting.
Bariatric surgery requirements
You may qualify for weight loss surgery if you:
- Have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or greater
- Have at least one medical condition related to obesity
- Are willing to engage in lifestyle and diet changes that support weight loss
- Have the support of family or close friends
You may qualify with a lesser weight if you have serious health issues that could improve with significant weight loss.
Free bariatric surgery information session
Hear from our surgeons and other members of our multidisciplinary team to see if bariatric surgery is the right option for you.
View free information session
Bariatric surgery isn’t right for everyone
Bariatric surgery is not the best weight loss solution for everyone. You may not be a good candidate if you have:
- Active cancer treatment
- Certain impaired intellectual capacity
- Drug/alcohol dependency
- End-stage lung disease
- Portal hypertension
- Severe heart failure
- Unstable coronary artery disease
Our team will talk to you about your condition(s) and help you determine if bariatric surgery is right for you.
Experience you can trust
The experienced, board-certified bariatric surgeons at Total Weight Loss have performed more than 2,000 surgeries.
Our center is accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement program. You can expect the highest standards of patient safety and quality care.
We are also an American College of Surgeons Surgical Quality Partner. This means our center has a proven record of meeting rigorous standards to minimize complications, improve outcomes and save lives.
Surgical weight loss benefits
Bariatric surgery results in significant weight loss because it limits the amount of food you can eat and the amount of nutrients your body can absorb. It also changes your metabolism. Long-term health improvements from bariatric surgery include:
- 80% of diabetes resolved
- 75% high blood pressure resolved
- 70% elevated cholesterol levels normalized
- 90% weight loss maintained beyond 10 years
Bariatric surgery and insulin resistance
Diet and exercise are key, but bariatric surgery can improve insulin resistance — often within days. This happens because of decreased calorie intake, changes in gut hormones and reduced inflammation. After bariatric surgery, most patients with Type 2 diabetes have full or partial remission, improved blood sugar levels and less need for medication.
Surgical weight loss risks
No surgery is risk-free, but minimally invasive bariatric surgery is as safe as routine surgeries like a hysterectomy or gallbladder removal.
Possible risks include:
- Bleeding or leaking from surgical site
- Wound infection, pneumonia or urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Other minor complications
Bariatric surgery is very safe, with a mortality rate of less than 1 in 1,000. In fact, the surgery can lower your risk of early death by improving obesity-related health conditions. Obesity-related health risks are up to 10 times more likely to affect your health than the surgery itself.
Deciding to have weight loss surgery means you are choosing to change your life for the better.
Baritastic: Weight loss tracking app
Baritastic is a mobile app designed for use before and after bariatric surgery. It can help track your protein, calories, water, vitamin/supplements, exercise and more.
Search the app store on your phone for our Baritastic app. Use code 915048.
Disclaimer: The information in our app does NOT replace advice from your healthcare provider. Always reach out to your provider with any questions about your health.
Will my insurance company require me to lose weight before I have bariatric surgery?
Most insurance companies require patients to visit a weight loss center or primary care doctor monthly for a period of time before bariatric surgery.
Can I smoke or vape and have bariatric surgery?
No. Quitting nicotine before surgery helps lower your risk of complications and supports a smoother recovery.
Do I qualify for weight loss surgery?
You may qualify if you have a body mass index of 35 or higher, at least one medical condition related to obesity, such as diabetes, are willing to make lifestyle changes and have social support.
What is the safest weight loss surgery?
The sleeve gastrectomy is generally considered the safest weight loss surgery. It has a lower risk of complications than a gastric bypass or duodenal switch.
How old do you have to be for bariatric surgery?
There’s no strict age limit for weight loss surgery. Experts often suggest 18 to 60 as ideal, but modern techniques make it safe for older adults, while younger patients may enjoy longer-lasting benefits.