Obesity is a spectrum. Some patients need to lose a lot of weight and some patients need to lose just a few pounds. Bariatric surgery is meant for the person who needs to lose a lot of weight, and that depends on the body mass index (BMI). Surgery is generally considered when a patient has a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher.

Bariatric surgery is not just for weight loss or cosmetic reasons alone. Surgery may also be an option if the patient has obesity-related medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea, etc. Obesity can have a direct relationship with those medical conditions and bariatric surgery can help relieve and/or minimize them.

The basis of all bariatric operations is to put a mechanism into place that is a constant reminder that eating behaviors have to change. Whether it is immediately after surgery or 10 years after treatment, these operations limit the amount of food a patient can eat and also remind the patient that wise dietary choices should be made.

Laparoscopic weight loss surgery, healthy eating habits, and moderate exercise have led to a successful formula for thousands of patients at our practice.

Not all of the operations work the same, some may yield different results. Have a private consultation with Dr. Matt Simpson, an experienced weight loss surgeon, and his staff of dietitians and patient advocates. They will help you find a successful operation designed to fit your personal needs and lifestyle.

Today it is much less common due to improved technologies and patient aftercare. Dr. Simpson will ensure every patient receives significant support and education starting from the initial consultation to post-operative care.

No. In the past several years, major advancements in techniques and equipment have improved operations, and complication rates have dramatically diminished.

All surgical procedures, whether bariatric or otherwise, have some level of risk. Each laparoscopic weight loss surgery procedure that we offer has different benefits and risks that are associated with it. Dr. Simpson and his staff will make sure that you are fully informed of these benefits and risks. Dr. Simpson has been extensively trained and is very experienced. He is committed to minimizing risks to ensure the safest and most effective procedure possible.

The dangers of living with the chronic disease of obesity hold greater risk than surgery. Morbid obesity will shorten one’s life as well as diminish the quality of one’s life. It is calculated that a morbidly obese patient will lose 10 to 20 years of his or her life. It is believed now that up to 20% of all cancers can be caused by obesity. It is the second leading cause of preventable death, just behind tobacco use.

Patients may need to undergo a psychological evaluation prior to undergoing bariatric surgery with the gastric sleeve resection, laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, or LAP-BAND® System. In addition, we require a complete blood count, complete metabolic panel, PT, PTT (to check your blood clotting time), and urinalysis to include urine nicotine, along with type- and cross-matching your blood. We will perform a chest X-ray and an electrocardiogram (EKG).

You may also need additional studies such as a sleep study, EGD, echocardiogram, or stress test for cardiac clearance.

The operation is a tool, which helps you control your weight by requiring modification in your dietary intake. If you do not use it correctly, you can regain the weight you have lost. Three common culprits to poor weight loss or weight regain.

• Not exercising

• Drinking high-calorie liquids

• Grazing (eating little bits throughout the day without realizing it)

Medications that irritate the stomach should be avoided. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen, and NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Any physicians who treat you in the future should be made aware of your surgery, and aware of avoiding these drugs. However, there may be situations where these drugs are necessary for a short time. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Simpson’s office for guidance.

You will be on a progressive diet starting with full liquids, then soft proteins, and finally regular foods around week 8. Your diet will always need to be low in fat and sugar. Remember, when you begin to think about solid foods, you will want to avoid breads, pasta, potatoes, and rice, at least initially. Most patients are able to tolerate a bite or two of these items by 6 months or so post-op. When you eat any meals, think PROTEIN FIRST. You will always have access to a nurse and a dietitian to answer any questions you have concerning food choices and good nutrition.

The minimum recommended time is 12 months after you reach your goal weight. Ideally, patients should wait 18 to 24 months after surgery before conceiving.

When you return to work will depend on the type of work you do, your personal energy level and any restrictions your employer places on you. Patients have returned to work as soon as the next 4-7 days but the majority of patients take off 2-3 weeks. During the first few months after surgery, you will find that your body uses a great deal of energy for the healing process. This means that there is not a lot of energy “left over” for other activities. You will have days when you seem to have more energy, and others when you seem to tire easily. When you feel tired, take time to rest. However, the more you can do the better. Be sure to listen to your body and use common sense.

Diseases or conditions associated with obesity such as

• Type 2 diabetes

• High blood pressure/Heart disease

• Osteoarthritis of weight-bearing joints

• Sleep apnea/ Respiratory problems

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

• Gallbladder disease

• Depression

• Infertility and/or menstrual irregularities

• Skin breakdown

• Swollen legs/Skin ulcers

• Urinary stress incontinence

• Pancreatitis

The manual formula is: BMI = (Weight in lbs X 703) / (Height in inches X Height in inches)

Yes. Smoking increases the risk of lung problems after surgery, can reduce healing, increases the rates of infection, and interferes with the blood supply to the healing tissues. This can result in immediate (life-threatening) complications as well as long-term (ulcers and strictures) complications.