Surgical Treatment

Bariatric surgery may not be for everyone, but if your BMI is over 40, or over 35 with weight-related medical problems, surgery may be the best treatment for you. Surgery is the only proven method for significant, sustained weight loss.

Here at St. Rita’s, we offer the two main surgeries for weight loss, the sleeve and the bypass-  both procedures are performed robotically. The advantages of this minimally invasive technique are less pain, less wound problems, quicker recovery, quicker return to life, quicker travels down the path to LivWell.

All patients undergo a pre-operative evaluation with the surgeon, often followed by a period of medically supervised weight management as needed. There are a series of laboratory blood levels evaluated, some imaging studies, along with a dietary and psychological evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate. It is imperative that all surgical candidates understand the risks involved with surgery and understand the life-long commitment necessary for safe success.

Life long follow-up is necessary to maintain success. This life long commitment includes yearly visits at the St. Rita’s Weight Management Center to check weight status, vitamin, mineral and protein levels, and continued vitamin supplements. Additionally, we offer life long support groups to all our surgical patients.

NIH Consensus Criteria for weight loss surgery:  weight loss surgery is indicated for patients with:

• BMI > 40 or
• BMI > 35 with significant weight-related comorbidities
• History of inadequate weight loss with a supervised diet and exercise program
• Compliance with a multidisciplinary program
• Availability for long term follow-up
• Must be medically able to sustain an operation.

For more information, or to get started, register for a St. Rita’s Weight Management seminar.