Services and Treatments

Bariatric surgery, more commonly known as weight reduction or weight loss surgery, refers to a range of surgical procedures performed to address obesity by altering the stomach and other parts of the digestive tract so fewer nutrients are consumed and absorbed by the body.  Bariatric weight reduction surgery is an effective and often lasting option for obese and morbidly obese patients who have not been able to achieve or maintain weight loss through diet, exercise, medication and other means.

The most commonly performed-and most effective-types of weight reduction surgery are gastric bypass (malabsorptive) surgery, and gastric stapling (restrictive) surgery. Both methods have their plusses and minuses-based in part on a patient's overall health-and should be discussed in detail with your physician prior to deciding whether and how to proceed.

It's important to note that bariatric weight reduction surgery is not the same as a "tummy tuck" (abdominoplasty) or liposuction. These are cosmetic procedures in which excess fat and skin are removed from the body to create a smoother, firmer profile. Cosmetic procedures often are performed to remove excess skin once a bariatric patient has achieved significant weight loss.