Obesity is a prevalent chronic health condition in the United States, impacting overall health and quality of life. Memorial weight loss programs offer a comprehensive approach to combat obesity, featuring a team of specialized bariatric surgeons, dietitians, and fitness experts dedicated to patient well-being. These programs recognize that weight loss surgery is just one component of a lifelong journey toward better health and provide support at every stage.
Accredited Bariatric Centers
Memorial weight loss surgery programs are performed at Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) accredited bariatric centers, including Memorial Regional Hospital, Memorial Hospital Pembroke, and Memorial Hospital West. Memorial is also an Accredited Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction Center for Bariatrics, and Surgical Quality Partner with the American College of Surgeons, as well as being certified by The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Bariatric Surgery Certification.
The Importance of Weight Loss
Losing weight can significantly improve overall health and quality of life. Overweight or obese individuals often find it challenging to participate in daily activities, and these conditions can exacerbate existing health problems like heart disease or diabetes, potentially leading to other chronic conditions.
Comprehensive Weight Loss Options
Memorial weight loss programs offer a range of options, including:
- Weight loss classes with a dietitian
- Medical weight loss programs utilizing medications
- Weight loss (bariatric) surgery treatment options
The team reviews individual eligibility for weight loss surgery, considering the pros and cons of each procedure. They also offer a wide range of noninvasive and minimally invasive weight management techniques.
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Surgical Weight Loss Procedures
Each year, surgeons at Memorial perform thousands of minimally invasive bariatric surgery procedures featuring smaller incisions. While weight loss surgery can be an effective option, it is not suitable for everyone needing to lose weight. Here's an overview of some common bariatric surgeries offered:
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy, also known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is a restrictive procedure that reduces the amount of food you can consume. The procedure involves removing approximately 75 percent of the stomach, which virtually eliminates the hormones in your gastrointestinal tract that stimulate hunger. As a result, you can eat less, and your appetite decreases.
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass surgery, sometimes called Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, involves making the stomach smaller and bypassing a portion of the small intestine. This limits the amount of food needed to feel full and decreases the nutrients and calories your body absorbs. Gastric bypass surgery typically leads to a weight loss of 75 percent. It also significantly improves or completely resolves Type 2 diabetes, gastric reflux, hypertension, and sleep apnea. Gastric bypass surgery can usually be completed in 1.5 hours.
Single Anastomosis Duodenal-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy (SADI-S)
The Single Anastomosis Duodenal-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy, referred to as SADI-S, combines a sleeve gastrectomy (removing most of the stomach) and intestinal bypass (shortening the length of the small intestine). It is a highly effective and slightly more complex surgical weight loss option. SADI-S typically leads to greater weight loss with a lower risk of obesity recurrence and is considered the most effective treatment option for type 2 diabetes.
Gastric Band Adjustment or Removal
The adjustable gastric band is a device surgically placed around the top part of the stomach to create a small "stomach pouch," thereby limiting food intake. The gastric band is less effective than either sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass. Memorial weight loss programs do not offer placement of new gastric bands but do offer adjustment of existing gastric bands as well as gastric band removal.
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Bariatric Revision Surgery
Bariatric surgeries are excellent treatment options that help many patients successfully lose weight. However, some patients may not experience the results they want. In these cases, you may need follow-up or additional bariatric surgery. Bariatric revision surgery procedures can vary greatly based on the original operation, how long ago it was performed, the degree of weight loss achieved, and the individual's current nutritional and physical state.
Revisional and Conversion Procedures
A revision or conversion procedure is a surgical procedure to modify or correct a previous bariatric surgery or to convert one procedure to a different procedure (such as a sleeve gastrectomy to a gastric bypass). The most common reasons for revision or conversion procedures are insufficient weight loss, weight regain, and complications of the original surgery, such as acid reflux. These procedures are performed on a case-by-case basis.
Non-Surgical Weight Loss Programs
Memorial weight loss programs also offer non-surgical options, including:
Healthy You Program
Healthy You is a program that encourages weight loss through modest lifestyle changes. It has been proven to reduce both weight and the risk of developing chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes. Participants in the Healthy You program attend weekly meetings where they engage in discussions about successes, challenges, and topics that pertain to weight loss and activity. These meetings provide support and accountability as you build new habits. Additionally, your food logs, activity minutes, and weight checks are regularly reviewed by a trained lifestyle coach. One month into the program, as you start building habits, a medical initial visit is offered to review medical history and any medical barriers to weight loss.
Anyone 18 years and older who has a BMI of 25 or greater that desires to lose weight through lifestyle changes may qualify.
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Healthy You + Program
Healthy You+ helps establish the basics for living a healthier lifestyle while also providing support and accountability for changes. Healthy You+ combines the benefits of group support, lifestyle changes, and accountability plus the addition of individual visits. This non-surgical weight loss option features physicians specializing in obesity medicine, working alongside physical therapists, clinical social workers and counselors, and registered dietitians to help you reach your health goals. Your physician-led, multidisciplinary team will collaborate with you to find the right treatment. Together, they will ensure you are provided the necessary treatment options to improve your health. Recommendations may include individual work with physical therapy, social workers/counselors, and registered dietitians.
Anyone 18 years and older who has a BMI of 25 or greater who desires to lose weight through lifestyle changes may qualify.
Medical Weight Loss
Medical weight loss is a plan designed and supervised by healthcare professionals, emphasizing diet, fitness, and a healthy lifestyle.
The Team Approach
With a team-based approach, patients receive support every step of the way to help them succeed. In-depth education is provided before surgery, as bariatric surgery requires a lifelong commitment to your health. The team is there to help you achieve long-term success.
Eligibility and Insurance Coverage
Candidates for weight loss surgery typically have a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35+ with obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Many insurance plans cover weight loss surgery if medical necessity is established. It is encouraged that patients contact their insurance provider to understand their coverage for bariatric surgery. Insurance companies have specific requirements, and the team can help guide you through the process.
Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery can help with significant and sustained weight loss, improve or resolve obesity-related conditions, increase mobility, and enhance overall quality of life. From reducing the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease to enhancing mobility and overall quality of life, the positive outcomes are truly transformative. The dedicated team of healthcare professionals works closely with patients, guiding them through the preoperative assessment to determine their eligibility for bariatric surgery. Patients must commit to long-term dietary modifications, regular exercise, and routine follow-ups.
Risks of Weight Loss Surgery
As with any surgical procedure, risks include infection, blood clots, nutritional deficiencies, and complications specific to each type of surgery.
A Focus on Patient Well-being
Memorial weight loss programs understand that losing weight and keeping it off is difficult. It not only harms your health but your quality of life and the way you feel about yourself. That's why they offer both surgical and non-surgical solutions for weight management.
Expert Leadership
Dr. Fermin Fontan, a robotically trained, board-certified general surgeon specializing in metabolic and weight loss surgery, leads the effort. Born and raised in Argentina, Dr. Fontan speaks English and Spanish fluently, bringing a bilingual treatment option for his patients. He performs laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, gastric adjustable banding, gastric bypass, and duodenal switch bariatric procedures.
Weigh Less, Live More
As part of the weight loss program, Memorial weight loss programs believe in living more. Whether it's riding your first roller coaster, buying that outfit you've always wanted, or simply feeling better, they want to help you achieve your weight loss goals.