Bariatric surgery represents a significant decision, and individuals considering it are encouraged to conduct thorough research, consult with a physician, and commit to adopting a healthier lifestyle. While weight loss surgery has proven to be an effective tool, it's crucial to understand that no method, including surgery, guarantees weight loss and its maintenance. Northwest Health and other centers in the region offer a range of bariatric surgery options, along with comprehensive support programs.
Types of Bariatric Surgery Offered
Several types of bariatric surgeries are available, each with its own advantages and considerations.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure reduces the size of the stomach and reroutes food through the intestine. It involves dividing the upper portion of the stomach to create a smaller stomach pouch. This restricts the amount of food that can be consumed at one time. The surgeon then connects the pouch to a section of the lower intestine, so that the food will bypass the area where calories and nutrients are absorbed.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
A sleeve gastrectomy procedure, also called "the vertical sleeve" or "the sleeve," involves removing a portion of the stomach, leaving a slender stomach "sleeve." This new stomach is about one-third of its original size, which means patients feel full or satisfied after eating a smaller amount of food. This surgery also causes changes in hormones that work to promote a feeling of fullness. At Northwest Health, this procedure is typically performed using a minimally invasive technique call laparoscopy. It uses several small incisions rather than a large incision. We are one of the only facilities in the region performing gastric sleeve using advanced robotic technology.
Adjustable Gastric Banding
During this procedure, a band is placed at the top of the stomach, creating a small pouch. The opening to the rest of the digestive tract is adjustable through a small port. If you previously had a Lap-Band (adjustable gastric band) and want it removed, our team can perform the explant procedure.
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Duodenal Switch
The duodenal switch procedure provides both weight loss and long-term resolution of comorbid conditions.
Intragastric Balloon Procedure
The intragastric balloon procedure is a non-invasive weight loss alternative to traditional surgical weight loss procedure. The surgeon uses an endoscope to place the intragastric balloon into the patient's stomach.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is an "incisionless" weight loss procedure and works by limiting the amount of food that one can eat at one time. The procedure results in food passing more slowly into the small intestine. This results in the patient feeling full for a longer period of time despite eating much less.
Minimally Invasive Approach
Whenever possible, bariatric surgeons at Northwest Health use a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach, which often requires a shorter hospital stay. State-of-the-art care. We offer minimally invasive approaches to gastric sleeve surgery and gastric bypass surgery. These small-scar approaches promote less blood loss, fewer days in the hospital and faster recovery.
Revision and Conversion Surgeries
For a variety of reasons, patients may experience the need for revisions or conversions of their original operations. Those procedures can be discussed with and performed by a surgeon. A bariatric revision or conversion surgery is sometimes requested by patients. Bariatric revision surgeries require a highly skilled approach. Our team at Northwest Specialty Hospital is skilled at performing revision surgeries to modify or alter a prior gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery. A small number of patients who have had weight loss surgery relapse years after their procedure. On a case-by-case basis, some of these individuals may benefit from an additional procedure called revision surgery to help them lose weight again and treat specific symptoms.
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Benefits Beyond Weight Loss
Bariatric surgery isn't just intended to help you lose weight, it's also meant to transform your health and give you a better quality of life. Many of our patients experience more than just long-term weight reduction - they experience notable improvement in their health. The duodenal switch procedure provides both weight loss and long-term resolution of comorbid conditions. We offer bariatric surgery to people throughout the Inland Northwest who battle with obesity and related conditions, including high blood pressure, sleep apnea and diabetes.
Determining Candidacy for Surgery
If you are overweight or obese, and have been unable to sustain weight loss through nonsurgical treatments, you can be evaluated for and, if appropriate, undergo potentially lifesaving bariatric surgery. Are you struggling with your weight and wondering if you're a candidate for medically managed weight loss or weight loss surgery? If dieting and exercise just haven't worked, one of our weight loss options may be the solution. Not sure if weight loss surgery is right for you? At Northwest Healthcare, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your weight loss and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Losing weight can be extremely difficult. And for people who have 100 pounds or more to lose, it can be even more challenging. For some, weight loss surgery may offer a solution where other methods have failed. If you're struggling to lose weight, one of our many options for weight loss may be right for you.
The Surgical Journey
Having weight loss surgery can feel like a new beginning. The amount of weight you lose will depend on the type of surgical procedure you have done and how committed you are to the required lifestyle changes, including exercise and eating habits. Typically patients continue losing weight 18 to 24 months after surgery.
Initial Steps
The exact tests, forms and steps required before weight loss surgery can vary from person to person. However, we are here to help you navigate the process and have outlined the typical steps here:
- Verify insurance coverage: Unless you plan to self-pay for bariatric surgery, contact your insurance provider to see if they will cover your procedure and, if so, what requirements they have. Northwest Specialty Hospital is contracted with most major insurance providers. Your eligibility for bariatric surgery will be based in part on the requirements of your insurance plan. Northwest Weight & Wellness Center accepts most insurance plans, and many do include bariatric surgery. However, coverage depends on your specific plan-some employers choose not to include it.
- Document medically monitored weight loss attempts: Most insurance companies require several months of medically documented and supervised weight loss attempts. Your primary care provider can help you with this process and documentation.
- Schedule a bariatric surgery consultation with us
- Complete a psychological evaluation: A psychological evaluation may be required before weight loss surgery. It could include a detailed clinical interview and psychological tests that help us understand your mental health.
- Complete a nutritional assessment: A nutritional assessment is also part of the preoperative plan of care. It will cover your postsurgical diet, emotional eating, food intake and identifying your triggers.
- Clearance from your medical doctor: Prior to scheduling bariatric surgery, you may be required to confirm medical clearance from your primary care physician.
Multidisciplinary Support
In the Northwestern Medicine Digestive Health Center Weight Loss Surgery Program, our multidisciplinary team of bariatric experts will see you through the entire process. We will help prepare you for surgery (medically, nutritionally and psychologically), and we will use the most advanced procedures that meet your needs. You’ll receive care from fellowship-trained, board-certified bariatric surgeons, physician assistants, dietitians, mental health specialists, program coordinators and insurance coordinators. Together, we’ll care for all your medical and surgical needs. Northwest Healthcare's bariatric weight loss program is successful because of the team that supports our patients from the first conversation to post-op care. Through methods including dietary counseling, behavior modification, exercise, support groups and bariatric surgery, we do more than help reduce weight. We change lives.
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Potential Risks and Complications
All surgeries carry some risk. Your bariatric surgeon will review the potential complications and risks with you well before your surgery. Pneumonia, blood clots, infection, bleeding, leaking at staple lines, as well as ulcers, hernia and gallstones may occur, but are infrequent. Exceptional safety. You’ll receive care in a safe, clean environment. Our infection rate is 13 times better than the national average.
Locations and Accreditations
All bariatric surgeries are performed at Northwest Health - La Porte, 1331 State Street, in La Porte, Indiana. For our dedication to your care, HCA Florida Northwest Hospital is recognized as a Comprehensive Center for Bariatric Surgery by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) and was also named a Bariatric Center of Excellence by Optum. The Weight Loss Program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital has been named a nationally accredited bariatric surgery program by the American College of Surgeons and the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program. Northwest Specialty Hospital is home to the only comprehensive bariatric surgery program in North Idaho.
Post-operative Care and Lifestyle Changes
Understanding weight loss surgery. Similar to dieting or exercising, weight loss surgery is another tool to fight obesity, the common form of which being bariatric surgery. If paired with healthy eating habits and exercise, bariatric surgery can lead to significant weight loss. However, it is important for you to meet with a weight loss specialist and evaluate the benefits and risks, as well as nonsurgical alternatives.
Success Stories and Patient Experience
A highly personalized patient experience. Our compassionate team has designed our care around your unique needs. That’s why we rank in the top 10% of hospitals nationally for patient satisfaction by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Here, you’ll feel at home and get treated with respect.
Bariatric Surgeons
The Northwestern Medicine Digestive Health Center Weight Loss Surgery Program is led by highly experienced, board-certified surgeons: Alexander Nagle, MD and Eric S. Hungness, MD. Board certification and fellowship training indicate a surgeon’s commitment to education and excellence. The bariatrics surgeons who care for patients at Northwest Specialty Hospital are board-certified and fellowship-trained. Fellowship-trained general and bariatric surgeon, Dr.
Medically Managed Weight Loss
Medically managed weight loss is a non-invasive way to lose the pounds, but for some who do not want to commit to medications, weight loss surgery may be a good choice. The medically managed weight loss team includes a nurse practitioner, registered dietitian and other healthcare professionals that are experienced in working with patients in need of weight management, offering provider-supervised programs that utilize prescription medication for those that qualify.
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