Obesity is a significant health concern, and for individuals who haven't found success with traditional weight loss methods, bariatric surgery can be a life-changing option. Maryland offers a range of weight loss surgery options and comprehensive programs to support patients through their weight loss journey. This article explores various surgical options available in Maryland, highlighting key programs and considerations for those considering bariatric surgery.
Comprehensive Bariatric Programs in Maryland
Several medical centers in Maryland offer comprehensive bariatric surgery programs designed to provide support and guidance before, during, and after the procedure. These programs recognize that bariatric surgery is a lifelong commitment and offer a variety of services to ensure patient success.
GBMC's Comprehensive Obesity Management Program (COMP)
GBMC's Comprehensive Obesity Management Program (COMP) is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for bariatric surgery patients. COMP offers preoperative nutrition classes, postoperative support groups, and a walking group called COMP Stomp. The surgeons are specialty-trained in minimally invasive bariatric and general surgery.
GBMC has earned national recognition as a Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). MBSAQIP is a comprehensive, nationwide surgical quality program aimed at ensuring the safe and effective performance of metabolic and bariatric surgery. Research shows accredited centers experience lower complications and better outcomes than non-accredited facilities. GBMC is also recognized as a Blue Distinction Center+ in Maryland for its expertise and efficiency in delivering bariatric care and has received the Healthgrades Bariatric Surgery Excellence Award since 2021.
In 2024, GBMC performed 342 bariatric surgeries, with 96% having no intraoperative or postoperative complications within 30 days of surgery. The multidisciplinary team at GBMC COMP includes:
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- Jana: The lead dietitian of the GBMC COMP team since July 2016, with a background in Nutrition Sciences and Communications. She is a Board Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management.
- Summer L.: A Family Nurse Practitioner who joined the program in 2016, with experience in General Surgery post-operative care. She is an exam Certified Bariatric Nurse (CBN).
- Melissa: A Physician Assistant since 2010, who joined the team in May 2022. She holds a Certificate of Advanced Education in Obesity Medicine.
- Madison: Joined the COMP team in June 2022, with a background in Physiological Science and a Masters program at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
- Samantha: The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Coordinator and Clinical Reviewer since November 2020.
- Shanay Davis: The Surgical Coordinator responsible for pre-certifications and authorizations.
- Shawna: Dr. Friesen’s secretary, assisting patients through the program since September 2021.
- Daysia: The medical assistant for the department since July 2021.
- Leland: A dedicated individual passionate about healthcare and making a positive impact in people's lives.
The Johns Hopkins Center for Bariatric Surgery
The Johns Hopkins Center for Bariatric Surgery, with locations in Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., offers a comprehensive approach to surgical weight loss. Their compassionate team guides patients through insurance requirements and provides ongoing support and education. The surgeons are experts in bariatric procedures, utilizing minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques, including da Vinci robot-assisted surgery.
The Maryland Bariatric Center at Mercy
The Maryland Bariatric Center at Mercy offers expert weight loss surgeons and medical weight loss options. They are committed to helping patients reach their health-related goals.
Types of Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery encompasses several different procedures, each with its own advantages and considerations. The most common types of weight loss surgery include:
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is a highly effective weight loss procedure that significantly reduces the size of the stomach and re-routes a portion of the intestine to bypass part of the digestive system. In this procedure, most of the stomach is sealed off using a band or surgical staples, except for a small pouch. This pouch is then connected to the middle of the small intestine, bypassing the bottom portion of the stomach and the top portion of the small intestine. This method works by restricting food intake and preventing the body from absorbing all of the food eaten (malabsorption).
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, also called gastric sleeve, is a surgical weight loss procedure in which about 80 percent of the stomach is removed, leaving a much smaller, tube-shaped stomach called a sleeve. The basic anatomy of the digestive system does not change.
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Gastric Banding
During gastric banding, your doctor will place a band around the upper part of the stomach.
Minimally Invasive Techniques
Bariatric surgery is often performed using minimally invasive techniques, which can be laparoscopic or robotic. These techniques involve small incisions, resulting in less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times.
Other Weight Loss Options
Medical Weight Loss
Medical weight loss is a way to manage obesity with the assistance of medication.
Revision Bariatric Surgery
Revision bariatric surgery may be performed when there is a need to correct or enhance a previous bariatric surgery. Revisional weight loss surgery is used to address complications as well as encourage further weight loss. If you don’t meet your goal weight or you regain weight after bariatric surgery, a revision procedure may help. This means surgery is done again.
Transform Bariatrics and Aesthetics
Located in Greenbelt & Germantown, MD, Transform Bariatrics and Aesthetics offers a complete approach to weight loss, body contouring, skin treatments, and facial rejuvenation. Led by board-certified surgeon Dr. Hitesh Amin, the clinic combines advanced medical expertise with the latest non-invasive and surgical technologies. Patients receive personalized plans that may include medication-based weight management, endobariatric procedures, or surgical options-supported by body sculpting devices, laser treatments, and aesthetic enhancements.
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Transform Bariatrics and Aesthetics offers a complete range of services that address both health and appearance. Their weight loss programs include medical, endobariatric, and surgical options tailored to your lifestyle and medical needs. Body contouring and cosmetic surgery services shape and refine your figure, while advanced skin and laser treatments improve tone, texture, and clarity. Facial aesthetics options smooth lines, lift features, and restore a youthful glow.
They also offer aesthetic treatments such as:
- Emface: Lift and smooth your facial contours without needles or surgery using Emface.
- Kybella: Reduce the appearance of a double chin without surgery using Kybella.
- Emsculpt Neo: Eliminate Fat and Build Muscle.
- Exion face treatment: Improve skin texture, firmness, and radiance with the Exion face treatment.
Eligibility and Consultation
Eligibility for specific treatments depends on a combination of factors, including your body mass index (BMI), overall health, medical history, and desired results. A consultation with a bariatric surgeon is essential to discuss your goals, review your options, and create a personalized plan.