Five Things You Need to Know About Bariatric Surgery

Versión en español 

If you have been struggling with your weight, you might have considered weight-loss surgery. 

Sergio J. Bardaro, MD, from MetroHealth’s Weight-Loss Surgery and Weight Management Clinic, says bariatric surgery is a good option for individuals who are severely overweight (about 100 pounds or more over their ideal body weight) and who have struggled to lose weight and keep it off.

“Surgery is not a destination; it’s part of a journey. The goal is to lose weight and to use food for nutrition, not for mood or stress,” Dr. Bardaro said. “We are a comprehensive weight-loss center, which means we prepare our patients for weight loss and offer life-long support to help them improve their mental health, physical health and nutrition, so they can stay a healthy weight for life.”

The five things about bariatric surgery you need to know:

1. The operation is safe. All surgeries come with risks, but weight-loss surgery is as safe as having a gallbladder removed. Patients usually go home the next day. “It’s riskier to continue to live with the medical problems that come from being obese,” Dr. Bardaro said.
2. You will lose a lot of weight. Individuals who have sleeve surgery lose 65 to 70 pounds for every 100 pounds of weight they have to lose. Individuals who have bypass surgery lose 75 to 85 pounds for every 100 pounds of weight they have to lose.
3. You will keep the weight off. 85 to 90% of patients are successful in losing weight and significantly improving their quality of life. Momentary lapses can happen, but MetroHealth’s team follows surgery patients for life and can help get them back on track. 
4. You will become healthier overall. When patients lose weight, they improve their health, too. Risk of heart attack and stroke goes down. Diabetes improves, and some individuals no longer need insulin. Individuals breathe better and sleep better. It becomes easier to walk and exercise, so mood improves, too.
5. You can still eat regular food. Gathering around a food table is such an important part of our culture, and that doesn’t have to change after weight-loss surgery. Patients learn to eat healthier foods and smaller portions, but they can still enjoy a meal with friends and family. “If a patient has a surgery in July, by Thanksgiving they will be sitting at the same table with their family, eating a healthier piece of turkey and smaller portions,” Dr. Bardaro said. “You’ll learn to enjoy the same dishes in a different way.”