How successful have your patients been?

Although bariatric surgery is an effective tool to help individuals who are morbidly obese lose weight, success ultimately requires a change in habits. Long-lasting results come with a commitment to diet and exercise changes over the long-term.

As many as 75 percent to 80 percent of patients who have surgery either lose enough weight within a five-year period to move out of the obese category or achieve their health goals, such as reducing or eliminating medication or improving movement.

One of the requirements for having surgery is not being successful for six months in a medically-supervised diet program. The decision to have surgery is best made with the help of a physician, who will take into account your medical history, your long-term goals and your commitment to make lifestyle changes that will support long-term success.

What is the first step in getting started?

Sign up for an informational session to learn more about the options. The meetings are free and last about 90 minutes, with opportunities to ask questions. Register here.

Which procedure is right for me?

We have an initial consultation to talk about your goals and your current health situation, such as whether you have acid reflux, sleep apnea or other conditions that may be caused by excess weight. Each patient is an individual who deserves a thoughtful exchange to identify the correct procedure.

How long does the process take if I decide to have surgery?

The typical patient journey is about 9 months, although timeframes can vary.

At a minimum, patients need to try a medically-supervised weight-loss program for six months to see if weight goals can be met without surgery.

If their physician agrees that surgical intervention may be helpful in achieving their goals, there are several medical tests that would be performed on any patient scheduled for surgery. A psychological evaluation and sleep apnea test are standard, along with dietary counseling specific to the operation.

Is this procedure covered by insurance?

We are happy to work with you to determine if your insurance covers the procedure and how coverage would work. We also offer financing options for those patients who prefer self-pay.

How much weight does a patient lose?

We advise against setting a number goal. Too often, we have seen patients make remarkable progress, only to lose sight of those gains because their scale did not register a specific number.

The reality is that no two people respond the same to surgery because everyone has individual approaches to eating habits, exercise and metabolism. On average, 75-80 percent of patients are successful either in moving out of the morbidly obese category or achieving health goals including weight loss, reduced or eliminated medication, and improved movement.

When will I start losing weight?

Typically, you begin losing weight immediately after surgery. Some patients achieve diabetic remission within days of surgery as well.

Do I have to quit smoking?

Patients should quit smoking at least 30 days prior to surgery.

Can a person become pregnant after weight-loss surgery?

Yes. In fact, fertility often improves when obese patients lose weight. Please share any pregnancy goals with your surgeon to ensure you have the information you need to make an informed decision.


Generally, hospital stays are overnight. In some situations, depending on patient’s individual needs and recovery, the stay may be up to three days.

How long will I be off of work after surgery?

Because our bariatric procedures are done laparoscopically, that means less pain, smaller incisions and an earlier return to daily activities. Depending on your procedure, the kind of work you do and your healing progress, you may return to work within two to four weeks.

Will I have to follow a special diet after surgery?

To ensure adequate healing and a successful outcome, you will follow a special dietary plan for the first few months. This plan starts with a liquid diet and gradually progresses to solid food. Ideally, you will over time simply follow a healthier lifestyle instead of relying on a special diet. Vitamins are recommended, and we will go through a detailed plan for you depending on your procedure.

Why should I consider attending a support group?

A successful outcome requires a commitment to a healthier life, and sharing information with others who have had similar experiences helps provide support and tips. Our groups are fun and take place in a non-judgmental environment, where you can learn about new food offerings, nutrition tips, exercise options and many other areas that can help you stay on track and meet your goals.