How Bariatric Surgery Can Help You Lose Weight

We know that navigating weight loss can be challenging, but focusing on achieving a healthy weight can make a big impact on your whole health. Keep reading to hear from one of our general and bariatric surgeons, Marco Rajo, MD, FACS, FASMBS, to learn more about how bariatric surgery can help you lose weight, including how it works, types of surgery and how our bariatric team can partner with you.

Benefits of Losing Weight

In addition to feeling better, shedding excess pounds may reduce the risk for many serious conditions in the long run, including:

• Coronary heart disease
• Gallbladder disease
• High blood pressure
• High LDL (the “bad”) cholesterol, low HDL (the “good”) cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides
• Many types of cancer
• Osteoarthritis
• Sleep apnea
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes

We’ve compiled some helpful information on what bariatric surgery is and how it can help you lose weight and feel whole.

How Bariatric Surgery Works

Typically, bariatric surgery works by reducing the size of the stomach or removing part of it. Most candidates have a body mass index (BMI) higher than 40, which is about 100 pounds over their ideal healthy weight. BMI is a measure of body fat in proportion to your weight and height. This calculator can help you determine your BMI.

“You may be a candidate for weight-loss surgery if you have a BMI of 35 or higher with one or more related health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease,” explains Dr. Rajo. If you’re considering bariatric surgery, we want you to know we’re taking extra measures to keep you safe.

Surgical Solutions for Weight Loss

There are different types of bariatric surgery, all designed to help you lose weight. Here are four options offered by many of our bariatric programs:

• Duodenal switch: This surgery removes most of the stomach and changes your small intestine to reduce how much fat it can absorb.
• Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band: During this surgery, an adjustable band is implanted around the top of the stomach to reduce its capacity.
• Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: With this relatively extensive procedure, surgeons reduce the size of the stomach while limiting how many calories your body absorbs.
• Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: During this procedure, surgeons remove three-fourths of the stomach.

“Although these surgeries are often performed minimally invasively, they’re still considered major surgery. Choosing the best bariatric surgery for you can depend on several factors, including the amount of weight you need to lose and your overall health. Your physician can help you consider the option that’s best for you,” explains Dr. Rajo.

Connect With Your Bariatric Team

Even with bariatric surgery, it takes a team to keep excess weight off. In addition to bariatric surgery, making lifestyle changes will help your long-term success.

“To help you stay motivated, prepare for surgery and maintain your weight loss afterward, you’ll work with an obesity treatment team,” Dr. Rajo adds. “Your team will help you schedule appointments, find exercises you enjoy and help you create a healthy meal plan. Your team will make it safe for you to continue your journey with follow-up appointments as recommended by your physician.” While receiving bariatric care, you may have the option of scheduling virtual visits using the AdventHealth App.

Take Charge of Your Weight-Loss Journey

Your trust means the world to us, so we do everything we can to protect your health while helping you on your weight-loss journey. To make an appointment with Marco Rajo, MD, FACS, FASMBS in Carrollwood, call 813-933-3324, and to make an appointment in Westchase, call 813-467-4800 or click here.