Morbid obesity is a serious disease and must be treated as such. It is a chronic disease, meaning that morbid obesity symptoms build slowly over an extended period of time.

• Type 2 Diabetes
• High Blood Pressure
• Heart Disease
• Dyslipidemia/high Cholesterol
• Osteoarthritis of Weight Bearing Joints
• Depression
• Sleep Apnea
• Respiratory Problems
• Gastroesophageal Reflux
• Heartburn
• Infertility
• Urinary Stress Incontinence
• Menstrual Irregularities

Less than 5% of individuals who participate in non-surgical weight loss programs will lose a significant amount of weight and maintain that loss for a long period of time.

According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 90% of all people in these programs regain their weight within one year. Sustained weight loss for patients who are morbidly obese is even harder to achieve.

The option of surgical treatment for obesity has proven to be highly successful in achieving not only significant weight loss over the short-term, but also has demonstrated marked success in longterm weight management. Equally important, medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, elevated cholesterol and astroesophageal reflux disease are significantly improved and sometimes eliminated after the surgery. A comprehensive program that includes surgical intervention coupled with nutritional counseling, psychological support and exercise promotes optimal recovery. A decision to have weight loss surgery should be made after careful consideration and consultation with an experienced bariatric surgeon and discussion with your primary care physician.

Many patients find it helpful to attend informational seminars where their questions can be answered by a team of bariatric care professionals who understand the challenges of the obese patient.

MidState follows the guidelines established by the National Institutes of Health to determine if you are a candidate for weight loss surgery. Weight loss surgery is a serious procedure and there are several criteria to consider. This criteria includes being at least 100 pounds overweight and having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 kg/m2, OR having a BMI of 35kg/m2 with obesity-related health conditions. Additionally, you must have documentation that you have tried other, more traditional weight loss methods in the past, as well as absence of current drug and alcohol abuse and psychiatric illness that would impair your judgment. You should also understand the benefits and risks of surgery and be committed to making the lifestyle changes necessary after surgery.

MidState offers both Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass as well as adjustable gastric banding systems, both of which have proven to be effective in the treatment of severe obesity.

Both gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding systems are widely performed and each has their own advantages. Our surgeon will work with you and conduct a thorough assessment to determine the most appropriate method for you.

The weight loss surgery process can be lengthy, but this is to ensure that you are well prepared for surgery and know what to expect. This will lead to a better outcome and greater success in achieving your weight loss goals. Our screening process involves an in-depth review of your personal and medical history as well as a rigorous workup that includes laboratory testing and imaging. A psychosocial evaluation is also part of the process. For step-by-step details, please see our “Weight Loss Surgery Preparation Process.”

Individuals interested in weight loss surgery must contact their insurance provider to inquire whether surgery is covered. Every plan varies, and while our office will assist you with this process, you are strongly encouraged to take an active role. If your insurance does not cover weight loss surgery, you have the option to finance the procedure.

The entire Weight Management Team is committed to our patients for life. Following surgery, you will have regularly scheduled appointments with the surgeon. Our dietitian, pharmacist and social worker are always available for additional support or to answer any questions. We strongly encourage our patients to attend our monthly support group.

Excess weight loss begins right after surgery and continues for the following18-24 months.

The decision to undergo weight loss surgery is life changing. You will see your health improving, and you will take fewer medications. Following the recommendations of our Weight Management Team is critical to long-term success. Some of the changes you will have to make after surgery include adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, taking vitamin supplements, quitting smoking and recognizing that you must stay committed to fully realize the benefits. We know this journey can be challenging, but remember you are not alone. There is a whole team behind you.

Weight loss surgery patients are encouraged to attend our monthly Weight Loss Surgery Support Group. Research shows that patients who regularly participate in support group meetings achieve greater long-term success in maintaining their weight loss goals. Please check our Calendar of Events for dates.

Weight Loss Surgery Informational Sessions are held monthly. Please check our Calendar of Events for dates. At this meeting, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you have about weight loss surgery and how the process works at MidState. Additionally, our program’s surgeon, social worker, registered dietitian, and pharmacist are all present to educate you about what to expect before and after surgery. This entire team is committed to your success and your journey to a healthier, active lifestyle.