Bariatric Surgery

Aurora BayCare Bariatric Surgery

Aurora BayCare Bariatric Surgery procedures facilitate weight loss and can improve or reverse some chronic health conditions. That helps patients experience a healthier, longer life.

Bariatric surgery seminars

Aurora BayCare Bariatric Surgery offers free group seminars on weight loss surgery. These group seminars are led by our bariatric surgeons.

A free online, recorded seminar is offered on an ongoing basis for those who are unable to attend in person, or who prefer the convenience of learning from the comfort of their home, at any time, day or night.

Learn more, and watch the online bariatric seminar.

Attending a group seminar or completing the online seminar is required before having bariatric surgery at Aurora BayCare.

Bariatric surgery procedures

Aurora BayCare bariatric surgeons offer one of two procedures to facilitate weight loss. Benefits also may include improvement or reversal of some chronic health conditions. Aurora BayCare Bariatric Surgery offers a personalized approach for each person.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

This procedure creates a smaller stomach to restrict the portion size of food.

The top portion of the stomach is divided and made into a small pouch. It then is connected to the small intestine. That diverts the flow of acid and bile and prevents it from refluxing, or coming back up into the esophagus. The bypass also renders the stomach pouch too small to hold large amounts of food and substantially reduces fat absorption.

Patients experience a decrease in appetite lasting for about one year, further aiding in weight reduction.

Gastric sleeve resection

This procedure removes about three-quarters of the stomach. The remainder is turned into a long, narrow, stapled tube about the size of a banana.

Patients feel full after eating small amounts of food. A smaller stomach limits the amount of food that can be digested at one time. As patients take in fewer calories, their bodies adjust and burn stored fat for energy, resulting in constant, consistent weight loss.

Bariatric surgery benefits

These conditions are often improved or reversed following a bariatric procedure:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Sleep apnea
• Arthritis and joint problems
• Respiratory problems
• Depression

Obesity accounts for more than 300,000 deaths per year. It is the second-leading cause of preventable death. Contributing factors include genetics, poor diet, overeating and inactivity.

Patient testimonials

Bariatric surgery support

Aurora BayCare Bariatric Surgery offers a personalized approach for each patient that goes well beyond surgery. It includes:

• A free seminar about bariatric surgery led by one of our surgeons. These are offered in person and online.
• Planning with a nurse practitioner or bariatric surgeon.
• Supervised weight loss before surgery guided by a nurse practitioner. Diet and exercise management with a dietitian and an exercise specialist. Social and emotional support with a psychologist. Thisprocess takes three to six months, sometimes longer.
• Surgery scheduling, including a review of expectations before and after surgery.
• Follow-up visits after surgery.
• Assistance in navigating the insurance process.

Referrals from primary care providers are not necessary. We will coordinate your care with your doctor and insurance company.