Bariatric Surgery

Congratulations on taking the first step in seeking information that will improve your health and the quality of you life! You are not alone. According to the World Health Organization, 55 percent of U.S. adults are overweight and a large number of these people are struggling with health conditions directly related to obesity such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, stroke, joint problems, osteoarthritis and cancer.

Obesity is a disease that contributes to death each year. However, there is good news…it is treatable. Recent research articles published by the New England Journal of Medicine show that weight loss following bariatric surgery increased life expectancy. This research represented the first long-term study of the health effects of bariatric surgery.

Meet Andrew Gleason's healthier self. Click here for his story.

Bariatric is derived from Greek words meaning weight (baro) and treatment (iatrics). Presently it defines the causes, prevention and treatment of obesity. Over the past two decades, bariatric surgery has become a more common option for individuals who are extremely overweight, but have not been able to lose weight through other means.

If you think bariatric surgery may be for you, please call our office at 856-566-2700 for more information. Also, bookmark this page and visit often. This web site is growing and we are frequently adding more information.

Questions and Answers about Bariatric Surgery

Over the past two decades, bariatric surgery has become a more common option for individuals who are extremely overweight, but have not been able to lose weight through other means. Recently, research articles published by the New England Journal of Medicine showed that weight loss following bariatric surgery also increased life expectancy. This research represented the first long-term studies of the health effects of bariatric surgery.

In the following, Dr. Louis Balsama answers some questions about weight loss surgery.

Question: Who should consider bariatric surgery?

Dr. Balsama: Anyone who falls into one of three categories:

1. Someone who is at least one hundred pounds overweight;
2. Someone whose body mass index (BMI) is greater than 35 and who has medical issues related to their weight; or
3. Someone whose BMI is greater than 40, regardless of other medical issues.

Question: Do I have to go on a special diet or have special tests before the surgery? How much time does this take?

Dr. Balsama: It takes about two to three months to complete the workup needed to prepare a patient for bariatric surgery. This includes medical consultations and assessments of health risk, as well as insurance precertification.

Question: What types of surgery are available?

Dr. Balsama: There are several techniques. In my practice, we offer either a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or a newer technique called a "Lap Band®."

Question: How long after surgery before I can resume normal activity?

Dr. Balsama: Patients can expect to have fatigue directly after surgery, but this will usually resolve within 10 to 14 days, if the surgery is done laparoscopically (through a small incision).

Question: Will I have to eat special foods after the surgery?

Dr. Balsama: A very regimented diet begins after the surgery, starting with clear liquids, and progressing to a soft diet. Helpings are much reduced after surgery.

Question: How much weight can I expect to lose?

Dr. Balsama: Patients can expect to lose about two thirds of their excess body weight in one to two years, depending on the patient and the procedure.

Question: What are the dangers or possible complications?

Dr. Balsama: There are the normal risks associated with abdominal surgery, including blood clots and suture line breakdown. Later complications include vitamin deficiencies and bowel obstructions.

To schedule an appointment, please call The University Doctors Department of Surgery at 856-566-2700.