A Bariatrician is a licensed physician (Doctor of Medicine [M.D.] or Doctor of Osteopathy [D.O.]) who, as a member of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP), has received special training in bariatric medicine the medical treatment of overweight and obesity and its associated conditions. Bariatricians address the obese patient with a comprehensive program of diet and nutrition, exercise, lifestyle changes and, when indicated, the prescription of appetite suppressants and other appropriate medications. (The word bariatric stems from the Greek word barrios, which translates as heavy or large.)

While any licensed physician can offer medical weight loss programs to patients, members of the ASBP have been exposed, through an extensive continuing medical education program, to specialized knowledge, tools and techniques to enable them to design specialized medical weight loss programs tailored to the needs of individual patients and modify the programs, if needed, as the treatment progresses. ASBP members are uniquely equipped to treat overweight and obesity and associated conditions.

Gastric Bypass Surgery via the Roux-en-Y is considered to be the best surgical procedure for the treatment of morbid obesity. The functional portion of your stomach will be reduced to a small pouch that is about one ounce in size and then a small opening between the stomach and the intestine will be created. Gastric bypass surgery may be the right solution for you to attain permanent weight loss and begin a new life with a restored health and self confidence.  This web site provides the information you need to make an informed choice about the cost, risks and types of  procedures that fit your current condition.  Gastric bypass or lap band surgery has helped many morbidly obese individuals successfully lose 100 or more pounds. This bariatric procedure is recommended by many surgeons as a weight loss option for medical reasons rather than cosmetic.

Losing such a significant amount of weight improves many of the very serious health risks associated with this level of obesity.  Many insurance companies will pay for the procedure if you choose the right program which understands the needs specific to you. The size of your new stomach will cause you to feel full after eating only a small amount of food. Since it will also take longer for your stomach to empty, you will also feel full for a longer amount of time.

What to expect after bypass surgery

In a very short time after the bypass procedure you are able to move around without too much discomfort, can take food in by mouth, and can do without injected pain medication - you will be ready to leave the hospital. You will be given specific instructions regarding what you can eat and when you will need to come back for your follow-up visit. Immediately after the surgery you will be on a liquid-only diet. Within a few weeks you will work your way up to eating regular food in small amounts.

Surgery using the gastric bypass procedure is only recommended for people who are 90 pounds or more overweight and have serious medical complications that will be helped or cured by substantial weight loss.

While weight loss surgery is not for everyone, there is a large number of people for whom losing a lot of weight is imperative. This includes those who are suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, heart trouble, shortness of breath, arthritis and orthopedic problems with their legs, hips or back.

It is also important to understand that if you consume large quantities of soft drinks, junk food or fried foods and do not believe that you can switch to diet drinks and healthier foods, then you may not be an ideal candidate for gastric bypass surgery. If these types of foods are consumed after the surgery, then it is very likely that the surgery will fail. To find out if you are a gastric bypass candidate, please contact us for more information.

The cost of surgery

The cost of gastric bypass surgery varies according to where you are having the procedure done. A typical procedure can cost between $20,000 and $35,000 including hospital fees as well as the surgeons and other professional fees. Although weight loss surgery is an elective procedure, it may be covered by your insurance company. Many health insurance companies will pay for some or all of the costs. However, some do not cover the procedure at all. It is important that you understand what is covered in your policy.