Bariatric surgery

Weight loss surgery in Derry, New Hampshire

Dedicated to helping patients regain their health by combating obesity, Parkland Medical Center offers weight loss surgery. While weight loss is an outcome of bariatric surgery, these operations completely transform people’s lives—mind, body and spirit. Our bariatric surgery team offers weight loss seminars both online and in-person for your convenience.

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Obesity in the U.S.

Obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. There are two forms of this disorder: obesity and morbid obesity. Obesity means a person’s body mass index (BMI)—a measure of body fat based on height and weight—is at least 30, which is roughly 20 percent or more than the ideal body weight. Morbid obesity means a person’s BMI is at least 40, which is roughly 100 pounds or more overweight.

Obesity isn’t just a cosmetic concern. It also raises a person’s risk of:

• Dyslipidemia (abnormal concentrations of lipids in the blood)
• Endometrial, breast, prostate and colon cancers
• Gallbladder disease
• Heart attack
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Infertility
  
• Osteoarthritis
• Skin infections
• Stroke (cerebrovascular accident)
• Type 2 diabetes

Blog: Benefits of bariatric surgery are greater than weight loss

Types of bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery involves reducing the size of the stomach. The most common weight loss procedures include:

• Gastric bypass
• Sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve)
• Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding

Having a smaller stomach restricts the amount of food a person can consume—in most cases, from about 2 quarts to 2 ounces. This means patients require far less food to feel satisfied and full.

Coupled with healthy eating and exercise, bariatric surgery can lead to significant weight loss. However, these procedures are not the first option for weight loss. It’s important that anyone interested in bariatric surgery meet with a weight loss specialist and evaluate all options. Your physician will clarify that:

• Bariatric surgery is not a cosmetic procedure.
• Bariatric surgery does not involve the removal of fat tissue by suction or excision.
• Excluding gastric banding, weight loss surgeries approved in the U.S. are irreversible.
• The success of weight loss surgery depends on your commitment to long-term dietary and fitness changes.
• Complications with bariatric surgery may require additional operations.
• You must be aware of the benefits and risks of bariatric surgery before moving forward.

Patient Stories

Kaitlyn's Story

My experience with Dr. Yarbrough and the weight loss team from the very beginning was amaz...

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Michelle's Story

“I recently had a gastric bypass at Parkland Medical Center and am now six weeks post op. I ha...

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Stephanie's Story

I would recommend to anyone out there who is thinking about a happier and healthier life to reach ou...

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Benefits of bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery helps people with obesity live longer, healthier lives. An obese person is at a much greater risk of early death than a non-obese person, and morbid obesity can lead to life-threatening health problems.

Weight loss surgery can decrease an obese person's chances of developing serious health problems and conditions like sleep apnea, gastric reflux, asthma and migraines. It may also lower the risk of developing cancers associated with morbid obesity, such as colorectal cancer.

The Surgeon General, National Institutes of Health and World Health Organization cite bariatric surgery as the most effective way for morbidly obese patients to lose significant weight permanently. Approximately 95 percent of bariatric surgery patients lose 50 percent of their excess weight, and about 85 percent of patients lose at least 75 percent of their excess weight. For nearly everyone, these results mean greatly improved quality of life.

Another benefit is that bariatric surgery helps patients avoid moving from diet to diet. The cycle of severe and continuing weight loss and gain, called "yo-yo dieting," is associated with numerous health risks.

Risks of bariatric surgery

All surgeries and medical procedures carry risks. For most patients, however, the risks of obesity-related health problems are greater than the risks of surgery. Following any operation, you may experience:

• Bleeding
• Complications from anesthesia and medications
• Reopening of the incision
• Infections
• Leaks from staple line breakdown
• Ulcers
• Pulmonary problems
• Spleen injury
• Stenosis
• Blood clots
• Gallstones
  

Candidates for weight loss surgery

To be eligible for weight loss surgery, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Exceed your ideal body weight by at least 100 pounds
• Have a BMI over 40, or have a BMI between 35 and 39 with one or more serious conditions related to obesity
• Attend Parkland Medical Center’s information sessions
• Be unable to maintain a healthy body weight, even with medically supervised dieting

Conditions that disqualify a patient for weight loss surgery include:

• Substance abuse problems
• Impaired liver function and similar conditions
• Treatable hormonal causes of obesity
• Serious psychological illness
• Pregnancy

In addition to these prerequisites, candidates must undergo a comprehensive wellness check. Beyond your BMI, a physician will assess your health by testing liver and kidney function and checking for issues, such as diabetes and hypertension. You will also receive a psychological assessment and information about behavior modification, physical therapy and nutrition.

Weight loss surgery support and education

Parkland Medical Center provides the following resources to help you learn about the types, benefits and potential complications of bariatric surgery so you can make an informed decision.

Surgical weight loss information sessions

You can attend a free weight loss seminar to inform your decision about undergoing weight loss surgery. These sessions occur throughout the year and cover topics such as obesity and its health risks. You’ll also get to meet our surgeon and members of our team. Call (603) 421-2264 to register for one of our upcoming in-person seminars.

Local bariatric support groups

Parkland hosts free monthly support groups you can attend before and after surgery, or even if you’re only considering the procedure at this point. Like the information sessions, these groups give you a chance to talk to specialists, including dietitians, psychologists and bariatric nurses, and meet people who’ve succeeded through weight loss surgery.

For more information about bariatric surgery support groups or to speak with our program director, please call (603) 421-2264.