Mercy Bariatric Services

Home | Obesity | Mercy Bariatric Support Group | Surgical Procedures | Bariatric Surgeons | Patient Experiences

Surgical Procedures

Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery promotes weight loss by providing a built in tool that causes restriction of food intake or malabsorption of calories and nutrients. The restrictive procedures limit the amount of food a person is able to eat; therefore, they experience a feeling of satiety (feeling full) quicker. Malabsorption promotes weight loss by absorbing a small amount of the calories and nutrients that a person consumes.

Methods of Weight Loss

Gastric restriction is produced by surgically decreasing the size of the stomach and limiting the amount of food a person can consume at one time. Food is also delayed in emptying into the stomach and a person feels full for a longer period of time.

Malabsorption is produced by surgically rerouting sections of the small intestine. A portion of the small intestine is bypassed, resulting in food being poorly digested and then rapidly passed into the large intestine before calories are absorbed.

Types of Bariatric Surgeries

Gastric Bypass (Roux-En-Y) Open
Gastric Bypass (Roux-En-Y) Laparscopic
Laparoscopic Adjustable Banding (Lap Band)

Results

One of the most critical elements of a successful bariatric program is the offering of a “holistic” model of treatment and care, involving pre- and post-surgical services and lifestyle support to the patient. Clinical results show a decreased length of stay, fewer post-op complications, higher weight loss and improved quality of life when patients attend a comprehensive bariatric program to prepare them for and support them during this life-altering experience. There are several long-term habits that successful patients can adopt, and the first post-operative year is a critical time that must be dedicated to changing old behavior and forming new, lifelong habits. Successful outcomes are highly dependent on post-surgery compliance with behavioral changes. The pre- and post-operative education must focus on the permanent lifestyle changes that occur after surgery.

For patients who were not involved in a comprehensive bariatric program, Mercy offers individual behavioral health sessions. The sessions are designed to provide ongoing motivation and education to assist in maintaining long-term success after weight loss surgery. Patients may contact Londa Blom at Mercy Behavioral Clinic by calling 712-274-4200 or 800-369-8800 to set up an appointment. There is a $25 cash fee for this service.