Specialty Surgical Associates

Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is a safe and effective solution for patients struggling with obesity who have not achieved lasting weight loss through diet, exercise, or medical management. These surgical procedures help reduce excess weight, improve metabolic health, and lower the risk of obesity-related conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea.

Our board-certified surgeons provide advanced bariatric surgery, including minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques, with personalized care designed to support long-term success.

Schedule Your Bariatric Surgery Consultation

If you’re ready to take the next step toward sustainable weight loss,
Call our office today or request a consultation online to discuss surgical options.

What Does Bariatric Surgery Treat?

Bariatric surgery is designed to treat:

  • Obesity (BMI ≥40 or ≥35 with weight-related health conditions)
  • Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
  • Hypertension and high cholesterol
  • Sleep apnea and obesity-related joint pain
  • Difficulty losing weight despite lifestyle changes
young man and woman jogging at the park. healthy lifestyle.

Types of Bariatric Surgery We Offer

  • Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy): Reduces stomach size for smaller, more frequent meals.
  • Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y): Bypasses part of the stomach and small intestine to reduce absorption.
  • Adjustable Gastric Banding (when appropriate): Restrictive procedure for gradual weight loss.
  • Robotic-Assisted Surgery: Minimally invasive approach for faster recovery and reduced risk.

Your surgeon will recommend the best option based on your health, weight loss goals, and lifestyle.

How to Prepare for Bariatric Surgery

Preparation is critical for safety and success:

  1. Comprehensive health evaluation and lab tests
  2. Nutritional counseling and lifestyle assessment
  3. Medication review and adjustment
  4. Preoperative imaging if needed
  5. Bowel preparation or fasting instructions
  6. Arranging post-surgical support at home

We provide detailed instructions and guidance to ensure you are fully prepared for surgery and recovery.

Before the Procedure

  • Arrive early for check-in at the surgical center
  • Bring ID, insurance card, and a list of medications
  • Meet your surgical and anesthesia team
  • Discuss the procedure, risks, and recovery plan

Patient education and comfort are top priorities before surgery.

During the Procedure

Bariatric surgery is performed under general anesthesia using minimally invasive techniques:

  • Laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery
  • Surgery typically lasts 1–3 hours depending on the procedure
  • Surgeons carefully reduce stomach size and/or reroute digestive pathways

These modern techniques help reduce recovery time and minimize complications.

After the Procedure

Recovery and follow-up include:

  • Hospital stay ranging from 1–3 days (depending on procedure)
  • Gradual return to solid foods over several weeks
  • Mild to moderate abdominal discomfort or fatigue
  • Regular follow-up visits for nutrition and weight monitoring

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

  • Fever or signs of infection
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Difficulty passing stool or urine

Long-term follow-up is essential for safe, sustained weight loss.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits

  • Significant, sustainable weight loss
  • Improvement or resolution of obesity-related conditions
  • Enhanced mobility and energy
  • Minimally invasive options for faster recovery
  • Support for long-term lifestyle changes

Risks

  • Infection or bleeding
  • Leakage at surgical connections (rare)
  • Nutritional deficiencies without proper supplementation
  • Need for additional procedures in some cases
  • Temporary gastrointestinal discomfort

Your surgeon will review your individualized risks and expected outcomes before surgery.

Patient Resources & Education

We provide:

  • Preoperative and postoperative nutritional guides
  • Behavioral counseling and support programs
  • Insurance and financial counseling
  • Online patient forms and educational resources
  • Ongoing follow-up for sustainable weight loss

Our team supports you throughout your weight loss journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a medical procedure designed to help patients lose weight when diet and exercise alone have not been effective. It works by reducing the size of the stomach, altering digestion, or both, which limits the amount of food you can eat and helps control appetite. Common types include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding. Bariatric surgery is typically recommended for patients with a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with weight-related health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. It is performed under the care of a specialized surgical team, and when combined with diet, lifestyle changes, and follow-up support, it can lead to significant and sustained weight loss.

Adults with BMI ≥40, or BMI ≥35 with obesity-related health conditions, who have struggled with non-surgical weight loss.

Weight loss varies by procedure and adherence to dietary and lifestyle recommendations, but significant, sustained results are common.

Recovery usually ranges from 2–6 weeks depending on the type of surgery and individual health.

Yes. Vitamins and minerals are required to prevent deficiencies, particularly after gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.

Bariatric surgery supports long-term weight loss, but ongoing healthy habits are essential for maintaining results.

Take the First Step Toward Lifelong Weight Loss

Achieve lasting results and improve your health.