Is Bariatric Surgery Right for You?

There are many reasons why someone may have difficulty maintaining a healthy weight, including dietary choices, limited physical activity, environmental factors, and genetics. However, if your health is impacted by a prolonged struggle to lose weight despite attempts to diet and exercise, it may be time to consider bariatric surgery.

Holy Name offers an accredited comprehensive bariatrics program that can provide options for improving your health through weight loss. "Bariatric surgery can play a significant role in a journey to better overall health," says Omar Bellorin, MD, FACS, FASMBS, Program Director of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery at Holy Name."

"Weight loss surgery is not just about looking better," says Dr. Bellorin. "It can generate a number of health benefits, including improving your mobility and delaying the need for joint replacements. It can also help put diabetes into remission and control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep apnea."

Eligibility for bariatric surgery is generally based on your "ideal body weight" and body mass index (BMI), as determined in consultation with your physician:

• Weight of at least 100 lbs. more than ideal body weight, or BMI of 40 or higher.
• Weight of at least 50 lbs. more than ideal body weight, or BMI of 35-40 with weight-related health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea or high cholesterol.

Bariatric surgery can help you achieve long-term weight loss by generating metabolic changes and controlling hunger, which can make it easier to adjust your eating and exercise habits. Importantly, the sustained maintenance of a healthy weight after bariatric surgery is proven to extend life expectancy.

While bariatric surgery shouldn’t be seen as a quick fix, advancements in minimally invasive surgical options now allow patients to experience shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times with less discomfort and fewer complications.

"There are different bariatric options available at Holy Name, and we will make sure you choose the right option to meet your needs," adds Dr. Bellorin. "We are here for you, and ready to help you achieve a healthy, happy lifestyle."

Holy Name Medical Center is designated an MBSAQIP Accredited Comprehensive Center by the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

To schedule an appointment with a bariatric specialist, click here or call 201-833-3000.