About Surgical Weight Loss Options
Continuum of Care
At MercyOne Genesis, our Weight Management program is distinguished by the continuum of care we provide to patients before and after surgery through a multi-disciplinary clinic. The program includes:
For 12 months after surgery, patients are required to participate in follow up care with our registered dietitian, surgeon, and physical therapist. Annual visits with your surgeons are required after the first full year.
How Effective Is Weight Loss Surgery?
The actual weight a patient will lose after the procedure is dependent on several factors. These include:
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Patient's age
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Weight before surgery
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Overall condition of patient's health
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Ability to exercise
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Commitment to maintaining dietary guidelines and other follow-up care
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Motivation of patient and cooperation of their family, friends and associates
In general, weight loss surgery success is defined as achieving loss of 50% or more of excess body weight and maintaining that level for at least five years.
Clinical studies show that, following surgery, most patients lose weight rapidly and continue to do so until 18 to 24 months after the procedure. Patients may lose 30 to 50% of their excess weight in the first six months and 77% of excess weight as early as 12 months after surgery. Another study showed that patients can maintain a 50-60% loss of excess weight 10-14 years after surgery. Patients with higher initial BMIs tend to lose more total weight.
Patients with lower initial BMIs will lose a greater percentage of their excess weight and will more likely come closer to their ideal body weight. Patients with Type 2 Diabetes tend to show less overall excess weight loss than patients without Type 2 Diabetes. The surgery has been found to be effective in improving and controlling many obesity-related health conditions.
Preparing Yourself for Surgery
The majority of our procedures are done using minimally invasive techniques. The best preparation is to understand the risks and benefits and to closely follow your doctor's instructions.
To mentally prepare yourself:
- Understand the surgical process and what to expect afterwards.
- Talk to people who have had weight loss surgery.
- Start a journal about your experience. Record how you feel now, the obstacles you encounter, the things you hope to be able to do after surgery.
- Get a letter of support from your family. It helps to know you have people behind you, waiting to help.
- Bring a support person with you to attend any and all appointments.
- Attend our monthly support groups
