Learn More About Weight Loss Surgery

Body Mass Index or BMI is a tool used to estimate body weight based on height. This is one of the most commonly used tools to identify obesity. BMI is a simple way to evaluate whether your weight puts you at potential risk for serious health problems, other factors must also be considered. The chart below will help you identify which BMI category you fall into. Your health care provider can help you evaluate your BMI with other factors to determine your overall health picture.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/

Being obese places you at risk for developing other series health problems, including:

• Cardiovascular & Metabolic
  
  
  • Heart disease, CHF, chest pain
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Stroke
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Irregular hormones, PCOS, and Infertility
    
    
• Respiratory & Sleep
  
  
  • Asthma
  • Sleep apnea
    
    
• Musculoskeletal
  
  
  • Arthritis
  • Back and joint pain
  • Gout
  • Skin infections
    
    
• Other Conditions
  
  
  • Eating disorders
  • GERD
  • Gallstones
  • Kidney stones
  • Depression
  • Increase surgical risk and post-surgical infection risk
  • Pre-mature death

Age of onset of these conditions can occur younger in individuals with obesity.

There are many evidence- based options to help manage obesity and lose weight. They include:

• Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, behavior modification)
• Medications
• Bariatric (weight loss) surgery

Bariatric Surgery at John Muir Health

Our surgeries are considered minimally invasive. This means they are performed through small incisions, laparoscopically or robotically. What this means for you is a faster recovery, less pain, minimal scaring and faster return to normal bowel function and life.

How many procedures have we performed at John Muir?

John Muir has a well-established and experienced Bariatric program.

We have performed over 3000 bariatric surgeries since 2002.

Bariatric Surgeries Performed at John Muir Health

Bariatric surgery has strong results and has been proven to be an effective means to achieve sustainable weight loss. Excess weight loss seen with Gastric bypass is approximately 60-80%, and excess weight loss seen with Gastric sleeve is approximately 50-70%. Our patients can also see improvement or resolution of obesity- related conditions including:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Osteoarthritis/degenerative joint disease
• GERD
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Asthma/Obstructive sleep apnea
• Depression

It is important to remember Bariatric surgery is a tool to help improve health and quality of life. Bariatric surgery is a major surgery, as with any surgery there are always risks. Ensure that you are discussing the risks and benefits with your surgeon to select the best option for you. You will review and sign a consent form confirming you understand the risks associated with bariatric surgery. You are encouraged to ask any question and discuss any concerns with your care team.

• Important: While we list common risks other complications may occur 

Risks for All Bariatric Surgeries

Serious (but uncommon) Risks

• Death – Very rare (less than 0.5%)
• Major complications – Occur in about 4–5% of patients

Surgical Risks

• Bleeding – May require transfusion or additional surgery
• Blood clots – Can travel to the brain (stroke) or lungs- seek immediate care for chest pain, shortness of breath, or leg swelling.
  • Because of this risk, we take preventative measures that include mechanical leg compression stockings, early ambulation, and blood thinners.
• Injury to organs – Including bowel, spleen, or blood vessels
• Leaks - Leak along surgical connection in stomach or intestines
• Stricture- narrowing, may cause difficulty eating
• Infection or hernia
• Anesthesia Complications

Medical & Long-Term Risks

• Vitamin deficiencies, anemia, or bone loss
  • Lifelong vitamin supplementation is essential to avoid complications
• Changes in bowel habits
  • Constipation, diarrhea, or gas
• Gallstones due to rapid weight loss
• Hair thinning or loss (usually temporary)
  • Make sure to take vitamin supplements
• Depression

Each patient is different and must be independently evaluated and managed, actual weight loss will vary.

Important notes and considerations:

• It is important to avoid smoking and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen after weight loss surgery due to increased risk of ulcers and bleeding.
• Fertility may increase after weight loss surgery
  • Avoid pregnancy until cleared by your care team, typically at least 1.5 years post-op
• Depression and emotional changes can occur
  • Please reach out to your provider if you are struggling

To qualify for bariatric surgery you must meet the following criteria:

In some cases, a BMI of 30-34.9 can be considered if the patient meets specific criteria set by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Insurance dependent.

Ways to Maximize Success after Bariatric Surgery

Remember these daily habits will help you heal, avoid complications, and maximize the benefits from surgery.

These tips and tricks are designed to help you recover safely and reduce your risk of complications after surgery. Remember recovery is a process. Following your care plan and surgeon advice will help you heal safer, faster and optimize results.

Hospital Stay

• Most patients stay one night in the hospital and discharge home the next day

Activity & Movement

• Walking is VERY important after surgery
  • Helps prevent blood clots and pneumonia
  • You will be walking within 3 hours of arrival to your room after surgery
• Walk 4–5 times per day when you get home
• As you feel stronger, add light to moderate exercise
• Long-term goal:
  • 150 minutes of exercise per week

Diet Progression

Your diet will progress through Stages 1-4 as your body heals. Your surgeon will guide you on timing to advance your diet. DO NOT advance your diet without surgeon approval.

Diet Stages:

• Full Liquid Diet (Stage 2)- Leave hospital on this stage 
  • Foods you cannot see through
  • Examples: strained soups, protein shakes, yogurt

• Soft Diet (Stage 3) 
  • Easy-to-chew foods
  • Examples: eggs, beans, soft fish
  • Can include blended/pureed foods (applesauce-like texture)

• Regular Diet (Stage 4)
  • Gradual return to normal food textures
  • Go SLOW

Important Nutrition Tips:

• Focus on high-protein foods
• Limit sugar and simple carbs (bread, pasta, rice)
• Please refer to your nutrition packet for exact details

Vitamins & Supplements

• Take your bariatric vitamins daily
• Options may include:
  • All-in-one bariatric vitamin supplements
  • Or separate vitamins:
    • Multivitamin
    • Vitamin B12
    • Vitamin D
    • Calcium

Remember do not take multivitamin with iron at the same time as Calcium- separate by 2 hours

Follow-Up Care

• Timeline to see your surgeon after surgery
  • 2 weeks, 3-6 month, annually- you will have labs drawn for these appointments
• Follow up with dietitian as needed

Medications after Surgery

You may be prescribed:

• Pain medication – for comfort as needed
• Nausea medication – As needed
• Acid-reducing medication – to protect your stomach
• Stool softener – to prevent constipation

If you develop severe abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, fast heart rate, or shortness of breath, please call your surgeon immediately and/or go to the nearest emergency room.