Bariatric Surgery
Our program at Piedmont Augusta's Weight Management and Bariatric Center provides an option for those struggling with obesity who have exhausted other options. As the only proven, long-term treatment for obesity, bariatric surgery is often the best option to improve the associated conditions that come along with obesity and help patients get back their health.
Qualifications for Surgery
Piedmont Augusta follows the National Institutes of Health guidelines established to choose patients who would most benefit from surgery. One must:
- have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 35 with medical problems related to obesity OR have a BMI of at least 40 with or without medical problems
- be healthy enough to tolerate a major surgical procedure
- be able to make the lifestyle changes necessary for life-long success
Surgical Procedures
We offer the following surgical options. Learn more and see which option might be right for you:
Sleeve Gastrectomy*: Ideal for patients with a BMI of 40 or higher, this procedure restricts the stomach to a small, sleeve shape. This effectively limits the amount of food one can take in helping patients be more compliant with a diet consisting of small portions.
Roux-en-y gastric bypass*: Performed through small incisions in the stomach, the surgeon creates a small stomach pouch, then attaches a section of the small intestine directly to the pouch. This allows food to bypass a portion of the small intestine, which absorbs calories and fat. Having a smaller stomach pouch causes you to feel full sooner, eat less food and absorb fewer calories.
* These procedures carry minimal risk and result in significant short-term and long-term weight loss.
