Bariatric Surgery
Weight loss surgery is also known as bariatric and metabolic surgery. These terms are used in order to reflect the impact of these operations on patients’ weight and the health of their metabolism (breakdown of food into energy). In addition to their ability to treat obesity, these operations are very effective in treating diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and high cholesterol, among many other diseases. These operations also have an ability to prevent future health problems. The benefits allow patients with obesity who choose to undergo treatment to enjoy a better quality of life and a longer lifespan.
Today’s metabolic and bariatric operations have been refined over the course of many decades and are among the best studied treatments in modern medicine. They are performed with small incisions using minimally invasive surgical techniques (laparoscopic and robotic surgery). These advancements allow patients to have a better overall experience with less pain, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays and a faster recovery. These operations are extremely safe, with complication rates that are lower than common operations such as gallbladder removal, hysterectomy, and hip replacement.
The goal of these operations is to modify the stomach and intestines to treat obesity and related diseases. The operations may make the stomach smaller and also bypass a portion of the intestine. This results in less food intake and changes how the body absorbs food for energy resulting in decreased hunger and increased fullness. These procedures improve the body’s ability to achieve a healthy weight.
You and your surgeon will work together to determine the correct bariatric surgery plan for you.
Common Bariatric Procedures
This operation involves only your stomach. A small sleeve, or narrow pouch, is created and the rest of your stomach is removed.
A band is placed around the top of the stomach. Less solid food can then be eaten at one time. Food passes through the band slowly, resulting in a longer feeling of fullness.
This procedure bypasses most of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. A small stomach pouch is created and the remainder of the stomach is stapled shut. The small intestine is then attached to the stomach pouch.
Bariatric Surgery Awards at Jackson Hospital
Jackson Hospital is recognized as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence through the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, a joint program of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. This achievement recognizes an organization's dedication to fostering better outcomes for patients. Jackson Hospital has demonstrated an uncompromising commitment to quality that has earned the confidence, respect, and trust of patients making a lifetime commitment to healthier living.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama has awarded Jackson Hospital with Blue Distinction Center+ designation in Bariatric Surgery. Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery provide a full range of bariatric surgery care, including surgical care, post-operative care, outpatient follow-up care and patient education. These Centers have lower complication rates and fewer readmissions. To qualify as a Bariatric Surgery Blue Distinction Center, the facility must also be accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). Only those facilities that meet nationally established, objective quality measures are considered for this important designation.