Bariatric Surgery: What to Know Before Making a Decision

Bariatric surgery can help people with obesity achieve significant weight loss and improve certain weight-related health conditions. However, deciding whether surgery is right for you involves understanding the available procedures, potential risks and long-term lifestyle changes.

If you're considering weight-loss surgery, learning about eligibility requirements, insurance coverage and what to expect after surgery can help you make an informed decision with your healthcare team.

What Is Bariatric Surgery and How Does It Work?

Bariatric surgery, also called metabolic and bariatric surgery, includes procedures that change the digestive system to support weight loss and improve certain obesity-related health conditions.

Depending on the procedure, surgery may reduce the amount of food the stomach can hold, change how the body absorbs nutrients or affect hormones involved in hunger, fullness and metabolism.

In addition to supporting weight loss, bariatric surgery may help improve conditions associated with obesity, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea. Results vary depending on the procedure, individual health factors and ongoing care.

What Are the Different Types of Bariatric Surgery?

Several types of bariatric surgery are available, each with different benefits and considerations. Two of the most commonly performed procedures are sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy, also called gastric sleeve surgery, involves removing a large portion of the stomach to create a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach. This limits how much food the stomach can hold and may affect hormones that regulate appetite and fullness.

Because part of the stomach is permanently removed, the procedure cannot be reversed. Sleeve gastrectomy does not reroute the intestines, but patients still need ongoing nutritional monitoring and may experience complications such as acid reflux.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass surgery involves creating a small stomach pouch and connecting it to a lower section of the small intestine. This reduces how much food the stomach can hold and changes how the body absorbs calories and nutrients.

Gastric bypass can support significant weight loss and improve certain obesity-related conditions. However, it also carries risks, including nutritional deficiencies, and requires ongoing medical follow-up and vitamin supplementation.

Revision and Conversion Surgery

Some patients who have previously undergone bariatric surgery may benefit from an additional procedure. Revision or conversion surgery may be considered when weight loss is insufficient, significant weight regain occurs or complications develop.

The appropriate procedure depends on your medical history, previous surgery and current health needs.

Broward Health's Bariatric Surgery Program offers sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and revision or conversion surgery. Our bariatric specialists work with patients to determine which treatment option best supports their health needs and goals.

What Are the Benefits and Risks of Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery can offer significant health benefits for people with obesity, particularly when other treatments have not provided lasting results.

Potential benefits include:

• Significant, sustained weight loss for many patients
• Improved blood sugar control and possible remission of type 2 diabetes
• Improvements in high blood pressure and certain other obesity-related conditions
• Reduced symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea
• Improved mobility, physical functioning and quality of life

Like any major surgery, bariatric procedures also carry risks. Potential complications include:

• Bleeding, infection or blood clots
• Leaks from surgical connections or staple lines
• Hernias, ulcers or digestive problems
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
• Gallstones or other complications associated with rapid weight loss
• The need for additional procedures or surgery

Some complications may occur shortly after surgery, while others can develop months or years later. The likelihood of complications depends on the procedure and your individual health.

Your bariatric team can explain the potential benefits and risks of each option and help you understand what to expect before making a decision.

Who Qualifies for Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery may be an option for adults with obesity, particularly those who have weight-related health conditions. Eligibility is generally evaluated using body mass index (BMI), medical history and other individual health factors.

Current clinical guidelines recommend metabolic and bariatric surgery for individuals with a BMI of 35 or higher, regardless of whether they have other obesity-related conditions. Surgery is also recommended for certain patients with type 2 diabetes and a BMI of 30 or higher. It may be considered for other individuals with a BMI between 30 and 34.9 who have not achieved lasting improvement through nonsurgical treatments.

Clinical recommendations do not always match the eligibility requirements of individual bariatric programs or insurance plans. Some programs and insurers may require documentation of previous medically supervised weight-loss efforts or additional evaluations before surgery.

At Broward Health, patients undergo an evaluation to determine whether bariatric surgery is appropriate. The team considers factors such as medical history, weight-related conditions, previous treatments and readiness for the changes involved in surgical weight loss.

Does Insurance Cover Bariatric Surgery?

Insurance coverage for bariatric surgery varies depending on your health plan, the procedure and specific eligibility requirements. Some plans cover bariatric surgery when certain medical criteria are met, while others may have additional requirements or exclusions.

Before scheduling surgery, contact your insurance provider to confirm:

• Whether bariatric surgery is covered under your plan
• Which surgical procedures are eligible for coverage
• Whether prior authorization or medical documentation is required
• Any requirements for supervised weight-loss programs or evaluations
• Expected deductibles, copayments and other out-of-pocket expenses

Broward Health's bariatric surgery team can help patients understand insurance requirements and explore available self-pay options when applicable.

How Much Weight Can You Lose With Bariatric Surgery?

Weight loss after bariatric surgery varies depending on the type of procedure, starting weight, individual health factors and long-term follow-up care.

Research shows that many patients lose approximately 15% to 30% of their starting body weight following bariatric surgery, depending on the procedure. For example, a person who weighs 250 pounds may lose approximately 38 to 75 pounds, although individual results can differ significantly.

Weight loss typically occurs most rapidly during the first several months after surgery. Some people regain a portion of the weight they initially lose over time, making ongoing medical care and healthy lifestyle habits important.

Beyond weight loss, bariatric surgery can improve certain obesity-related health conditions. Some patients experience better blood sugar control, lower blood pressure or improved sleep apnea symptoms. However, these improvements are not guaranteed, and ongoing treatment for existing conditions may still be necessary.

What Should You Expect After Bariatric Surgery?

Recovery and long-term care are important parts of the bariatric surgery process. Your healthcare team will provide instructions based on your procedure, medical history and nutritional needs.

After surgery, patients typically transition through different stages of eating, beginning with liquids and gradually introducing soft and solid foods as healing progresses.

Long-term care may include:

• Nutritional guidance: Working with a registered dietitian to develop eating habits that support recovery and long-term health.
• Vitamin and mineral supplements: Taking recommended supplements to help prevent nutritional deficiencies.
• Physical activity: Gradually incorporating exercise and movement as recommended by your healthcare team.
• Regular follow-up appointments: Monitoring weight changes, nutritional status and overall health.
• Emotional and behavioral support: Adjusting to changes in eating habits, body image and daily routines with support when needed.

Every patient's experience is different. Some people need additional support or adjustments to their treatment plan over time. Maintaining an ongoing relationship with your healthcare team can help you navigate these changes and address concerns as they arise.

Is Bariatric Surgery Right for You?

Choosing bariatric surgery is a personal decision that involves more than weight loss alone. Your overall health, medical history, treatment preferences and long-term goals all play a role in determining the best approach.

Speaking with a bariatric specialist can help you better understand your options, ask questions about potential risks and benefits and determine whether surgery is an appropriate next step.

Explore Bariatric Surgery at Broward Health

At Broward Health, our bariatric surgery program provides personalized care for patients considering surgical weight loss. Our multidisciplinary team includes bariatric surgeons, dietitians, psychologists and exercise specialists who support patients from their initial consultation through recovery and long-term follow-up.

We offer several bariatric procedures and help patients understand their treatment options, insurance requirements and what to expect throughout the process.

If you're considering weight-loss surgery, our team can help you explore your options and take the next step toward better health.

Learn More About Bariatric Surgery at Broward Health