Bariatric Surgery

You've tried diets and exercise and still can't lose the excess pounds. It may be time to go the extra step and consider surgery. Dr. Keith Kreitz, Director of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery at St. Mary Medical Center says there are guidelines to consider. You may be a candidate if you're at least one hundred pounds overweight or have a body mass index, BMI, of 35 or more. He says health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea may also be seen as factors.

The next step is to decide which surgery is best for you. There are several procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass and duodenal switch. Procedures vary on what is actually done and how food is restricted. Some have limitations on which medications you can take after the operation, so your doctor will decide which procedure is best for you.

Following surgery, your efforts will continue. Dr. Kreitz says follow-up care is critical and lasts a lifetime. Patients must learn proper nutrition and eating habits, maintain healthy lifestyles and exercise. His patients are also enrolled in support groups so they can discuss issues faced and talk to others who understand.

Sponsored Content provided by St. Mary's Medical Center.