Surgical Weight Loss Solutions

BARIATRIC (WEIGHT LOSS) SURGERY

Patients who are diagnosed with clinically severe obesity may have surgical options available to them in order to effectively treat morbid obesity and its related complications such as diabetes, blood clots, coronary heart disease, sleep apnea, and stroke.

Clinically severe obesity is a condition in which a patient has a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 or 35 to 40 with two or life threatening health conditions. In pounds, this equates to 80 to 100 or more pounds over ideal body weight.

ABMI’s world-class surgeons and DMC’s Harper University Hospital have performed more than 2,000 bariatric surgical procedures in the past three years – more than any other center in Southeastern Michigan and are participating providers with several Michigan based health insurance plans. Our hospital partner, DMC’s Harper University Hospital, has been designated a Bariatric Center of Excellence by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery and by Blue Care Network.

There are three types of bariatric (weight loss) surgery:

• Open Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
- In this procedure, a pouch is created and the stomach is transected and separated from the pouch.

• Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
- In this procedure, a small incision is made above the navel and a special needle is inserted through which carbon dioxide is pumped to distend the abdomen. Small-diameter surgical tools are inserted through other small incisions to allow the surgeon to perform the procedure.

• Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band
- This is an adjustable silicone elastomer band placed around the upper portion of the stomach, creating a small pouch. The placement of the band controls the rate food particles exit into the rest of the stomach. This is a restrictive procedure and can be adjusted and even removed, if necessary.


POST- SURGICAL SUPPORT

We know that most weight loss solutions are ineffective if they don’t support the patient psychologically and with significant behavioral modification. ABMI provides the support you need in these areas. Patients also receive nutritional supplements and work with a registered dietician and exercise physiologist to point you towards a healthier lifestyle. Your ABMI counselor can tell you more about our support programs during your session.