If you have a patient with class III obesity (body mass index (BMI) greater 40, or 35 to 39 with obesity-related co-morbidities), bariatric surgery may the most effective method to produce significant weight loss. Studies show that reducing body fat in the morbidly obese improves obesity-related disease and reduces mortality.
Studies show that diet, exercise, pharmacotherapy, alternative therapies and psychotherapy fail to produce significant weight loss over time in the morbidly obese. Weight loss as a result of bariatric surgery, however, can be dramatic. Mean weight loss is 40-70 percent of excess weight after one to four years following minimally invasive surgery.
Should You Refer Patients For Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Primary care physicians play a crucial role in initiating the investigation for gastric bypass surgery information. If you have an obese patient who you think may be a candidate, refer him or her to any one of our skilled gastric bypass surgeons for further evaluation. At Cleveland Clinic Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, our multidisciplinary team of gastric bypass surgeons conducts a detailed physical examination, and mental health and nutritional evaluations, carefully selecting each candidate for surgery.
Surgical risk must be carefully weighed against potential benefits of operative therapy for each individual. Each candidate must undergo nutritional and psychological evaluations, a review of all gastric bypass information and attend support group meetings prior to gastric bypass surgery. For those who do not qualify, our medical weight-management program offers dietary and psychological guidance.
Choosing the Best Program for Your Patients
In the hands of experienced weight loss surgeons, gastric bypass surgery is safe and effective. The Cleveland Clinic Bariatric and Metabolic Institute meets and exceeds standards set by the American College of Surgeons in conjunction with the American Society of Bariatric Surgery. Our gastric bypass surgeons have years of experience in bariatric surgery, are leaders in the field of minimally invasive surgical techniques and enjoy international reputations for their excellence in performing minimally invasive gastric bypass surgery.
Why Choose Cleveland Clinic Bariatric and Metabolic Institute?
- 95 percent of cases are performed laparoscopically - minimally invasive gastric bypass surgery reduces complications and recovery time
- Experienced gastric bypass surgeons(more than 4,000 surgeries performed)
- Comprehensive team approach
- A commitment to interactive communication with referring physicians, who determine their desired level of pre and post-operative management
- Lifetime follow-up with weight loss surgery patients
- Dedicated outpatient and inpatient areas specially equipped to meet the comfort needs of your patients
Quality Outcomes
The Cleveland Clinic is pleased to introduce our Outcomes Books, a summary review of medical and surgical trends, approaches and results.
The Clinic is publishing its outcome data by department as a quality measure. Patients and referring physicians can now have the information they need to make informed decisions when choosing or recommending a hospital or specialist for medical or surgical care.
Outcomes books were created from more than 20 Cleveland Clinic surgical and medical areas; view the data online. (PDF)
