Weight Loss Surgery
Forrest Health's weight loss surgery services offers bariatric care for patients who are overweight and struggling to lose weight. Weight loss surgery - also known as bariatric surgery - aids in the weight loss process. Losing unhealthy weight can lower the risk of medical programs and positively impact your quality of life.
Complications of obesity
Obesity can cause many health complications, some of which can be life-altering for you and your family. Complications include:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypertension
- Cancer
- Coronary artery disease
- Sleep apnea
- Joint and muscle weakness
Options for surgical weight loss
Currently, Forrest Health offers several options in surgical weight loss to help achieve your goals and get back to the life you deserve.
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
- Sleeve gastrectomy
These procedures can be completed using the laparascope which minimizes pain and significantly shortens your hospital stay.
Our Procedures
We offer a wide variety of minimally invasive weight loss procedures including the following:
We also offer additional revision procedures including the following:
- Open Revision Gastric Bypass
- Robotic Removal Gastric Bands
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of having weight loss surgery?
Weight loss surgery can reduce the rates of obesity related health issues including diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and certain cancers. Many patients can see improvements in their underlying health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea following surgery.
How much weight will I lose after having laparoscopic or robotic gastric sleeve?
Patients can lose up to 70% of their excess weight within the first year after surgery. A majority of this weight loss occurs during the first 3 months following surgery.
How much weight will I lose after having open, laparoscopic, or robotic gastric bypass?
Patients can lose up to 70% of their excess weight within the first year after surgery. A majority of this weight loss occurs during the first 12-18 months following surgery.
What are the benefits of laparoscopic or robotic gastric sleeve surgeries?
Gastric sleeve procedures are quicker than other weight loss surgeries and have low operative and mortality risks. These procedures lowers the level of hormones in your body that tell you that you are hungry by removing a portion of your stomach.
What are the benefits of open, laparoscopic, or robotic gastric bypass surgeries?
Gastric bypass procedures restrict the amount of food being eaten, calories being absorbed, and make you feel fuller. This procedure can also help with heart burn and gastric reflux.
Are there any risks associated with weight loss surgeries?
There are risks with all surgical procedures. Some of the risks associated with gastric sleeve surgeries are dehydration, pneumonia, blood clots, anastomotic leaks (where stomach contents can get into your abdominal cavity), strictures (when openings in your stomach are blocked and does not allow liquids or food to pass through), Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (malabsorption of vitamin B1 or thiamine), and death.
Why do I need a psychological evaluation before my surgery?
This is a requirement of the national bariatric surgery organization. This evaluation focuses on your ability and readiness to adapt to the necessary lifestyle changes pre- and post-operatively. We offer flexible, online options for most patients.
How do I know if my insurance will cover the surgery?
You can contact your insurance company directly to find out if your policy covers bariatric surgery. We encourage you to call prior to your surgical consultation. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Hattiesburg Clinic Weight Management to get connected with a staff member who can assist you.
If my insurance does not cover bariatric surgery, can I still have surgery?
We do offer self-pay options for patients that do not have bariatric surgery coverage.
What other resources are available to me prior to surgery?
Hattiesburg Clinic Weight Management offers comprehensive weight loss services, as well as a bariatric surgery support group that you are eligible to join.
