Weight-loss Surgery

More than 78 million American adults are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Obesity can create difficult living situations by causing painful joints, loss of energy, degenerative changes of the spine and weight-bearing joints, back pain, sleeping troubles and pre-diabetes.

Many people who are seriously overweight have tried different diets, medications and professional weight-loss services for years without long-term success.

Bariatric Surgery at Northern Nevada Medical Center

Weight-loss surgery helps people lose weight by reducing the size of the stomach or bypassing part of the patient's intestines. After surgery, patients eat less food to feel full and satisfied.

There is more to weight-loss surgery than the procedure itself. To be successful, patients must make major changes in their lifestyle and eating habits.

For example, following surgery, patients must:

• Restrict the amount and types of food they eat
• Avoid drinking liquids with meals
• Stick with a regular exercise program
• Take vitamin and mineral supplements

NNMC was recognized by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), a joint Quality Program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), for meeting the highest standards for bariatric patient safety and quality.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, an alternative to laparoscopic banding, restricts the amount of food consumed by the stomach. During this procedure the surgeon removes 85 percent or more of the stomach without bypassing the intestines. In addition to the reduced stomach volume, this procedure decreases Ghrelin blood levels (a hunger hormone) so patients may feel less hungry as they lose weight.

Orbera™ Intragastric Balloon

The Orbera Intragastric Balloon System provides an option for patients who have struggled to lose weight but cannot or do not want to have weight-loss surgery.

Is Weight-loss Surgery for Me?

It's not what you've got to lose, it's what you'll gain. How do you know if you're a good candidate for bariatric surgery? Weight-loss surgery may be right for you if:

• You are between 18 and 65 years of age.
• You are at least 50 pounds overweight, depending on other health conditions.
• Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is as low as 30 and as high as 80. Calculate your BMI >
• You have tried other weight-loss methods without success.
• You are medically stable and physically able to withstand surgery.
• You successfully complete all required preoperative testing.

Some conditions, such as alcoholism, psychiatric issues, hormone-related obesity or liver disease may prevent you from being a candidate for weight-loss surgery.

Ask your physician for a complete evaluation and to advise you.

How Do You Prepare for Bariatric Surgery?

• If you smoke, you'll need to stop.
• Your doctor will prescribe a list of tests and lab work.
• You'll have to cease alcohol consumption and aspirin or arthritis medication approximately one month before your surgery.

If you need a referral to a physician at Northern Nevada Medical Center, call our free physician referral service at 775-356-6662.

Meet the Surgeons

• Kent C. Sasse, MD, MPH, FACS, FACRS
• Lars Webb, MD

Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if bariatric surgery is right for you.