FAQs about Bariatric Surgery

A Lifestyle Change for the New Year

Over the holidays, we often look for quick tips — avoid sugary foods and drinks, don't skip meals or severely restrict calories — to shed a few pounds.

However, some of us may be looking beyond quick tips and considering a lifestyle change that includes more extensive weight loss for improved health. If you have a BMI (body mass index) over 35 and suffer from medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure, bariatric surgery may be a good option for you.

At UMMC's Center for Weight Management and Wellness, we offer a long-term weight loss plan designed to keep the weight off. Part of this plan includes bariatric surgery. Natalia Kubicki, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery and one of two board-certified bariatric surgeons at UMMC, discusses the mental and physical aspects of bariatric surgery.

How can obesity-related problems impact someone’s health and mental state?

Obesity not only affects your body, but also your mind. Obesity can frequently result in limited mobility and an increased risk of developing medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. Dealing with these stressors can easily lead to depression and a decreased quality of life.

What options are available for people who have tried dieting and exercise but haven’t been able to lose weight?  

Studies have repeatedly shown that diet and exercise are unlikely to lead to meaningful long term weight loss. Many people will be successful at first, but if you look at long term outcomes, a very small percentage of the population maintains their weight loss.

On the other hand, for those who could benefit from weight loss surgery, this procedure with the appropriate lifestyle changes is highly successful in helping patients lose weight and keep it off.

What are the medical benefits of weight loss surgery?

Weight loss surgery has many positive impacts on people’s lives. This type of surgery helps treats health problems related to obesity — including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and arthritis. Weight loss also improves fertility in women and ensures a safer pregnancy.

Mental benefits include reducing depression and anxiety. My patients also report more active lifestyles due to increased energy and mobility.

What is recovery like?

After your surgery, you will be transferred to one of our private rooms. We have a great team of nurses who will closely monitor you and make sure your pain is well controlled.

You will be able to start walking the first night after surgery. We encourage our patients to walk once an hour while awake. Walking is important because it helps promote good blood flow, which enhances healing and prevents blood clot formation.

Once at home, you can start other exercise. The key is to listen to your body and slowly build up your activity over time.

Most patients will be able to drive 4-5 days after surgery and return to work within 3 weeks.

Our support group is here to help you through these times and into the future. Dieticians, nurses, surgeons and counselors are all a part of your plan. Learn how UMMC guides you in this journey.

Why should I go to the Center for Weight Management and Wellness?

For our supportive program — we have performed over 3,000 bariatric surgeries, resulting in a high success rate and one of the lowest complication rates in the country. The majority of our surgeries are done laparoscopically or robotically, since smaller incisions lead to an easier and faster recovery. Most patients go home the day after surgery.

We have a phenomenal team of experts, led by Dr. Mark Kligman, that has earned us accreditation as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery for over ten years.

Learn more about our bariatric surgery seminar and take the first step in your weight loss journey.

To make an appointment with a bariatric specialist, please call 410-328-8940.