Institute for Weight Loss

The Institute for Weight Loss at RBMC features a comprehensive, personalized approach to overcoming obesity. Our program is MBSAQIP (Metabolic and BariatricSurgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program) accredited, a national accreditation that advances safe, high-quality care for bariatric surgical patients. A bariatric surgical center achieves accreditation following a rigorous review process during with it proves it can maintain certain physical resources, human resources, and standards of practice.

Our multidisciplinary team, which includes experienced bariatric surgeons, guides patients through each step of the weight loss journey, from choosing the best treatment options to nutrition education, lifestyle counseling, and ongoing support. Our specialists will explain the benefits and risks of each bariatric procedure, along with more conservative weight loss options. Together, we’ll develop an individualized program that combines medical intervention with a lifetime commitment to healthy eating, exercise, and follow-up care.

Surgical Options

Most bariatric procedures are now performed with tiny incisions, resulting in less pain after surgery and faster recoveries. Patients are generally back on their feet in a few days and may resume all activities within three weeks.
The most commonly performed procedures include:

• Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass – The surgeon creates a small stomach pouch, bypasses a section of small intestines and then attaches the lower part of the small intestines directly to the pouch. This technique restricts food intake while the body absorbs fewer calories.
• Adjustable Gastric Banding – A band is placed around the upper stomach to create a smaller pouch, restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold without interfering with the digestive process. The band can be adjusted or removed over time.
• Gastric Sleeve – The surgeon removes about 85 percent of the stomach and shapes the remaining portion into a tube. Food consumption is restricted while absorption is unaffected.
• Duodenal Switch – The first portion of the small intestine, is divided just past the outlet of the stomach. A segment of the last portion of the small intestine is then brought up and connected to the outlet of the newly created stomach so that when the patient eats, the food goes through a newly created tubular stomach pouch and empties directly into the last segment of the small intestine. Roughly three-fourths of the small intestine is bypassed by the food stream.
• Bariatric Revision Surgery – If you have experienced poor weight loss, weight regain, or complications from a previous bariatric procedure, hope is not lost. There are several safe and minimally invasive surgical options to finally achieve your desired weight loss goal.

Ready to Take the First Step?

To learn more about bariatric surgery, join us for a free informational program at RBMC’s Institute for Weight Loss. To register for an upcoming session or to schedule a consultation with a bariatric surgeon, complete our form online or call 855-TIME-4-ME.

What to Expect

Depending on your procedure, you may be discharged the same day or spend one or two nights in one of the Institute’s private patient rooms. Upon returning home you will benefit from monthly support groups and continued guidance from our dedicated staff. With motivation and commitment, most patients lose 100 pounds or more within two years of surgery.