General Surgery
Specialties and Specialists
Bariatric surgery
Bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, has proven to be an effective tool to help people lose a large amount of weight, significantly improving patient health and reducing the amount of medications taken for obesity-related health problems.
Our bariatric surgery program offers a multidisciplinary approach to surgical weight loss in a professional, supportive environment. We are sensitive to the unique challenges brought on by obesity and strive to care for each patient with dignity, respect and understanding.
Two Marshfield Clinic surgeons and Saint Joseph's Hospital earn Bariatric Surgery Center Of Excellence® designation
What are the minimum requirements to qualify as a candidate for bariatric surgery?
The qualifications for bariatric surgery vary from one insurance provider to the next. In most cases, the minimum requirements for consideration as a candidate for bariatric surgery include the following:
- A BMI (body mass index) of 40 or greater, usually met if you are 100 pounds over your ideal body weight.
- A BMI of between 35 and 39 with one or more severe obesity-related medical problems such as diabetes, severe sleep apnea, heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis of weight-bearing joints or depression.
- Documentation of previous unsuccessful weight-loss attempts such as diet, exercise, behavior modification, or other physician-supervised weight loss plans.
- Consultation with a registered dietitian and participation in a medically supervised weight-loss program.
- Psychological evaluation and clearance to determine the ability to comply with the behavioral and lifestyle changes required after bariatric surgery.
- Documentation of bariatric support group attendance.
Please contact your insurance company for their specific benefits or exclusions for bariatric surgery and related services.
Bariatric surgery options
Our surgeons are experienced in both traditional and laparoscopic surgical techniques. In most cases, the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is considered to be the best operation for morbid obesity. This procedure involves making a very small stomach pouch, restricting the amount of food you are able to eat at one time. Additionally, a section of the small intestine is bypassed, limiting absorption of the food you eat.
Marshfield Clinic offers other bariatric surgery procedures, including adjustable gastric banding (more commonly known as LAP-BAND® surgery). Your surgeon will discuss the various bariatric surgery procedures with you to determine the best option for your individual circumstances.
For more information about bariatric surgery
If you are interested in receiving more information or have questions regarding bariatric surgery please send us an email or contact one of the centers below.
Bariatric surgery locations
