If you’ve been researching bariatric surgery or wondering whether it could be the right next step for your health, you’re not alone. In a recent appearance on the “Not Your Doc… Anymore” podcast, Dr. Rod McKinlay, one of our experienced bariatric surgeons, broke down the impact of obesity, how weight loss surgery works and what patients can expect before and after their procedure.
Whether you’re just starting to explore options or are seriously considering surgery, this article serves as a science-based on-stop shop of what you need to know.
The Impact of Obesity: A Widespread and Serious Health Concern
Obesity is more common in the U.S. than many realize, with one in every three Americans living with overweight and another third with obesity. But the effects go far beyond appearance. Obesity significantly impacts quality of life, physically and emotionally, and increases the risk of a variety of serious health conditions. Top concerns include:
- Sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that limits oxygen intake during sleep, leading to chronic fatigue and poor rest
- High blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke
- Type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition that affects how your body processes blood sugar and can lead to long-term damage without intervention
With these risk factors at play, weight is about more than just a number on a scale—or even meeting unfair societal standards. It’s about reclaiming your health, your energy and your ability to participate in life.
What Is Bariatric Surgery?
In simple terms, bariatric surgery is surgery designed to help people lose weight and reduce or eliminate the health problems caused by obesity. Bariatric surgery is not a one-size-fits-all solution—there are different procedures to meet different needs.
Types of Bariatric Surgery
Gastric Bypass – A small pouch is created at the top of the stomach and connecting it to a portion of the small intestine, effectively bypassing about 25% of the intestine. Although it’s been around since the 1960s, this procedure reached its heyday in the early 2000s, when advances in laparoscopy made the procedure safer and recovery faster
Sleeve Gastrectomy – About 75% of the stomach is removed, changing it, in Dr. McKinlay’s terms, from a boot shape to a carrot shape. This procedure less aggressive than gastric bypass but still highly effective, especially for those starting with certain medical conditions.
Duodenal Switch – The gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are, in a sense, combined to form the most “powerful” bariatric surgery. This procedure is often recommended for patients with a BMI over 50.
The Life-Changing Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
The results speak for themselves. A 2007 study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found, using data from our practice’s patients, that those who underwent gastric bypass had 60% lower cancer-related mortality, 53% lower heart disease mortality and 92% lower diabetes-related mortality.
In terms of weight loss, patients typically lose 70–90% of their excess body weight within the first year. It’s common to regain 15–20% of that weight by year five, but with continued support and healthy habits, most maintain significant long-term progress.
Other benefits include:
- Strong appetite and craving reduction
- Discontinuation of medications for conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes
- The ability to return to everyday activities—climbing stairs, playing with children, traveling—with greater energy and ease
Risks of Bariatric Surgery
As with any type of surgery, there are risks, like bleeding and infection. Complications unique to bariatric surgery include leaks in the stomach or intestine, nutrient deficiencies and in more rare cases malnutrition. About 2–3% of patients require revision surgery later on, usually to improve nutrient absorption.
However, the risk is often lower than expected. For example, the operative mortality rate of gastric bypass is about the same as that of gallbladder surgery.
Life After Bariatric Surgery
The recovery process is highly individual, but most patients are back to work within 2–3 weeks. It can take a few months to regain full energy, but when it comes back, it’s usually better than before.
“It exceeds what you had before surgery, because now you can climb a flight of stairs without getting short of breath, and you’re sleeping better… breathing in better oxygen, increasing alertness and energy in the daytime,” Dr. McKinlay says.
Maintaining weight loss depends on nutrition, which is why dietitian support is part of our program. Patients who maintain a protein- and vegetable-based diet—which is often easier after surgery—are most likely to keep the weight off.
“Your new petite stomach is precious real estate. We want to give it nutrient-dense foods.”
Exercise is also crucial. The top commonality we see across most of our patients who keep weight off is maintaining a sustainable exercise routine doing something they enjoy.
Our support does not end with surgery. We see patients regularly throughout their first year of recovery—every few weeks at first, then every few months—followed by annual check-ins. These visits help us monitor nutrition, support long-term weight maintenance, and make adjustments as needed to keep patients healthy and thriving.
Is Bariatric Surgery Right for You?
Deciding to pursue bariatric surgery is a personal and often emotional decision — and it starts with understanding whether you’re a candidate.
In general, you may qualify for surgery if you:
- Have a BMI of 40 or higher, or
- Have a BMI of 35 or higher with a weight-related health condition (e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea)
Many insurance companies require documentation of prior weight loss attempts before approving surgery, but don’t let that intimidate you. Our team can help guide you through the process.
To ensure patients have the full picture before proceeding, Dr. McKinlay often spends 1–2 hours in the initial consultation, discussing the risks, benefits and personal health goals. Based on your goals and health status, we’ll recommend the surgery that fits best.
Dispelling Bariatric Surgery and Weight Loss Myths
There are two myths about bariatric surgery and weight loss:
- Bariatric surgery is “the easy way out,” and
- Obesity is a result of poor choices and lack of will power.
At RMAP, we do our part to dispel misconceptions like these. While popular media and culture perpetuates the idea that weight loss is only achieved and sustainable through discipline alone, science tells a different story.
“Our metabolism has to do with a complex symphony of hormones working inside us and surgery is a great tool to help us have a higher metabolic rate,” says Dr. McKinlay
A study in Obesity Journal followed 16 winners of The Biggest Loser, a well-known perpetuator of misconceptions around weight loss, and found they regained 80% of the weight they lost after seven years. One of them even turned to gastric bypass.
“I don’t view that as a failure on anyone,” Dr. McKinlay says. “I just view it as a misunderstanding of genetics and the true nature of metabolism.”
We believe in meeting our patients with respect and compassion, because we understand the harshness and exhaustion of the weight stigma they face daily.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Bariatric surgery isn’t for everyone, but for the right patient, it can be a life-changing intervention. If you’re ready to explore whether it’s right for you, we’re here to help.
Call our office at (801) 268-3800 today to schedule a consultation with Dr. McKinlay or one of our other board-certified bariatric surgeons. Let’s talk about your goals, your health and what’s possible.
Still want to learn more? Sign up for our free educational seminar.
