Understanding Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is a weight-loss option for people who are morbidly obese and unable to sustain lasting weight loss with conventional weight loss methods. Bariatric surgery reduces the size of the stomach and, depending on the procedure, impedes nutrition through malabsorption, a process that keeps the small intestine from absorbing nutrients.

The National Institute of Health's criterion for weight-loss surgery includes patients with a body mass index, or BMI, greater than 40. Body mass index is a measure of a person's weight in relation to their height. Patients who have a BMI greater than 35 may also be surgical candidates if medical treatment is required for significant obesity-related medical problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea or disabling osteoarthritis.

Overseen by surgeon Fritz Jean-Pierre, M.D., the Bariatric Surgery Program at WellStar Kennestone Hospital is recognized as one of the top programs in the country. WellStar’s program is recognized as a Center of Excellence through the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, a combined national standards program by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the American College of Surgeons. For WellStar Comprehensive Bariatric Services in Marietta, call (770) 919-7050.

Surgical Procedures