Weight loss reduces your number on the scale, but it also often leads to additional health improvements. The team at Sanford Health focuses on helping patients seize as many of these health benefits from weight loss (bariatric) surgery as possible.
Of Sanford Health’s bariatric surgery patients, 83% reduced one or more of their other health problems one year post-operation.
“Our goal is to help our patients lead a longer and healthier life,” said David Faugno-Fusci, M.D., a specialist in general and bariatric surgery at Sanford Health in Bemidji, Minnesota. “Weight loss surgery and medications can help our patients lose weight. Ultimately this isn’t just about having a lower number on the scale or looking better in the mirror. This is about decreasing risks of sleep apnea, hypertension and diabetes.”
Lose weight and keep it off: Weight loss surgery at Sanford Health
Sleep apnea
About 46% of Sanford Health patients with sleep apnea saw it clear up one year after their weight loss procedure. Being able to get a full night’s sleep also helps eliminate many troublesome symptoms. Among them are morning headaches, dry mouth, irritability, daytime sleepiness, snoring and insomnia.
Reflux disease
Another medical benefit of weight loss surgery can be less irritation from reflux disease. Among patients with symptoms like heartburn and acid indigestion, 73% of Sanford Health patients had the symptoms clear up after surgery.
High blood pressure or high cholesterol
One year after surgery, 65% of Sanford Health weight loss patients with high blood pressure had lower blood pressure levels. High blood pressure can be damaging and lead to serious conditions like stroke and heart disease.
Likewise, high cholesterol limits blood flow and can increase the risk for stroke and heart attack. Of the Sanford weight loss patients with high cholesterol, 66% had lower levels a year after surgery.
Diabetes
Diabetes is another condition that often affects patients who struggle with obesity. Type 2 diabetes affects the way a body processes sugar — leading to a constant need to monitor blood sugar levels. Nearly half — 44% — of Sanford Health weight loss patients with diabetes saw an improvement or resolution of their condition within a year after surgery.
What is weight loss surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a choice for some people who have a larger body and have not been able to lose weight with other methods. Therefore, your health care provider might discuss this type of surgery with you if you are living with obesity, or if you are a larger-bodied person and have a weight-related health problem.
If you’re curious about how weight loss surgery could transform your health, Sanford Health weight loss specialists can help you learn about surgical and nonsurgical options.
The weight loss surgery team in Bemidji recently switched to a no-referral basis. Patients no longer need to see their primary care provider to schedule an appointment for a weight loss consultation.
“If you’ve been struggling with your weight, we’re happy to see patients and educate them,” Dr. Faugno-Fusci said. “We’re providing this resource to the community and we’re here to help them throughout the process.”
Nonsurgical options for weight loss
Medication weight loss is booming right now, and it’s an option for patients who have a body mass index between 30 and 35.
“Those people don’t qualify for weight loss surgery,” said Michael Joannides, M.D., a specialist in general and bariatric surgery at Sanford Health in Bemidji. “Weight loss medications work for people in that range, where they’ve done a ton of exercise, and they’ve tried their best and they can’t get their weight down any further.”
Surgical options for weight loss
If you have a BMI of 35 or higher, weight loss medications may not be enough to help you reach your weight loss goal. That’s when the weight loss team will discuss surgical options.
“The weight loss medications don’t do as good of a job as surgery to lose enough weight to get you out of that obesity scale,” Dr. Joannides said. “Surgery plays a much better role in the long run for losing weight.”
Our team of experts can help you explore your weight loss options and guide you on your weight loss journey to improve your quality of life.
“I always wanted to help people,” Dr. Joannides said. “Knowing how much you can change someone’s life and cure some diseases with surgery. Seeing people lose 100 to 150 pounds. Being off their blood pressure and diabetes medications. Seeing them basically prolong their life and being able to hold their grandkids.”
Learn more
- Four pillars of weight management, defined
- Weight loss surgery Q&A with an expert
- Woman’s weight loss journey helped along at Sanford Health
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Posted In Bemidji, Health Information, Healthy Living, Heart, Weight Loss
