I understand the benefits of bariatric surgery. What are the risks?

As with any surgical procedure, a very small percentage of patients experience problems, ranging from leaks in the reconfigured gastrointestinal system (occurring in about one percent of patients) to gallstones (about three percent) to infection (less than one percent). Potentially, some complications can be fatal – with the risk of death less than 0.3 percent. The risks involved in these procedures are miniscule compared to the life-threatening dangers of obesity co-morbidities like diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

What problems can arise in the aftermath of the surgery?

With your body and your lifestyle changed so substantially, issues like nutritional deficiencies, low blood sugars and even depression related to body-image are possible. That’s why such an emphasis is placed on education and behavior modification. Before patients are cleared for surgery, they are psychologically screened for the self-discipline to manage their new lifestyle.

Who performs the surgery?

At Portsmouth Regional Hospital, the surgical procedures themselves are performed by three general surgeons, John Gens, MD, Kevin Looser, MD, and Cynthia Paciulli, MD. But the surgeons are just three members of PRH’s 20-member Bariatric Surgery team, which includes a psychologist, nurses, physical and occupational therapists and others, all experienced in caring for bariatric patients. Before the program was launched in 2003, team members spent nearly three years researching and training in bariatric issues.

What does being a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence Mean?

We’re proud to have received this designation from the American College of Surgeons Bariatric Surgery Center Network and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. It indicates that our program has the right personnel, equipment, pathways and training to provide both the hospital resources needed for optimal care of our patients and the support and resources for the entire spectrum of care, from the pre-hospital phase through the post-operative process.

Is bariatric surgery covered by health insurance?

Weight-loss surgery is covered by most health insurance programs. In fact, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Hampshire has designated PRH’s program a “Blue Distinction Center,” one of only two in New Hampshire and four in northern New England.