For some people, diet changes and increased exercise aren’t enough to lose weight. Bariatric surgery can help you conquer obesity and achieve better health so you can reach your goals.
Weight loss surgery at Portsmouth Regional Hospital
Weight loss surgery, or bariatric surgery, is the general term for various weight loss surgical procedures designed to treat obesity. These procedures reduce the stomach size to help you lose weight.
Weight loss surgery is just one tool for obesity treatment. Doctors often recommend surgery when attempts at non-surgical weight loss are unsuccessful. Whatever path you take to achieve a healthier weight, lifestyle changes are essential to your long-term success.
Considering surgical weight loss?
Our virtual classes teach you about bariatric procedures and what to expect before, during and after weight loss surgery. They also help you understand how your lifestyle will change after surgery. For more information, call (603) 433-4984.
Nationally recognized bariatric surgery care you can trust
Portsmouth Regional Hospital is home to the longest-standing bariatric surgery program in New Hampshire. Here, you get an unmatched level of experience, education and support to help you on your weight loss journey.
Our bariatric surgery program is nationally accredited with the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Improvement Quality. This recognition signifies our leadership in reaching the highest standard for quality and outcomes.
Your weight loss surgery team
Bariatric surgery is just one part of the weight loss process. Our experienced, multidisciplinary team includes dietitians, nurses, social workers, providers and surgeons. These specialists work together to help you understand your surgical weight loss options, guide you through surgery, and prepare you for a new lifestyle.
We have helped more than 2,200 patients from the Seacoast region build a nutrition and exercise plan to guide them in their weight loss journey toward overall better health and longevity.
Types of weight loss surgery we offer
At Portsmouth Regional Hospital, our bariatric surgeons are trained in minimally invasive robotic and laparoscopic bariatric surgery techniques. These procedures can be performed through tiny incisions, resulting in less scarring, reduced pain and faster recovery. We offer the following weight loss surgery options:
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve surgery)
Gastric sleeve surgery removes about 80 percent of the stomach — including the section that produces ghrelin. This hormone increases your desire to eat.
Roux-en-y gastric bypass surgery
During a Roux-en-y gastric bypass procedure, surgeons divide the stomach into two sections. The smaller section serves as your working stomach, which can hold a limited amount (about 1.5 ounces) of food. The other area of your stomach remains in place to help with digestion.
Revision weight loss surgery
Revision weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery revision) is for people who have already undergone a form of bariatric surgery, have experienced bariatric surgery complications or have not achieved significant weight loss results.
Benefits and risks of bariatric surgery
Achieving sustained weight loss is a challenge. To be considered for weight loss surgery, the following criteria would need to be met:
- Being 100 pounds or more over ideal body weight, or
- Having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
Research shows serious health risks associated with a severe and continuing cycle of weight loss and gain, known as “yo-yo dieting.”
National and global health organizations have called bariatric surgery the most effective way to achieve significant and permanent weight loss. People who undergo bariatric surgery experience an improved quality of life, and of those who choose surgery:
- 95 percent lost 50 percent of their excess weight
- 85 percent lost 75 percent of their excess weight
As with any surgery, there are potential risks for surgical and long-term complications. For most people, however, the risk of death from obesity-related health complications is greater than the risk of complications from bariatric surgery. Talk with your doctor about bariatric surgery’s risks and benefits.
“Getting to work alongside our dedicated team of nurse practitioners, surgeon, and dieticians to help our patients transform their lives makes coming to work each day so rewarding. The team’s commitment to quality of care and positive outcomes for our patients makes me proud to be part of the Medical and Surgical Weight loss team.” – Brooke Lubrano, MSN, RN, Bariatric Program Nurse.
Life after bariatric surgery
A transformative weight loss journey requires work and commitment. Accepting new rules for eating and food selection is key to long-term success. We’ve designed our comprehensive nutritional counseling program, support and follow-up education to ensure you are successful and reach your goals.
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