Bariatric Surgery

Overview

Mayo Clinic offers weight-reduction surgery for severely obese people who have significant health conditions related to weight. Mayo surgeons perform more than 500 weight-reduction surgeries each year. The large volume of procedures (more than 2,500 since the program began), as well as the surgeons' combined experience, is a major factor in Mayo's long-term success rates. Most patients who have had weight-reduction surgery at Mayo Clinic have lost at least 50 percent of excess body weight, and 70 percent have maintained long-term weight loss.

Mayo Clinic in Minnesota ranked No. 1 in the specialty of digestive disorders in U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals rankings.

Mayo Clinic's treatment program includes an extensive evaluation and unique, thorough follow-up care.

Mayo Clinic performs serveral types of weight-reduction surgery. Learn about bariatric surgery procedures.

• Treatment in Arizona
• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota

About Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is major surgery designed to lessen severe weight-related health problems or to avoid them altogether. Bariatric refers to the causes, prevention and treatment of obesity.

Gastric bypass is the most common bariatric surgery in the United States and at Mayo Clinic. Most surgeons prefer this procedure — which changes the digestive system anatomy to limit how much food can be eaten and digested — because it's safer and has fewer complications than other weight-loss surgeries. It can provide long-term, consistent weight loss if the patient maintains ongoing behavior changes.

Gastric bypass is not an option for everyone with obesity, however. The procedure poses significant risks and side effects and requires permanent lifestyle changes.

Read more at
www.MayoClinic.com
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