What are the risks of bariatric surgery?

Like all procedures, bariatric surgery carries a risk of bleeding, blood clots and infection. But what’s a little more unique to weight loss surgeries is increased risk for gallstones, hernia, rapid digestion (dumping syndrome) and stomach leaks.

What lifestyle changes will I need to make?

After bariatric surgery, your stomach will hold less food. So, you will need to eat smaller, more frequent meals. In addition, you will also need to: Drink plenty of water Exercise regularly Take daily vitamins and supplements Commit to attendingongoingfollow-up appointments

How long will it take me to recover after surgery?

Depending on your procedure, a full recovery from surgery can take 9 to 12 months. Some specifics include: The average hospital stay after bariatric surgery is typically 1 to 2 days. Most people return to normal activities within 2 to 4 weeks. Weight-lifting restrictions last for 4 to 6 weeks Over 6 to 8 weeks, patients gradually transition from liquids to solids

Surgical weight loss | Roper St. Francis Healthcare

The next step in weight loss

When you need a higher level of support, our accredited bariatric program brings highly trained surgeons close to home. From simple to more complex surgeries, we offer a wide range of procedures to ensure every patient has access to the option that best fits their lifestyle and needs.

Surgical weight loss procedures are designed to help people with obesity lose weight. To reach that goal, surgeons must make physical changes to the stomach and intestines, and each surgery impacts your body differently. Our knowledgeable bariatric specialists work with you to help you choose the procedure that’s right for you.

To qualify for surgical weight loss, you must have:

A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
A BMI of 35 or higher and at least one obesity-related condition like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea or type 2 diabetes
Have tried other medical weight loss strategies without success

Surgery can help you to not only look and feel better, but it can also improve a number of health conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and more.

How weight loss surgery improves your health

Your weight affects your health in many ways. While low energy and reduced mobility may be the most noticeable symptoms, carrying excess weight can affect almost every part of your body.

Health issues and if they were resolved or improved by weight loss surgery:

Asthma - 82% improved or resolved
Cardiovascular disease - 82% risk reduction resolved
Degenerative joint disease - 41-76% resolved
Depression - 55% resolved
GERD (chronic heartburn) - 72-98% resolved
Gout - 77% resolved
High cholesterol and triglycerides - 63% resolved
Hypertension - 52-92% resolved
Metabolic syndrome - 80% resolved
Migraines - 57% resolved
Mortality - 77% resolved
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease - 90% improved fatty liver, 37% resolution of inflammation, 70% resolution of fibrosis
Obstructive sleep apnea - 74-95% resolved
Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) - 79% resolution of excessive hairiness, 100% resolution of menstrual irregularity
Pseudotumor Cerebri (increased pressure in the skull) - 96% resolved
Quality of life - 95% resolved
Stress urinary incontinence - 44-88% resolved
Type II diabetes - 83% resolved
Venous statis disease (sores on legs due to poor circulation) - 95% resolved

Learn more about the benefits of weight loss surgery from the National Institute of Health.

Surgical weight loss procedures we offer

When lifestyle changes alone are not enough, bariatric surgery can provide a safe and effective path to significant weight loss and improved health. Our experienced team offers several surgical options tailored to your unique needs and goals.

Reduce your stomach size with a minimally invasive procedure designed to support lasting weight loss. You’ll be guided by a dedicated team before, during and after surgery.

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Achieve lasting results with a proven weight-loss procedure that reduces stomach size and reroutes digestion. With expert support before and after surgery, your healthier future is within reach.

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After a gastric banding procedure, you’ll be able to control portions and build healthier habits with support from our experienced bariatric team.

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Your bariatric team

When you’re facing weight loss surgery, you need an expert partner you can trust. Our experienced bariatric surgeons can help you choose the procedure that best meets your health needs and goals.

Meet your team

Surgical weight loss locations

When you choose weight loss surgery, you want advanced, leading-edge care close to home. We offer convenient, customized surgical care to patients throughout the greater Charleston area.

Related services & specialties

Gastric sleeve surgery

Permanently removes 80% of your stomach to reduce appetite and help you feel fuller faster.
Gastric bypass surgery

Changes the size and shape of your stomach and small intestines to help you eat less and lose weight.
Gastric lap band surgery

A reversible, minimally invasive weight loss treatment.