Bariatric surgery

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If you've been struggling with your weight for a long time, we want you to know that there is hope.

Are you a candidate for bariatric surgery?

Obesity is a disease, and bariatric surgery is one of the most successful treatments for it. On average, patients who successfully complete the bariatric program on Maui lose 66% of their excess weight within the first year after surgery.

If you are more than 60 pounds overweight, you may be living with obesity and you could be a candidate for bariatric surgery.

Is bariatric surgery right for you?

Use this decision tool to help you ponder the pros and cons of weight-loss surgery.

Types of weight-loss surgery

Maui's bariatric surgery program performs three different types of weight-loss surgery at MMMC:

• Gastric bypass.
• Gastric sleeve.
• Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch.

All three of the bariatric surgeries are performed laparoscopically—through small incisions—so there are no large scars. Bariatric surgeries performed at MMMC have a low complication rate.

You can learn more about each of these surgeries by attending one of the free bariatric surgery seminars held every month at MMMC.

Getting ready for surgery

Once you've decided to have bariatric surgery, you'll meet with the doctor and his team. These meetings will include talking with a psychologist and a dietitian to prepare you for the changes that you'll need to make to become strong, healthy and successful with your weight loss. Any questions you have will be answered in full to make sure you're ready to commit to a new way of life.

Most health insurance plans cover bariatric surgery. If you need help, the Maui bariatric surgery team is happy to assist you in navigating insurance approval.

Support after surgery

Crucial to the success of your surgery is the lifelong support provided by the doctor and the bariatric team. After your surgery, you'll have access to the Baritastic app so you can record your workouts, diet, water intake and more.

You'll also become a member of the Better Life Maui Support Group, where you can share your ups and downs with other people who have had the surgery and those who are considering it. The Better Life group meets the last Thursday of every month in MMMC's cafeteria from 7 to 8 p.m. A bariatric surgeon leads Better Life meetings, so a specialized and experienced physician is always there to answer your questions and give advice.

There's no other bariatric program that goes further to provide the tools you need for long-term success. If you don't believe it, come to one of the free bariatric seminars and find out for yourself.