Weight loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery, is an operation on your stomach and digestive system. Your stomach holds and breaks down food and then sends it into the small intestine, where your body absorbs nutrients and calories. 

Generally, bariatric surgeries make the stomach smaller. Some procedures change the path food takes through the digestive system. 

Bariatric surgery helps you feel full sooner, eat smaller portions, and lower the number of calories your body absorbs. Together, these can help you lose weight and can improve conditions linked to carrying extra weight. 

Surgery is one tool in a complete care plan that also includes healthy habits and regular follow-up.

Types of weight loss surgery

There are different types of bariatric surgery. Your surgeon will talk you through the options and find one that fits your health, goals, and lifestyle.

• Gastric sleeve surgery: Also called a sleeve gastrectomy. This surgery removes part of the stomach, so it’s smaller. You feel full with less food and have less hunger.
• Gastric bypass: Called a Roux-en-Y surgery. It creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes part of the small intestine. You eat less and absorb fewer calories. It can also help with blood sugar control.
• Revision procedures: For people who have had bariatric surgery in the past and need changes due to medical needs or weight regain.

Your health insurance may pay for weight loss surgery if your BMI is 40 or higher, or 35 or higher with a related health condition. 

Bariatric surgery can also help improve health problems such as:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Sleep apnea
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Fatty liver disease
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Joint pain
• Back pain
• Infertility
• Idiopathic intracranial hypertension 

We make the bariatric surgery process clear and supportive from day one. You will not go through this alone. Our team guides you before, during, and after surgery so you know what to expect and how to reach your goals.

Before surgery

You start with a referral. Ask your primary care team or specialist to refer you to Carilion Weight Loss Care. Our team reviews your insurance benefits and helps you figure out the best next steps on your weight loss journey.

Many insurance plans also require up to 6 months of supervised medical weight management before surgery. We work with Carilion’s Weight Loss Program to guide you through each step and work with your other doctors.

The 12-week weight loss program may include prescription exercise programs and weight loss drugs. They help you complete the required steps, prepare for a safe operation, and recover with steady support.

Before surgery, you have a visit to do blood tests, adjust medicines, and plan how to get the vitamins you need. It helps prepare your body for surgery and sets you up for a safe recovery.

During surgery

Your surgery takes place with experienced bariatric surgeons in our MBSAQIP-accredited program. At Carilion, your weight loss surgery care meets strict national standards for safety and quality.

Your surgeon will recommend the type of surgery that fits your health, goals, and lifestyle. Most people have a sleeve or bypass procedure. You’ll learn how the surgery works, what recovery looks like, and how to care for yourself afterward.

After surgery

Right after surgery, we see you to check healing, pain control, and your diet. We make sure you can drink and eat small amounts safely and have the support you need at home.

You continue to follow up with both the surgery team and our weight loss program. You'll see us often at first, then less often as you gain confidence and strength. This ongoing support helps you keep the weight off and stay healthy.

Our team has deep experience caring for people after bariatric surgery. We monitor vitamins, help with medicine absorption, and support you as your weight changes. We’re here if you regain weight or face challenges. We work with you to adjust medicines, eating habits, and activity to get you back on track.