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Why Weight?

Reduce your health risks and your waistline.

The American Diabetes Association recommends weight loss surgery for anyone who has a BMI greater than 40 and is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Are you a candidate? Call 248-284-1760 to speak with a weight-loss navigator today.

To Learn More About Our Surgeons Click Provider Info Below

Photo of Michael Wood

Michael Wood, MD

Location in: Madison Heights

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Photo of Amy Somerset

Amy Somerset, MD, ABOM

Location in: Madison Heights

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Did You Know?

  • Bariatric surgery safety profile is comparable to some of the safest and most commonly performed surgeries in the U.S.*
  • Patients may lose up to 60% of excess weight six months after surgery and 77% of excess weight as early as 12 months post surgery*
  • Bariatric surgery improves or resolves more than 40 obesity-related diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and sleep apnea*

* Source: American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery

Meet Ally!

Gastric Sleeve surgery patient, down more than 150 pounds a year after surgery.

Before

Ally, before surgery

After

Ally, after surgery

Disclaimer: This is the testimonial of an actual patient. However, results will vary by individual. Weight loss surgery is generally designed for those with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 40, or equal to or greater than 35 with serious co-morbidities. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding with the Lap Band® is also FDA-approved for weight loss surgery in people with a BMI of 30 to 35 who have at least one obesity-related condition. Weight loss surgery is considered safe, but like many types of surgery, it does have risks. Consult with your surgeon about the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery.

Ally's Story

“Life prior to surgery, to sum up in one word would be: difficult. I had a very active job and it became hard to sit down and get back up constantly. Everything hurt and I experienced back and knee pain just doing everyday tasks. Working out wasn’t fun because I couldn’t do it and I got to a point where I was tired all the time. I needed a life change.

Since surgery I have lost over 140 pounds. I set an original weight goal of 180 and I have surpassed that already! Life after surgery has been phenomenal. I can go shopping, work out and take my dogs for a walk. I can do all of this now because my body doesn’t hurt. I can do things. I can move. It’s a whole new life. I walk by mirrors and I still double take and think ‘that’s what I look like’. I am healthy and feel happy about myself.

I feel like finally the person who I always wanted to be on the inside finally matches on the outside and that’s the best part of this. I am who I always wanted to be. Everything after this surgery has been an absolute blessing and my life is completely changed.”

BMI Information

BMI stands for Body Mass Index, and it is a tool to measure mass based on your weight in relation to your height. Your BMI can help gauge your risk of certain diseases that can occur in people who have a higher percentage of body mass. The higher your BMI, the higher your risk may be. A BMI of 40 is about 80 to 100 pounds over “normal” weight.

Am I a candidate for bariatric surgery?

To qualify for bariatric surgery an individual must:

  1. Have a BMI of 40 or greater.
  2. Have a BMI of 35-39, with significant obesity-related medical conditions such as:
    • Diabetes
    • High blood pressure
    • High cholesterol
    • Obstructive Sleep Apnea
    • Cardiovascular disease

BMI Calculator

Your body mass index (BMI) is an indicator of a healthy weight in comparison to your height.
Your BMI is 703

Bariatric Procedures

The most common bariatric surgery procedures are gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric band, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. Each surgery has its own advantages and disadvantages.

*Most common Bariatric procedure is the Sleeve Gastrectomy accounting for 70 % weight loss operations in US and worldwide, followed by Gastric Bypass 17%. Lap bands are rare today at 1%.

The Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy – often called the sleeve – is performed by removing approximately 70 percent of the stomach. The remaining stomach is a tubular pouch that resembles a banana. This procedure works in several different ways. First, the new stomach pouch holds a considerably smaller volume than the normal stomach and helps to significantly reduce the amount of food (and thus calories) that can be consumed. Another way it seems to work is that a hormone called, Ghrelin can decrease hunger and appetite. Some studies have shown that the sleeve is as effective as the roux-en-y gastric bypass in terms of weight loss. There are many variables that have to be taken into consideration, however. Diabetes can be improved and in some cases resolved with both the sleeve and the gastric bypass, however, in our practice we have seen better results with the gastric bypass. The improvement or resolution of diabetes can often be seen right away, independent of the amount of weight loss.
There are two components to this procedure. First, a small stomach pouch, approximately one ounce or 30 milliliters in volume, is created by dividing the top of the stomach from the rest of the stomach. Next, the first portion of the small intestine is divided, and the bottom end of the divided small intestine is brought up and connected to the newly created small stomach pouch. The procedure is completed by connecting the top portion of the divided small intestine to the small intestine further down so that the stomach acids and digestive enzymes from the bypassed stomach and first portion of small intestine will eventually mix with the food.
The Adjustable Gastric Band – often called the band – involves an inflatable band that is placed around the upper portion of the stomach, creating a small stomach pouch above the band. The rest of the stomach is below the band. The common explanation of how this device works is that having a smaller stomach pouch, decreases the food portion size. Therefore, a person cannot eat a large amount of food at one time. The size of the stomach opening controls how fast a person can eat. This stomach opening can be adjusted over time by filling the band with sterile saline. The saline is injected into the band through a port that is placed under the skin. Adjustments, to decrease the size of the stomach opening are done gradually as an outpatient. This operation is considered a restrictive procedure, because the amount of that can be consumed at one time is limited, as well as how rapidly food can be consumed is limited. There is no malabsorption component, therefore the food is digested and absorbed as it would be normally. (Content source: American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery)

If you have had complications from a gastric band or ring or from a previous bariatric procedure, make an appointment to discuss how we can help you. We are highly trained and experienced at helping those who have had problems with previous bariatric surgery.

(Content source: American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery)

Payment Options

Weight-loss solutions are covered by most major insurance providers. Coverage varies, depending on your policy. We also offer financing for competitive cash pay prices.

 

Take the first step to change your life. Call 248-284-1760 to speak with a weight-loss navigator.