Bariatric Surgery

UM Capital Region Health's bariatric surgery program helps people achieve lasting weight loss and a healthier life.

The goal is for patients to lose at least 50% of their excess weight in the first year after surgery and keep it off for life. 

We perform two surgical procedures for weight loss: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and vertical gastric sleeve. Both procedures limit how much food your stomach can hold, thereby restricting your calorie intake, changing the hormones that make you hungry and slowing your metabolism.

Candidates for Bariatric Surgery

Generally, weight loss surgery may be a good option if you are:

• Over 18 years of age
• Have a body mass index (BMI) over 40
• Are more than 100 pounds overweight
• Have not been able to lose weight through traditional diet and exercise efforts
• Have a BMI between 35 and 40, but have potentially life-threatening, obesity-related medical complications such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and sleep apnea

Weight loss surgery in these circumstances is usually deemed medically necessary and therefore covered by most insurance plans.

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric weight loss surgery is intended to help people who need to lose significant amounts of weight and have other health conditions that would be reduced or eliminated with weight loss. Many people who undergo bariatric surgery see fewer symptoms of their weight-related diseases and often can reduce the amount of medications they take to manage their health.

Surgery can help reduce problems associated with being overweight, including depression, Type 2 diabetes, heartburn and reflux, high blood pressure, heart disease, infertility issues, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis and urinary stress incontinence. 

Learn More About Bariatric Surgery

How to Get Started

Everyone interested in gastric surgery starts with a free online webinar. After participating in the webinar, you can schedule a consultation with our bariatric coordinator, who will:

• Discuss your insurance eligibility with our insurance specialist
• Schedule an appointment with the surgeon to begin discussing your specific circumstances
• Schedule mandatory meetings with our dietitian to cover diet and exercise requirements

Our program includes an extensive evaluation to determine whether weight loss surgery is a viable option for you. Dr. Rickford and his dedicated team of weight loss specialists work with you to develop a personalized care plan to prepare you for the surgery and the lifestyle changes that are key to losing weight and keeping it off.

Weight loss surgery candidates must also commit to the lifestyle changes necessary to maintaining weight loss. This includes reduced calorie consumption, moderate exercise and follow-up care.

We will support you with nutritional education, counseling and monitoring, and will be your cheerleader for every pound you lose. 

Call 301-686-3404 to schedule your free call and get started today.