Overview

The SWLC Program–Surgical Treatment of Obesity
The most effective form of therapy for morbid obesity (being 100 pounds or more overweight) is surgery. It is true that medications can help with weight loss, but they will not get as much weight off or keep it off long-term.

Many candidates for obesity surgery have medical problems such as arthritis, diabetes, sleep apnea, back or disc disease, hypertension, hiatal hernia, gallbladder disease, shortness of breath, heartburn, fatigue, elevated serum cholesterol or disability. Obesity is a factor in these diseases and surgery can help in the prevention and progression of symptoms. In our experience, the more medical problems a person has, the more likely medical insurance will cover the surgery.

In general, operative procedures are designed for morbidly obese patients between the ages of 15 and 70 who have unsuccessfully attempted medical management of their obesity.

In addition to weight loss surgeries for obesity, Surgical Weight Loss Clinic offers revisionary procedures to correct previous obesity operations that have failed, maintenance procedures (such as tummy-tucks) and support services.

Pre-Surgery Preparation
SWLC will help you understand each of the obesity operations. You will learn which will be best for your successful weight loss and maintenance. We review the benefits and potential risks with you before you make a decision about surgery.

Follow-Up
Follow-up care is as important as the surgery itself. Always check a surgeon's follow-up program to ensure that it will provide for your on-going health care and support needs. SWLC's follow-up care is recognized worldwide as an exemplary program.

Following surgery, we normally schedule appointments at monthly intervals until you reach goal or near-goal weight, and semi-annually thereafter. If you live out of town, follow-up appointments can be handled with regular telephone calls, faxed lab reports, and close collaboration with your local physicians.

As with all obesity surgical patients, it is imperative to obtain regular laboratory studies, usually quarterly, for the first two years following surgery and then yearly thereafter.

In addition, weight loss will occur more rapidly with a change in eating habits and some form of daily exercise. SWLC will help you get started before surgery and continue to offer assistance through our support services.

Please see our “Foxkins® Diamond Weight Management Program” section. 

Please view our frequently asked questions (FAQ) section for answers to many questions.