Bariatric and Weight Loss Surgery in Rhode Island
A Weight Loss Program Personalized for You
Many obese patients struggle daily with their weight and related medical conditions such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and diabetes, as well as with the stigma of obesity.
The Center for Bariatric Surgery, a program of Rhode Island and The Miriam hospitals, offers a long-term solution. Bariatrics is the field of medicine that specializes in treating obesity, and bariatric surgery refers to surgery that promotes weight loss.
![Lifespan bariatric surgery team](/sites/default/files/styles/media_card/public/2021-10/bariatric-docs-02-media-card.jpg?h=c2327463&itok=CxqR1Xvq)
Award Winning Care
We challenge you to find a better weight loss program than ours. Recognized by more professional associations than any other in the region, our high-quality care and excellent clinical outcomes is unmatched. Read why the experts agree.
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Start Your Weight Loss Surgery Journey Today.
Orientation is the first step of our program. After you successfully complete the video orientation and the web quiz, a member of the Center of Bariatric Surgery team will contact you with next steps.
Step One: Watch the orientation
Step Two: Take the quiz
For more information, please call 401‑793-3922.
Experts in Bariatric Surgery: Meet Our Weight Loss Doctors
Our specialists make sure that patients are prepared for surgery, both physically and psychologically, from pre-surgery assessment and education through treatment, follow-up care, and ongoing support to help patients maintain their nutritional health and lifestyle changes for optimal success.
Our team of specialists includes:
- Bariatric surgeons
- Physicians
- Nurse practitioners
- Behavioral therapists
- Nutritionists
- Physical therapists
- Nurses with expertise in weight loss surgery
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How to Choose a Doctor and Hospital for Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery
For some individuals, bariatric surgery may be an option for losing weight and reversing other dangerous conditions associated with obesity. Understanding what bariatric surgery for weight loss involves and choosing a doctor and a hospital can be confusing and overwhelming for patients. But it doesn't have to be.
![Christina Pimentel Puckett, before and after bariatric surgery](/sites/default/files/styles/media_card/public/2024-04/christina-pimental-before-after-642x361.jpg?h=c2327463&itok=nU9gMIdn)
The Butterfly Effect
Bariatric weight loss surgery can result in profound, positive changes across multiple facets of a person’s life – a phenomenon known as the butterfly effect. Several patients have told us their stories about how bariatric surgery helped transform their lives.
The Obesity Medicine Program
The Center for Bariatric Surgery’s obesity medicine program treats obesity as a disease and encourages body positivity and mindfulness. We help patients tailor an obesity management plan that works with their lifestyle.
Adolescent Bariatric Surgery
To learn about adolescent bariatric surgery at Lifespan call 401-228-0555.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bariatric and Weight Loss Surgery
What is bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery is not a cure. It is a tool. Treatments are personalized for you and your needs. The team will help you consider the questions that help you decide whether weight-loss surgery is right for you. Learn more about the requirements for bariatric surgery as well as the different types of procedures.
What surgery is best for weight loss?
One size doesn’t fit everyone, which is why the most important question to ask about metabolic bariatric surgery, commonly known as weight-loss surgery, is which is best for you. Your care team will explore criteria specific to you and your goals so that you can both be confident the best one for you is selected. Other factors that will be considered include effectiveness, safety, recovery time, insurance/costs, and potential risks.
What is the most popular metabolic bariatric surgery?
The two most common metabolic bariatric procedures are Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG).
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is when the stomach is separated into two parts, creating a small pouch in the upper section. The small intestine is then divided into two parts with the lower part then directly attached to the small stomach pouch. The surgeon then reconnects the upper part of the small intestine to a new location farther down the small intestine.
- Vertical sleeve gastrectomy is when a portion of the stomach is removed, leaving only a banana-shaped section that is closed with staples.
Your care team will guide you to the type of surgery that matches your metabolism, lifestyle, weight-loss goals, and other critical factors specific to your health profile.
What is the safest surgery for weight loss?
Any type of surgery has an element of risk dependent on any number of factors. Metabolic bariatric surgery is as safe or safer than some of the most performed surgeries in America including gallbladder surgery, appendectomy and knee replacement. Safety is one factor to consider for metabolic bariatric surgery.
A careful and precise review of an individual’s candidacy for metabolic bariatric surgery is the first step towards determining the right procedure with the lowest risk of complications and the most effective outcomes.
What is the most common complication of metabolic bariatric surgery?
Our body’s metabolism is as different from one another’s as the sounds of our voices. Each procedure comes with its own set of potential risks, side effects, and complications. An assessment by your care team of your condition and weight-loss goals will help determine the procedure with the least risk that is right for you. You can help lower some of the risks and possible side effects by decreasing your Body Mass Index (BMI), increasing your amount of exercise, stopping smoking, and asking your doctor questions.
How long does it take to recover from metabolic bariatric surgery?
Your recovery time will depend on the metabolic bariatric surgery procedure you had and your individual set of circumstances such as pain tolerance, physical condition and emotional and mental well-being. Most patients undergoing metabolic bariatric procedures at our facility usually stay one night in the hospital. Overall, full recovery occurs within 3-4 weeks.
How painful is metabolic bariatric surgery?
“Will it hurt?” is a question we’ve been asking since we were children. As adults, we learn that some pain comes with the good. There is certain level of discomfort or pain with any surgical procedure that varies according to the individual. The majority of planned metabolic bariatric surgery performed at the Center for Bariatric Surgery is minimally invasive, also called laparoscopic, and is conducted with general anesthesia. Our high-quality care includes adherence to evidence-based protocols that will help to reduce and limit the discomfort and/or pain for our patients following their procedure.
Are You a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
Are You a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Location
Center for Bariatric Surgery
The Miriam Hospital Main Building
164 Summit Ave
Providence, RI 02906
(directions)