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Home > Our Services > Weight-Loss Surgery (Bariatrics)

Aspirus Wausau Hospital

  • Bariatrics
  • Who is a Candidate?
  • Benefits of Surgery
  • Life After Surgery
  • Events & Consultations
  • Insurance
  • Video Education
  • Surgery Myths

Weight-Loss Surgery (Bariatrics)


See all services at this location

Aspirus Bariatrics

bariatrics happy womanLosing weight is not just about a smaller number on the scale.  It is about changing your life for the better – becoming the person you want to be.  If you have tried endless diets without success and still need to lose a significant amount of weight, bariatric surgery can be an effective treatment to help you make a change for health and for life.

Are you a candidate for weight loss surgery? Take this easy 5 minute quiz to find out.

 Take Quiz Now

Aspirus Bariatrics offers two types of weight loss surgery to help provide a safe, effective, and often sustainable way to lose weight and improve your health. When you commit to taking the first step to a new life, you will also have a multidisciplinary support team to back you along the way.

If you think you would benefit from weight-loss surgery, talk to us. Find out if you’re a candidate, risks, benefits, and what to expect.

For questions or to schedule a personal appointment call Aspirus Bariatrics at 715.847.0024

Or,  Send us an email.

To find out when there are upcoming bariatric seminars, visit our Programs & Events area.

Podcasts

Bariatric Surgery: Proven Success, Life Changing Results

Aspirus Bariatrics: Support to Help You Achieve Success

Types of Surgery

Weight-loss surgery has proven to be effective at producing significant weight-loss. The Aspirus Bariatrics surgeons perform two well established types of weight loss surgery and will determine which one is best for you.

Click below for more information about the different types of bariatric surgery:

Gastric Bypass

Also called the Roux-en-Y bypass, gastric bypass is the most prevalent bariatric surgery. It reduces food consumption by reducing the size of the stomach, and it limits calorie absorption by redirecting part of the small intestine.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

The surgeon creates a small, sleeve-shaped stomach that is larger than the stomach pouch created during Roux-en-Y bypass. Sleeve is typically considered as a treatment option for patients with a BMI of 60 or higher.

Weight loss surgery is not a “quick fix” for obesity. You must be committed to the diet and exercise guidelines outlined by your support team after surgery. The impact the weight loss might bring to your overall health should be foremost in the decision to undergo the surgery.

To learn more about weight loss surgery call Aspirus Bariatrics at 715-847-2380.

 accredited center

Aspirus Wausau Hospital has been recognized by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) as providing high quality care to our patients with a record of favorable outcomes.

ALOHA Newsletter

  • Download Latest Newsletter (PDF)

Who is a Candidate?

who is a candidate familyWho is a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?

Candidates for weight loss surgery should meet the following criteria:

  • At least 100 pounds overweight or 100 percent above ideal weight
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40, or 35 with severe weight related health problems
  • Severe weight-related health problems such as diabetes, heart disease or joint, muscle and skeletal problems caused by obesity
  • At least 19 years old
  • A history of obesity and documented attempts of non-surgical weight-loss treatments that have failed
  • No history of substance abuse
  • No history of major psychiatric disorders

Patient screening is important and rigorous. Potential patients must complete nutritional, fitness and psychological screenings before undergoing bariatric surgery.


For questions or to schedule a personal appointment call Aspirus Bariatrics at 715.847.0024

Or,  Send us an email.

To find out when there are upcoming bariatric seminars, visit our Programs & Events area.

Benefits of Surgery

girl riding bikeThe impact the weight loss would bring to your overall health should be foremost in your decision to undergo surgery. All weight loss surgeries are considered major surgery and should not be undertaken for cosmetic purposes.

After surgery, most gastric bypass patients lose weight rapidly until 18 to 24 months. Patients might lose 30-to-50 percent of their excess weight in the first six months and 77 percent of excess weight as early as one year after surgery.

Diet and activity level after surgery have an effect on how much weight is lost and the long-term success of the weight loss.

Significant weight loss can improve many obesity related health problems:

  • Type 2 Diabetes: 82 – 98% resolved
  • Hypertension: 69% resolved
  • Depression: 47% reduced
  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea: 74 – 98% resolved
  • GERD (reflux): 72% resolved
  • Quality of Life: 95% improved

Emotional and social changes are often associated with extreme weight loss. Many patients report that their mood, self-confidence and quality of life improve significantly after surgery.

SOURCE: CDC/NCHS, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009–2010.

happy guy in sweaterLife After Surgery

Bariatric surgery requires permanent changes in your eating habits that must be followed for successful weight loss. Your surgeon will determine the diet after gastric bypass surgery that’s most appropriate for you, based on the type of procedure you had performed and your individual health status.

Eating After Surgery

Here are some generally dietary guidelines for a bariatric surgery patient:

  • Eat slowly, chew foods very thoroughly, and take small bites
  • Only drink fluids between meals, rather than with them
  • Drink only decaffeinated beverages that are not carbonated
  • Drink adequate amounts of fluids to prevent dehydration and constipation
  • Choose low fat, high protein foods
  • Do not use high calorie, high sugar, and/or high fat protein supplements or bars
  • Eat a balanced diet
  • Take a multivitamin/mineral supplement with iron along with a calcium supplement daily
  • Avoid alcohol

 

The Role of Exercise in Your Success

Exercise is also essential to achieve and maintain your weight loss. Prior to surgery the focus is to improve overall mobility, flexibility, muscle strength, endurance, and establishing an exercise routine to follow after surgery. After surgery your physical therapy appointments are to help you revise your exercise program as you become more fit.

Ongoing Support

To help you through your weight loss journey, Aspirus Bariatrics provides a monthly support group called ALOHA (A Lifetime of Healthy Achievements). This is an opportunity for socialization, education and sharing ideas with others who have been through the surgery.

The ALOHA support group is open to both people who have already had surgery and to those who are still considering it. Family members and friends are also welcome. Members work together to help each other on the journey that weight loss surgery takes us.

  • Night Time Support Group:
    Third Tuesday of every month
    6:30 – 8 p.m.
    Aspirus Wausau Hospital
  • Day Time Support Group:
    Second Wednesday of every month
    11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
    Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Look for more information on these support groups in our Programs & Events area or contact Margee Romportl, RD, CD, or Kristi Fregia Rucks, PT at 888-764-3233.

ALOHA Newsletter

  • Download Latest Newsletter (PDF)

Events & Private One-On-One Consultations

apple with heartIs Weight Loss Surgery Right For You? Attend one of our many informational seminars to find out how weight loss surgery can change your life.

Seminars

When you attend a no-cost seminar you will have the chance to talk to someone who has already had surgery, get information from a Bariatric surgeon, and learn about the insurance requirements for surgery.

Personal Consultations

We know that your weight loss journey is a personal one. You may not be able to come to one of our monthly information session or might be uncomfortable in a large group. That is why we also offer a personal approach with private sessions, scheduled at your convenience.

If you are interested in a personal one-on-one information session to learn about Bariatric surgery options, call our program coordinator Kristi Fregia-Rucks at 715-847-0024 or email her.

For questions or to schedule a personal appointment call Aspirus Bariatrics at 715.847.0024

Or,  Send us an email.

To find out when there are upcoming bariatric seminars, visit our Programs & Events area.

Financial & Insurance Info

taking notesWe will assist you in meeting insurance company requirements, but first, call your insurance company to find out if bariatric surgery is a covered benefit. If yes, we will next provide them with documentation that your surgery is medically necessary due to health issues related to obesity. You may also be asked to provide evidence of your attempts at non-surgical weight loss.

Here are some steps to obtaining insurance coverage:

  • Read the “certificate of coverage” that your insurance company is required to give you.
  • You might be required to obtain a referral from your primary care physician.
  • Bring your organized medical records, including your history of dieting attempts, to the first visit with your bariatric surgeon
  • Document all visits to a health care professional for obesity related issues, and visits you make to supervised weight loss programs, diet centers and fitness clubs. Keep good records, including receipts.
  • If your surgeon recommends weight loss surgery, we will contact your insurance company for pre-authorization.

If you have an insurance policy that specifically says it excludes payment for bariatric surgery, there are other options. Many patients choose to pay for the operation themselves. We can help you explore payment options.

Watch These Videos to Learn About Bariatric Surgery

video education girlThe decision to have Bariatric surgery comes with a lot of questions. Our team of specialists includes many experts to help you feel comfortable about your decision as you move forward. These videos will help answer some basics concerns that most people considering surgery have.

Watch these videos and then schedule your own personal appointment with Aspirus Bariatrics at 715.847.0024 or,  Send us an email.

 

Is Bariatric Surgery Right For Me?

Steven T Weiland MD - Bariatric Surgeon

Weight Loss and Health Improvements

Christopher A Reising MD - Bariatric Surgeon

What Types of Bariatric Surgery Does Aspirus Offer?

Robert T Brebrick MD - Bariatric Surgeon

 

Insurance Questions and Help

Theresa Napiwocki - Insurance Specialist

Physical Therapy Helps Get You Moving

Kristi Fregia Rucks, P.T. - Aspirus Bariatrics Program Coordinator

Dietitians Prepare You for Surgery

Kay Bush, R.D., C.D.

Why Do I Have to See the Dietitian After Surgery?

Margee Romportl – Registered Dietitian

Support Group - An Important Part of Success

Kristi Fregia Rucks, P.T. - Aspirus Bariatrics Program Coordinator

 

 

 

 

Rumors and the Questions You Are Afraid to Ask

surgery myths womanJust admit it. You know you have questions about Bariatric surgery that you are probably afraid or embarrassed to ask. So, we have gone ahead and answered them for you! The videos below address some common concerns and misconceptions about what happens before and after you have surgery. In most cases, the reality is not as bad as the rumors.

Watch these videos. If you have more questions, please call Aspirus Bariatrics at 715.847.0024 or,  Send us an email.

You should not get pregnant after Bariatric surgery

Steven T Weiland MD - Bariatric Surgeon

 

Bariatric Surgery Is Just An Easy Way Out

Robert T Brebrick MD - Bariatric Surgeon

 

Bariatric Surgery is Risky

Robert T Brebrick MD - Bariatric Surgeon

 

Food choices are limited after surgery

Kay Bush, R.D., C.D.

 

You Can Never Have Soda Again

Margee Romportl – Registered Dietitian

 

You have to exercise A LOT after surgery

Kristi Fregia Rucks, P.T. - Aspirus Bariatrics Program Coordinator

 

 

 

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