For patients who would like a supportive approach to medical weight loss, our expert team at Meritus Bariatric Surgical Specialists is ready to listen. Our surgeons, nutritionists and support staff will walk you through every step —making sure you are prepared for the surgery itself and the lifestyle changes needed to help manage your weight after surgery. Bariatric surgery can aid in managing other obesity related health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea.
Our program is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program or MBSAQIP®.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start my bariatric surgical journey?
Start your journey by completing the following:
- Review this information session.
- Fill out this contact form or contact our office at 301-714-4044.
- Print and complete this patient questionnaire or contact the office to have the form sent to you via MyChart or email.
What types of bariatric surgery do you perform?
There are two types of primary bariatric surgical procedures that are performed at Meritus Medical Center, Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y) and the Sleeve Gastrectomy. Both procedures are performed using minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopic surgery) and robotic technology.
You will know which procedure is the most beneficial for you when you meet with your surgeon.
For more information on types of procedures, please click on this link.
What are the benefits of bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery can help you increase your quality of life and provide you with an effective tool for long term weight loss. It can improve or resolve co-morbid conditions and improve the longevity of your life.
For more information, please click on this link.
Is there a support group?
Our program includes a bariatric support group. Meetings are open to those who have had bariatric weight loss surgery and those who are just interested (including support persons) in more information. If you'd like to learn more about this surgery, consider attending a meeting.
Meetings are led by our registered dietitian and feature topics such as nutrition, healthy behaviors, exercise, skin removal surgery and may include a special guest speaker. In addition, one of the program's bariatric surgeons will periodically attend meetings to answer questions and discuss surgery.
Support group meets every third Tuesday each month from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. in Robinwood Professional Center, Suite 122A.
Am I a candidate for bariatric surgery?
If you meet any of the criteria below, you could be a candidate for bariatric surgery.
- Do you have a BMI ≥ 40 or at least 100 pounds to lose?
- Do you have a BMI ≥ 35 with at least one of the following serious health conditions?
- Diabetes
- Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure
- Sleep Apnea
- Heart Disease
- Have you struggled losing weight with diet and exercise?
- Do you need to find your body mass index (BMI)?