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Surgical Management Program
The MGH Weight Center offers a comprehensive surgical program unlike any offered in New England. We provide a balanced assessment of surgical and non-surgical options, and a multi-disciplinary team to address all of your medical and emotional needs. We also offer organized group and individual pre- and post-operative programs. These programs provide guidance and support for making the eating and lifestyle changes to acheive the best long-term success after weight loss surgery.
Effectiveness of Weight Loss SurgeryAt the present time, weight loss surgery is the most effective means of achieving and maintaining weight loss for the severely obese patient. In 1991, a National Institute of Health Consensus Conference recognized that surgery is the most effective long-term treatment for severe obesity. Gastric bypass surgery for obesity has an 85% success rate at 15 years. This means that 8 out of 10 patients who undergo gastric bypass will lose and keep off over 50% of their excess body weight for over 15 years.
Despite these excellent results, surgical treatment for obesity it is not a step to be taken without careful consideration. This approach to weight loss may not be appropriate for some overweight people. Surgery is most appropriate for those people who are at a significant health risk from their weight or who are already suffering the detrimental health effects of obesity such as high blood pressure, diabetes, vascular disease, sleep apnea or severe arthritis.
Choices in SurgeryWe are happy to discuss the possibility of weight loss surgery with any patient during a consultative visit at the MGH Weight Center. A consultative visit consists of a meeting with each member of our multidisciplinary team, including a medical obesity specialist, a dietitian, and a psychologist. Following this initial meeting, a team leader discusses the team's recommendations with each patient, including whether surgery might be a beneficial treatment option worth further consideration.
In the final stage of the consultative process, patients who are strongly interested in having weight loss surgery will be given an appointment with one of our three surgeons: Dr. Janey Pratt, Dr. Charles Ferguson or Dr. Matt Hutter. During this consultation the surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery, as well as the different surgical approaches. The correct choice of procedure is made based on medical issues and safety for that individual patient.
Surgical Management ProgramLaparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (LGB) Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band Open Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) Vertically Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) Surgical Management Program Comprehensive and close follow-up care after surgery improves long-term outcomes and minimizes complications; therefore, participation in the Weight Center's pre-surgical preparation program and post-surgical support group is mandatory. After the first year, annual or biannual follow-up visits are strongly recommended. Vitamin deficiencies are frequent after weight loss surgery, and all patients must take vitamins for the rest of their lives.
Surgical Support and Education Prorgam Schedule
While most patients do not experience any major complications it is important to recognize and treat them early. Our physicians are available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. In addition to information discussed at consultative visits, we are happy to provide interested patients with a packet of written materials about weight loss surgery, available at the Weight Center.
Weight loss surgery at the MGH Weight Center:
- Balanced, comprehensive consultation to help you consider this option
- A highly effective way to treat severe weight problems
- Multidisciplinary team to support your medical and emotional needs
- Intensive programs to help you prepare for surgery and have a safe and satisfying outcome
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