Bariatric Surgery

Capabilities

Weight loss is hard, and even harder to accomplish alone. Wilmington Surgical Associates is fortunate to offer the specialty expertise of Dr. Jim Harris for Bariatric surgery. Dr. Harris is a skilled, in-demand Bariatric surgeon with over 20 years of experience performing weight loss procedures yielding superior results.

Weight loss surgery can be a highly successful and rewarding treatment for obesity and its associated health problems. It has been shown to help resolve or improve type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea, acid reflux and much more.

SURGICAL PROCEDURES:

• Gastric Bypass
• Gastric Sleeve
• Gastric Banding

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy are the most common weight loss procedures performed. Dr. Harris uses state-of-the-art minimally invasive/laparoscopic techniques for all procedures, making weight loss surgery very safe. To reduce surgical impact, he uses several small incisions instead of one large incision.

The chance of long-term success is greatly affected by your preparation, your knowledge of the different weight loss surgeries and the realization that surgery is only one part to the total treatment of obesity. Dr. Harris and his team will educate you about each type of weight loss surgery, help determine the right path for you, and guide you through the entire process. This multidisciplinary approach will include:

• Meeting and assessment by the Bariatric team, pre and post surgery
• Stepped plan including tasks to be completed prior to surgery
• Registered Dietician to educate you on all aspects of your pre and post-operative diets
• Licensed Psychologist to evaluate and assist you before and after surgery
• Bariatric support group with speakers and patient testimonials

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY?

• Your BMI is >= 40 or more than 100 pounds overweight
• Your BMI is >= 35 with an obesity related condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, heart disease, osteoarthritis, etc.
• Age greater than 18; case by case after age 65
• Non-smoker
• You have attempted weight loss by non-surgical methods
• Commitment to diet, lifestyle changes and long-term follow-up

NOTE: Most insurance plans do cover Bariatric Surgery for candidates.