How Bariatric Surgery Works

All bariatric procedures shrink your stomach, so you feel full after eating less food. As you begin to eat less, you lose weight.

Least Invasive Approach

You’ll recover sooner, experience less scarring and have a lower risk of unexpected problems or complications because AnMed surgeons make the smallest possible incisions. Often, they use a surgical robot whose hands can bend and rotate further and move more precisely than human hands. You can feel confident in the experience of our surgeons because we’ve been using the robot for minimally invasive bariatric surgery longer than any other area hospital. 

Ask what approach your surgeon plans to use for your procedure, so you know what to expect.

Accredited, Excellent Care

AnMed Medical Center in Anderson is accredited as a comprehensive bariatric center by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program. Additionally, it's recognized by the American College of Surgeons as a Surgical Quality Partner. That means you benefit from:

  • Experienced, highly qualified surgeons
  • Multidisciplinary team, including a registered dietitian, mental health care providers and nurses, who all ensure you get well-rounded care
  • Imaging and surgical tools specially designed for your needs
  • Strict standards of care to keep you safe

Attend a Weight-Loss Seminar

Meet the AnMed team and learn more about our bariatric surgery program.

Am I a Candidate for Weight-Loss Surgery?

Young Woman bariatric consultation anderson sc

Ask the bariatric team at AnMed to help you take the first step: deciding whether weight-loss surgery is right for you, as you consider options like bariatric procedures, weight management medications, and other options. Attend a free seminar to explore the health benefits of surgery, review your surgical options and learn about the long-term lifestyle changes you’ll need to make. You can also drop into bariatric surgery support groups to hear stories and ask questions of your neighbors in upstate South Carolina and northeast Georgia.

Advanced Surgical Options

Expect personalized guidance to choose the right bariatric procedure for your needs and preferences. No matter what type of surgery you select, your surgeon will perform the procedure in the least invasive way possible. This approach helps keep you safe, reduce scarring and make your recovery quicker and easier. 

  • Duodenal Switch Weight Loss Surgery: A highly effective procedure combining sleeve gastrectomy with intestinal bypass to maximize weight loss.
  • Gastric Band Surgery: A minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses an adjustable band to reduce stomach capacity.
  • Gastric Bypass Surgery: A well-established weight loss surgery that reroutes the digestive system to limit food intake and absorption.

Guidance Every Step of the Way

Learn everything you need to know before, during and after surgery. Our patient navigator will guide you and a loved one throughout AnMed’s comprehensive preparation process and long-term follow-up care. You’ll feel empowered and encouraged as you work toward the new, healthier you.

Alternatives to Surgery

If bariatric surgery isn’t right for you, ask your doctor about:

Your Care Team

When you partner with AnMed’s compassionate team for bariatric surgery, you get care from experts who commit to your long-term success.

Look forward to working with:

  • General surgeons who hold board certification from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
  • Patient navigator, a nurse certified by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, who answers questions and guides you through your journey
  • Bariatric dietitian who’s passionate about helping you meet your weight-loss goals through healthy eating 
  • Mental health care providers who help you navigate the emotions of life-changing surgery 

Preparing for Surgery

Look forward to a high level of support before any weight-loss procedure at AnMed.

Types of Procedures

Talk to your bariatric surgeon at AnMed for help choosing the right type of surgery for your goals and overall health. Your surgeon has the skills and experience to help you achieve your best outcome after any weight-loss procedure.

  • Gastric Bypass Surgery

    The most common and successful type of weight-loss surgery—gastric bypass – works by dividing your stomach to create an egg-sized pouch. It holds just an ounce of food instead of the three ounces the full stomach holds. Everything you eat goes only into this pouch, bypassing the larger part of the stomach below.

    Next, the surgeon divides your small intestine and connects it to the smaller pouch. This allows food to bypass some of the small bowels, meaning your body absorbs fewer calories.

    This procedure can also reduce symptoms of diabetes and acid reflux—even before you start losing weight.  

  • Sleeve Gastrectomy

    Gastric sleeve surgery removes about 80 percent of your stomach, including the part that releases a hunger-causing hormone. That means after surgery:

    • You may not feel like eating as often as you used to
    • Your blood sugar levels may improve

    Unlike gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy doesn’t affect your intestines, so you’ll still absorb the same level of nutrients you did before.

  • Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch

    Duodenal switch surgery starts with a sleeve gastrectomy, but also bypasses some of your small intestines, like gastric bypass. However, it bypasses much more—about 75 percent of the small bowels. This approach:

    • Greatly reduces the calories and nutrients you absorb
    • Decreases hunger
    • Increases your sense of fullness
    • Improves blood sugar control more than other types of bariatric surgery

    If you have type 2 diabetes, duodenal switch surgery may be your best option

  • Gastric Banding

    Gastric Banding, or Lap-Band® surgery, places a silicone band around your stomach to limit how much you can eat. Your surgeon will also put a small port under your skin to inject a fluid that adjusts the band size. You’ll likely need to visit your surgeon’s office regularly after surgery to tighten or loosen the band to meet your weight goals.

  • Revisional Bariatric Surgery

    If you’ve had bariatric surgery but weren’t satisfied with the results, ask an AnMed doctor about your options for a different procedure. Revisional surgery may benefit you if:

    • You regained a lot of weight or lost less weight than you hoped, despite following the instructions for life after surgery
    • Your quality of life decreased due to side effects such as acid reflux, diarrhea or stomach ulcers
    • Your stomach expanded, so you feel hungrier and eat more often
    • Your gastric band slipped out of place or wore down

    Your surgeon may be able to reverse your previous procedure or remove a gastric band, and then perform a different type of bariatric surgery to help you get better results.