Perhaps you have been diagnosed with a weight related medical condition or maybe you want to create some healthier habits. No matter the reason, we are glad you have joined us. The Weight Management page has tips, recipes and information from Mayo Clinic experts to help you create a healthier lifestyle. And if weight loss in one of your goals, you can learn more about options available to support your journey, including lifestyle changes, medication, procedures or surgery.

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Many people consider having bariatric surgery, especially in cases where their weight is causing serious health problems. However, it is a major surgery that changes the digestive system and is not for everyone.

Surgical options

There are many options for surgery depending on your medical issues and desired weight loss. Mayo Clinic offers multiple surgical options:

  • Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
    This surgery decreases the amount you can eat and drink at one time and reduces the amount of nutrients your small intestine absorbs. Gastric bypass involves creating a small pouch from the stomach and connecting the newly created pouch directly to the small intestine. Learn more
  • Sleeve gastrectomy
    A sleeve gastrectomy limits how much you can eat and drink at one time by removing a large part of your stomach permanently. Learn more
  • Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch
    A duodenal switch limits how much you can eat and reduces the nutrients your body absorbs. It is a weight-loss procedure that entails two major steps. The first step is sleeve gastrectomy in which about 80 percent of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller tube-shaped stomach The second step bypasses the majority of the intestine by connecting the end portion of the intestine to the duodenum near the stomach. Learn more

Following surgery

These operations typically require a short hospital stay and have criteria for approval. They are also not a quick fix. Weight loss happens over time, and you must make major changes to your diet, physical activity and other habits. Because weight loss surgery limits the amount of nutrients your body absorbs, you will also need to take certain vitamin and mineral supplements for the rest of your life.

How Mayo Clinic’s Advanced Weight Management Program can help

Mayo Clinic’s Advanced Weight Management Program team can help you explore surgical options and other weight loss strategies. You can learn more about Mayo Clinic’s Advanced Weight Management Program by calling 507-284-1600.