Litchfield, Utah — For some people, diet and lifestyle changes are not enough to lose weight. Bariatric surgery may be an option on your doctor’s advice.
Mckenzi Wyatt, a mother of five in Richfield, says she’s struggled with her weight for years and has tried every possible weight loss program.
“It will work for a little while and then it will just stop,” she said.
Dr. Preston Gilbert of Intermountain Healthcare’s Sevier Valley Hospital recommended bariatric surgery for Wyatt. Surgery requires changes to your digestive system to help you lose weight.
To be successful, patients must make a complete lifestyle change. To support that, they will receive 18 months of post-surgery education and multiple follow-up appointments.
Prior to surgery, patients also undergo a nutritional, psychological, and exercise evaluation.
“TThere’s a stigma out there that if people don’t discipline or lose weight it’s because they need to work harder, but our physiology actually works against it.
Wyatt has lost more than 60 pounds since having surgery in April.
“I am very grateful,” she said. “I got my life back.”
However, this surgery is not for everyone. Gilbert says weight loss surgery may be right for him if he has one or more of the following:
- Body mass index (BMI) greater than 35 and one or more obesity-related conditions
- BMI over 40
- Over 100 pounds to lose
- A medically-controlled weight loss program didn’t help me reach a healthy weight
You may not be eligible if:
- Your obesity is linked to untreated metabolic or endocrine disorders
- Has an untreated history of substance abuse or an untreated history of major psychiatric illness
- have a serious health condition that makes surgery dangerous
- want to get pregnant within 18 months
Gilbert said Lifelong commitment after surgery – patient must continue Take vitamin supplements, follow a strict diet and exercise regularly.
Intermountain has five weight loss surgery centers. They are located at Cassia Regional Hospital in Burleigh, Idaho. His LDS hospital in Salt Lake City. Utah Valley Hospital in Provo. St. George Regional Hospital; Sevier Valley Hospital in Litchfield, Utah;
Click here for more information.
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