Surgical weight loss in Manchester, New Hampshire
We help you meet your weight loss goals so you can start living the life you want.
At Catholic Medical Center, we understand that achieving significant weight loss can be daunting, but our expertise, guidance and support can aid your success. We proudly offer minimally invasive procedures, such as gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgery.
Features of our bariatric surgery program
Our approach includes personalized care before, during and after weight loss surgery to optimize your long-term success.
Weight loss services we provide
We are accredited through the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), and have been recognized by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) as a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery through their Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. These recognitions demonstrate our commitment to providing you with the highest quality surgery care for weight loss.
To best support you in your weight loss journey, we believe in offering education on nutrition and exercise principles, along with behavioral tools, to help you develop healthier eating habits. Our comprehensive program includes the following services:
- Behavioral health, education and support
- Body composition analysis
- Exercise assessment and recommendations
- Nutrition counseling
- Support groups
- Weight loss surgery
If you are a candidate for one of our surgical procedures, you gain access to a collaborative team of bariatricians, surgeons, advanced practice providers, registered dieticians and exercise physiologists with decades of experience. Once a treatment path has been established, you and your providers will work together throughout the six-to-eight month preoperative process to prepare you for life after your procedure.
Gastric bypass surgery
Gastric bypass is a surgical procedure that divides your stomach to form a small stomach pouch. The surgeon attaches a section of the small intestine directly to the pouch, allowing food to bypass the portion of your small intestine that absorbs calories and nutrients. A gastric bypass may alter the hormones that mediate your hunger and food cravings, possibly causing you to feel full sooner and eat less food.
Gastric sleeve surgery
A gastric sleeve, or sleeve gastrectomy, entails removing around three-quarters of your stomach. During this procedure, the surgeon will create a sleeve-shaped stomach about the size of a small banana. This may significantly reduce your stomach capacity, while maintaining the nutritional absorptive capabilities of your small intestine.
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB)
LAGB offers an adjustable silicone band that is surgically inserted and placed like a belt around the upper part of the stomach. The band reduces your stomach capacity and restricts the amount of food you’re able to eat at one time. As a result, you may feel full sooner and stay full longer.
Weight loss surgery support groups
We offer monthly support groups to provide guidance and expertise before and after your surgery. These sessions include:
- Behavioral health specialists who focus on behavioral approaches to weight control
- Exercise physiologists who discuss the importance of exercise and demonstrate movement
- Postoperative peers who share their experiences, questions and concerns
- Protein taste-testing sessions where you can sample some of the high-protein supplements needed for recovery
Our preoperative surgical weight loss support group meets on the second Monday of the month from 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Our postoperative surgical weight loss support group meets on the last Wednesday of the month. If you are less than one year removed from surgery, the group meets from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. If you are more than one year removed from surgery, you will meet from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
FAQs
We understand that seeking medical care for unmanageable weight gain can bring about many questions. Our dedicated team is committed to thoroughly answering those questions and keeping you as informed as possible regarding potential courses of treatment.
Am I a candidate to receive weight loss care?
We offer weight loss treatment for anyone with a body mass index (BMI) at or above 25. Your available treatment options depend on your unique condition.
Am I a candidate for a meal replacement plan?
Meal replacement plans can be most beneficial if you have a BMI greater than 30. They may also be right for you if you have a BMI above 27, along with certain weight-related medical issues, such as hypertension, diabetes or sleep apnea.
Am I a candidate for weight loss medication?
If you have a BMI at or above 30, or at or above 27 with certain weight-related medical issues, such as hypertension, diabetes or sleep apnea, you may be a candidate for weight loss medication. If you do not meet these criteria, we offer lifestyle treatment options instead.
Am I a candidate for weight loss surgery?
You may be a candidate for surgical weight loss if you have a BMI over 40, or have a BMI over 35 with certain weight-related medical issues, such as hypertension, diabetes or sleep apnea.
What if I don’t want to have surgery?
There are a variety of options available if you do not wish to have surgery, or do not meet the medical criteria for surgery. You may instead choose to enroll in our comprehensive behavioral health program, complete with nutrition education and exercise instruction. We also can prescribe weight loss medications or set you up with a medically supervised meal replacement program.
Can I receive care if I am new to the area and previously had a bariatric procedure?
Yes, if you are new to our area and have previously had bariatric surgery, you can join our program and benefit from the long-term, follow-up care we offer. Some restrictions do apply, so please contact us to discuss your situation.
I’ve been told that I’m too heavy to undergo surgery. What can I do?
Preoperative weight loss or medical optimization may be required in order for us to safely perform your surgery. We generally do not operate if you weigh over 400 pounds. If you find yourself in this situation, we will work to help you achieve enough preoperative weight loss to have surgery. If we cannot safely perform your surgery and refer you to a larger hospital, we will still provide all of your preoperative and postoperative care.
I already had a bariatric procedure and have regained weight. What are my options?
If you have previously undergone surgery, and either experienced poor weight loss or postoperative weight gain, there are options available to help get you back on track. These may include behavioral treatment and education, weight loss medications or possibly additional surgery.
I had surgery at a hospital outside the area, can I still attend your support groups?
Absolutely. We believe that continued contact with care providers and your peers is essential to maintaining long-term success.
I have an adjustable gastric band, and it isn’t working. Can you help me?
If you have a band and are struggling to maintain weight loss, or have developed other complications, we'll work with you to ensure that your band is properly positioned and functioning. If functional, we help you get the most effect from your band. If the band is no longer working, we can remove the device and discuss surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for weight loss.
Does my insurance cover weight loss services?
Many insurance plans cover medical weight loss services. Check with your provider for specific information.
Changing your life through weight loss