Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric Surgery in Middleburg Heights and North Canton, OH
If you’ve spent years struggling to lose weight, you’re not alone. Our bodies are often highly resistant to weight loss, and for many people, diet and exercise alone are not enough to achieve significant, long-term results. Unfortunately, obesity can have devastating effects on overall health. It is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and many other serious conditions.
Bariatric surgery in Middleburg Heights and North Canton, OH, at Best Life Bariatrics and Medical Weight Loss can help you achieve sustainable, healthy weight loss—and take a meaningful step toward transforming your health and wellness.
What Is Bariatric Surgery?
Also known as metabolic or weight loss surgery, bariatric surgery refers to a group of surgical procedures designed to help individuals lose weight. These procedures promote significant, long-term weight loss and are typically recommended for patients with a BMI of 35 or higher, or a BMI of 30 or higher with obesity-related health conditions.
Metabolic surgery works by modifying the digestive system to limit the number of calories your body can consume and absorb. It also helps regulate hunger hormones, reducing appetite and “food noise,” so you can break free from cravings that contribute to unhealthy eating habits.
Types of Bariatric Surgery Offered
- Gastric Sleeve - Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a minimally invasive and highly effective form of bariatric surgery. During this procedure, up to 80% of the stomach is removed, creating a smaller stomach that limits meal size. Gastric sleeve surgery also affects gut hormones that regulate appetite, hunger, fullness, and blood sugar control. As a result, patients experience reduced hunger and significant, long-term weight loss.
- Duodenal Switch - Duodenal switch surgery combines a sleeve gastrectomy with two intestinal connections in the small intestine. This type of metabolic surgery reduces both calorie intake and absorption and may be recommended for patients with specific medical conditions or those seeking more substantial weight loss results.
- Gastric Bypass - Gastric bypass surgery is one of the most commonly performed bariatric procedures. This surgery creates a small stomach pouch that is separated from the rest of the stomach and connected directly to the small intestine. A second connection is made farther downstream. Gastric bypass surgery limits food intake, alters gut hormones, improves blood sugar control, and supports meaningful, long-term weight loss.
- Single Anastomosis Duodenal-Ileal Bypass (SADI) - The single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass (SADI) is a modification of the duodenal switch and combines features of both gastric sleeve surgery and gastric bypass surgery. The procedure begins with a sleeve gastrectomy, followed by a single intestinal connection. Compared to traditional gastric bypass or duodenal switch surgery, SADI offers a streamlined approach while still delivering effective weight loss and metabolic benefits.
Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery offers a wide range of health benefits, most notably the treatment and improvement of many obesity-related conditions, including:
High cholesterol
- Sleep apnea
Kidney disease
- Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
- Cancer risk
- Osteoarthritis
- Heart disease
- High blood sugar
The Bariatric Surgery Process
It’s important to understand that bariatric surgery is not a quick fix, but rather a lifelong commitment to improved health. Weight loss surgery is a powerful tool that helps rewire the body’s metabolism and digestive system, making sustained weight loss possible when combined with proper nutrition, physical activity, and long-term lifestyle changes.
Before surgery, you will meet with our surgeon, Dr. Leslie Pristas, to review your medical history and past weight loss efforts. You will undergo lab work and medical screenings to evaluate your current health and ensure that surgery can be performed safely.
Well before your surgery date, you’ll begin making lifestyle changes as part of our comprehensive pre-operative care structure, which includes personalized dietary guidance, educational resources, and behavior modification strategies. These gradual adjustments help establish healthy habits and set the foundation for long-term success after bariatric surgery.
Why Choose Best Life Bariatrics and Medical Weight Loss Center
At Best Life Bariatrics and Medical Weight Loss Center, we do not take a one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss surgery. We recognize that obesity is complex and requires a personalized treatment plan tailored to your medical history, goals, and lifestyle. Our team is committed to providing compassionate, individualized care to support your long-term health and success.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are ready to take the next step toward better health, schedule a consultation with Best Life Bariatrics and Medical Weight Loss Center to learn if metabolic surgery is right for you.