Bariatric surgery simply means weight loss surgery. It involves removing or sectioning off part of the stomach to make it smaller, meaning that a person cannot eat more than a small portion in a given meal. This is something we call restriction. Some bariatric surgical options also bypass a portion of the intestines to decrease the amount of calories absorbed. We call this malabsorption. The best and most lasting weight loss is often achieved through a combination of restriction and malabsorption.
Is Bariatric Surgery Right For Me?
Do you feel trapped? Have you worked hard to lose weight? Have you tried diet after diet resulting in temporary weight loss, only to regain your weight a short time later? For many this experience is very frustrating and can leave them feeling defeated.
However, there is hope. Even if lifestyle modification and medical therapy have failed you, you are not a failure. The body is naturally designed to maintain its current weight, meaning that losing significant weight and keeping it off can be difficult. Weight loss surgery is a highly effective weight loss tool that can level your playing field and give you the same opportunity to lose weight as anyone else.
This kind of surgery is not for everyone. But if you have struggled with obesity, it can be a powerful tool to help you lose weight, keep it off, and regain your quality of life.
Is bariatric surgery right for you?
Take our 60 second assessment to discover the best treatment plan for you.
Procedures Types of bariatric surgery
Various types of weight loss surgery are available. The best type of bariatric surgery for you will depend on your individual medical history and desired weight loss goals. The three most common types of weight loss surgery selected by our patients are the robotic sleeve gastrectomy, the robotic gastric bypass, and the loop duodenal switch. Dr. Long is a national innovator in safe weight loss surgery, and will work with you to discover the best weight loss surgery to fit your specific needs. If you also have a hiatal hernia, this may need to be repaired at the time of surgery. Dr. Long is also an expert at definitive hiatal hernia repair.
Is bariatric surgery risky?
Ten or twenty years ago, weight loss surgical techniques did come with a higher risk. However, today complications are so rare that your chances of dying or suffering a major complication from bariatric surgery are no higher than your risk from even the most minor surgical operations, such as gallbladder removal*. With a skilled surgeon, bariatric surgery is safe and exceptionally low-risk. You can learn more about bariatric surgery complications, and how the BMCC minimizes risk, here.
In fact, surgery is much less risky than remaining severely overweight, because of the health dangers associated with obesity. In just the first 5 years after bariatric surgery, the risk of dying an early death decreases by 89% due to a transformation in overall health*. Many, if not all, obesity-related health problems such as diabetes can be resolved with bariatric surgery and weight loss*. Far from being risky, surgery can significantly reduce the health-related dangers that many patients face.
Types of bariatric surgery Learn more about weight loss surgery
We operate out of Lone Tree, and offer bariatric surgery to patients in the Denver area. Many patients also come to us from throughout Colorado or other states.
Meet your Bariatric Physician Dr. Joshua Long
MD, MBA, FACS, FASMBS
A nationally renowned and double-board-certified Denver bariatric surgeon, Dr. Long uses a partnership care model with each patient to tailor care to their individual needs. Patients routinely thank Dr. Long for his warm, compassionate bedside manner. He’s considered to be at the top of his field, having performed well over 2,000 surgeries in all places consistently throughout the site.
Testimonials What our patients say
Kari Romriell
I love to work out and go for walks and ride bikes. I went on a 10 mile backpacking trip and felt great.
Georgette Camacho
The best decision I have ever made was to have this surgery. Not only did I improve my health, I have my life back again with my family.
Keri and Chris Sexton
We cannot imagine another Doctor or Practice with whom this process could have been so wonderfully orchestrated…. Dr. Long and his staff are the kindest, most loving, and supportive group of individuals we have ever could have met. Each person has contributed to our success, each and every one.
Rochelle Goforth
I couldn’t imagine a better experience anywhere else and hope that other people get to experience the amazing and life changing journey with the staff at BMCC. I feel like we are all one big family and will stay that way for a very long time. It’s inspiring to be able to work with a doctor that is passionate about what he does and actually treats you as a person whose life and quality of life matters and not just a patient on his schedule.