Obesity is a serious health issue that affects millions of people in the United States, increasing the risk of conditions such as sleep apnea, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. It can also shorten lifespan and affect quality of life.
According to the CDC, about 42% of adults and 19% of children and teens in the U.S. live with obesity. While lifestyle choices like nutrition and activity matter, research shows that genetics, hormones and environment also play key roles in how our bodies regulate weight.
That’s why long-term weight management often requires more than “eating less and exercising more.” At Banner Health, we offer a range of options - including bariatric (weight loss) surgery - to help patients achieve lasting health improvements with expert support every step of the way.
Weight loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery, helps people with obesity lose weight and improve overall health when diet, exercise and medication have not been successful.
Bariatric surgery works by changing how your stomach and digestive system function. It also affects gut hormones that control hunger and metabolism - helping you feel full sooner, burn calories more efficiently and maintain weight loss long-term.
Research shows that bariatric surgery can help people lose 20–40% of total body weight and may:
Once you and your bariatric surgeon determine that surgery is the right choice, you’ll discuss which procedure best fits your goals, lifestyle and health needs.
This minimally invasive procedure removes part of the stomach to create a smaller “sleeve.” It limits food intake and reduces hunger hormones.
It’s currently the most common weight loss surgery in the U.S. and typically offers shorter recovery times and fewer complications than older procedures.
This surgery creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes part of the small intestine, helping you eat less and absorb fewer calories.
Gastric bypass also affects gut hormones that control appetite, making it one of the most effective options for sustained weight loss and improved blood sugar control.
The duodenal switch combines sleeve gastrectomy and intestinal bypass techniques to reduce food absorption and change how your body processes calories.
Because it’s a complex procedure, it’s typically reserved for people with severe obesity (BMI ≥50) or obesity with serious health conditions like type 2 diabetes.
This surgery is available at Banner – University Medical Center locations.
Lap-Band surgery uses an adjustable band to restrict food intake. While it was once popular, it’s no longer recommended due to lower long-term success rates.
Banner Health does not perform new Lap-Band procedures, but our surgeons can perform revisional surgeries to convert a Lap-Band to a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass.
For some patients, combining or revising bariatric procedures provides the best results. Revisional bariatric surgery can correct, adjust or improve prior weight loss surgeries to help patients continue progressing toward their goals.
In select cases, adolescents with severe obesity may be candidates for bariatric surgery. Early intervention can improve long-term health outcomes.
Our multidisciplinary team - including pediatric specialists, dietitians and behavioral health experts - works closely with families to determine if surgery is appropriate.
At Banner Health, weight loss surgery is only one part of a lifelong journey toward better health. Our bariatric specialists take a multidisciplinary approach to obesity care, combining surgical expertise with ongoing education, nutrition counseling and emotional support.
Your care team may include:
We’re here to help you before, during and long after your procedure—so you can achieve and maintain lasting weight loss success.
Weight loss surgery can transform your life and health.
Find out if you’re a candidate for bariatric surgery and explore your options at Banner Health’s accredited bariatric surgery centers.
Watch our free informational video to learn about the different weight loss surgery options we offer as well as eligibility requirements and what you can expect as a patient in the program.
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