Choosing what is best for you
Choosing weight loss (bariatric) surgery requires careful consideration. While image is often improved, weight loss surgery is a major surgery, not a cosmetic procedure. Our goal is to help patients improve their quality of daily living and live a healthier life with improved confidence and an enhanced sense of self-esteem.
Patients will have an initial consultation with a bariatric surgeon and a registered dietitian. Following the initial consultation, patients will be scheduled for six 90-minute, monthly shared medical appointments. The majority of insurance providers require a minimum of six monthly visits, a psychological evaluation with a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist, and a letter of medical support from your primary care provider. Depending on your medical history and insurance provider, there may be additional requirements you must meet prior to surgery. All of this information will be shared with you during that initial visit.
Leaders the way in minimally invasive weight loss surgery
Our team is led by experienced bariatric surgeon, Seth Miller, MD, who is specially trained in minimally invasive surgery using the da Vinci® robotic surgical system. Since 2018, surgeons at the Lakeland Weight Loss Center have performed more robotic-assisted weight loss procedures than any other health system in West Michigan and Northern Indiana with 100% of cases in 2020 and 2021 performed robotically.
The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery estimates about 24 million people have severe obesity. Yet only around 200,000 weight loss surgeries are performed each year. This is because surgery is often seen as a last resort. But here at the Spectrum Health Lakeland Weight Loss Center we are proud to lead the way in gentle, minimally invasive approaches with the goal of giving patients their quality of life back.
When compared to traditional surgical procedures, da Vinci robotic surgery may offer a number of benefits including:
- Faster recovery
- Fewer complications
- Less pain
- Minimal scarring
- Reduced blood loss and need for blood transfusions
- Reduced risk of infection
- Shorter hospital stays
- Smaller incisions