ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Over the years bariatric surgery also known as weight loss surgery has become less invasive, safer, and more common. Those with severe obesity may have a harder time losing weight with diet and exercise alone and may benefit from bariatric surgery.
Cayuga general bariatric surgeon Dr. Brian Bollo tells me the two types of weight loss surgeries available

"Our community has had two bariatric trained surgeons performing the gastric bypass procedure and the gastrectomy sleeve in our community for over twelve years these our the go to procedures for weight loss surgeons across the country."

Dr. Bollo tells me how to know if your a good candidate for weight loss surgery

"Obesity Patients are often trying to lose weight on their own and trying to treat themselves with diet and exercise we know about one percent of patients can actually successfully get down to normal weight with this alone this suggests that all these other patients who are trying and failing would be excellent candidates to have a discussion with their surgeon." 

Dr. Bollo tells me how many pounds you can expect to lose post surgery

"About ninety percent of patients will lose over fifty percent of their excess body weight loss so if we look at a patient whose about five five and weighs two hundred sixty pounds that's almost seventy pounds and that's long term weight loss."

Not only does bariatric surgery treat weigh loss but other diseases as well.

"More than just the epidemic of obesity obesity related diseases of diabetes hypertension joint disease arthritis and acid reflux bariatric surgery have a role bariatric surgery in the treatment of those as well."

For more information on bariatric surgery and to make an appointment click here.