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Bariatric Surgery

Weight-Loss Surgery

If you’re struggling to lose weight with diet and exercise changes, you’re not alone. Obesity is a complex disease that often requires treatment beyond lifestyle modifications. Bariatric surgery can help you lose weight and significantly improve your health and well-being. Our experienced bariatric surgeons have helped more than 3,000 people transform their lives. You could be next.

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Take the first step toward bariatric surgery

Maybe you’re just starting to consider bariatric surgery for weight loss, improved energy and self-esteem. Or maybe you’ve been thinking about the health benefits of bariatric surgery for years. No matter how long weight-loss surgery has been on your mind or why, we make it easy for you to learn more about your options at Gundersen. Get started by watching our free informational Weight-Loss Surgery Seminar.

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I'm happy, healthy, and living my life. I was definitely not living my life before.
Read about Larissa's journey
CHOICES

Weight-loss procedure options

Based on your weight-loss needs and goals, you have options at Gundersen. Gastric bypass and gastric sleeve are today’s safest and most effective surgeries for weight loss, and we also offer non-surgical procedures. 

Minimally invasive gastric bypass surgery (laparoscopic Roux en Y)

During a Roux en Y gastric bypass, a surgeon creates an egg-sized pouch from the upper part of your stomach. The pouch is then connected to your small intestine, bypassing your stomach. Doing so can improve reflux, diabetes and other health conditions.

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Gastric sleeve surgery (vertical sleeve gastrectomy or VSG)

During gastric sleeve surgery, a surgeon makes your stomach smaller to limit how much you can eat before you feel full. Your stomach is about the size and shape of a banana after the procedure. Unlike with gastric bypass surgery, the rest of your digestive tract remains unchanged.

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Orbera® intragastric balloon (non-surgical)

With Orbera®, a silicone balloon is inserted with a scope into your stomach. The balloon is then filled with saline until it’s about the size of a grapefruit. After six months, the balloon is removed. The process reinforces portion control.

Adjustable gastric banding maintenance, removal and conversion

We do not place gastric bands or perform lap band surgery at Gundersen, but we'll help you manage your adjustable gastric band if you have one. This includes converting it to a different surgical option if necessary.

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Qualifications

Is bariatric surgery right for you?

To qualify for weight-loss surgery, you must:

  • Have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or greater or
  • Have a BMI between 30 and 35 with obesity-related medical problems
  • Have a history of obesity and tried to lose weight in the past
  • Be between 20 and 65 years old (case-by-case basis for patients older than 65 or younger than 20)
  • Not smoke or abuse drugs or alcohol
  • Commit to long-term follow-up care and lifestyle changes

Experts by your side

MBSAQIP accreditation seal for bariatric surgery.

Why choose Gundersen for your bariatric surgery?

We’re committed to helping you create lasting change in your life. Our experienced bariatric surgeons take the time to answer all your questions, find the best weight-loss treatment option for you and support you every step of your journey.

Safe, high-quality care

Weight-Loss Surgery at Gundersen has been accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) since 2007. This recognition means we're always working to offer the safest, highest-quality care possible.

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Want a second opinion?

Maybe you want options. Maybe you’ve been told a certain weight-loss surgery isn’t for you. Maybe you just want peace of mind. There’s no wrong reason for seeking a second opinion, and our experts are here to help.

Call us at (608) 775-0055

Bariatric support group

Weight-loss surgery is a life-changing event. Stay connected with the bariatric team and fellow bariatric surgery patients who have gone through similar challenges and victories. Register for our free monthly support group meetings.

Register today
My health is unbelievably better. Surgery was the answer for me.
Gundersen bariatric surgery patient Maggie Traastad.
Read about Maggie’s journey
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What to expect

Getting started

Preparing for bariatric surgery often takes six or more months. We’ll be with you every step of the way. Here's what to expect:

Education: Our free online Weight-Loss Surgery Seminar is the first step toward surgery. You'll also attend nutrition classes and other educational opportunities. 

Evaluations: Medical, psychological and other evaluations will be done to make sure surgery is the best option for you. If it's not, we'll discuss other treatments.

Payment options & insurance: If your insurance covers weight-loss surgery, you’ll need to meet your carrier’s requirements. We’ll help you navigate this process and submit to your insurer. If you don’t have insurance or you choose to pay out of pocket, we offer competitive prices. Please contact us for more information.

Scheduling surgery: After you meet all program requirements and get the green light to proceed from your insurance company, your surgery and all pre-operative appointments will be scheduled.

Long-term follow-up: Choosing weight-loss surgery means choosing lifelong follow-up care. This means regular visits in the first year and annual visits for life with our weight-loss doctors. We also offer a monthly bariatric support group to help you after surgery.

We're here to help

Patient education & videos

Bariatric surgery is a big decision, but we're here every step of the way. Find educational handouts and videos, recommended by your trusted Gundersen Bariatric Surgeons.

See Bariatric surgery education

Interested in weight-loss surgery? Let's get started.

Related services

Weight Management

Looking for treatments that don't involve surgery? See our other weight loss and obesity medicine options.

Get started

Nutrition Counseling

It can be confusing to know how to fuel your body. Get help from our registered dietitians.

Learn more

Health & Wellness

Ideas for staying active? Mental health tips? Healthy recipes? Support your weight-loss journey with our online Health & Wellness library.

Explore topics
How to connect

Schedule an appointment

Call (608) 775-0055

Watch our free Weight-loss Surgery Seminar
Who we are

Gundersen nurse knows first-hand the benefits of bariatric surgery

January 03, 2024

As a bariatric surgery nurse at Gundersen Health System, Abbey Roberts knows the patients she cares for have made a life-altering decision. She knows each person does it for very
Top 5 weight loss treatments.

Top 5 weight loss treatments: Surgery, medications & more

Learn about Gundersen's most effective medical weight-loss treatments including bariatric surgery, prescription weight-loss medications, nutrition counseling and more.
Bariatric surgery - what you need to know.

Everything you need to know about bariatric surgery—and more!

What is bariatric surgery and is it an option for me? The bariatric surgeons at Gundersen Health System can help answer those questions and more.
Grateful patient

Minnesota woman working with ‘the right tools’ after bariatric surgery

July 18, 2023

A sleeve gastrectomy is one of the most common forms of bariatric surgery. It reduces the size of the stomach to the size of a banana. The surgery is safe

1900 South Ave.
La Crosse, WI 54601

(608) 782-7300

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