Bariatric surgery treats obesity by restarting your physiology. It is a procedure that changes the size of your stomach to assist with weight loss. A smaller stomach leads to altered gut hormones, decreases appetite, less food intake, and boosts metabolism. The overall result is up to 80% of weight loss, long term weight management, increased activity, and resolution to health conditions like type two diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, hyperlipidemia, and arthritis.
Why choose bariatric surgery
"Bariatric surgery isn't just about losing weight — it's about recovering your health," says Marco Vinicio Medina-Zea, MD, FACS, FASMBS, General Surgeon and Director of ARC Bariatric Surgery. "For many patients, it can dramatically improve or even resolve chronic conditions and help them reclaim energy, mobility, and quality of life."
Health benefits of bariatric surgery may include:
Improvement or even resolution of some health conditions
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular health
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Joint pain and osteoarthritis
- Fatty liver disease
- Fertility
- Hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
- Gout
- Asthma
- Depression
- And more
Better quality of life and longevity
- Increased lifespan
- Improved mobility and energy
- Better mental health
- Reduced medication used to treat health problems
Increased weight loss and maintenance
- Bariatric surgery helps most patients achieve substantial excess weight loss — often 65-82% or more — with many maintaining meaningful long-term results when paired with healthy lifestyle changes.
- Bariatric surgery doesn't just restrict food intake or absorption — it changes gut hormones that regulate hunger and fullness.
"The most meaningful changes after bariatric surgery aren't just on the scale — they're in how patients feel, move, and live every day," says Dr. Medina.
Bariatric surgery may be right for you if:
- You have a body mass index (BMI) above 27.5.
- You are 18 or older.
- You are ready to make a permanent lifestyle change.
Bottom line: Bariatric surgery isn't a "quick fix" — it's a tool that works best for people ready to pair it with long-term lifestyle changes.
"Bariatric surgery can open the door to better health, but the real success comes from the journey patients take afterward," says Dr. Medina. "With the right support, commitment, and care, many people not only lose weight — they gain energy, confidence, and a healthier future."
About Dr. Medina
Dr. Medina is a board-certified general surgeon who is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and a Fellow of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (FASMBS). Dr. Medina has completed over 1,000 robot assisted laparoscopic surgeries. He sees patients at two ARC locations:
Start your journey today
If you are interested in learning more or pursuing bariatric surgery, visit our website or call 512-421-4408.