Bariatric Surgery Offers a Reset Button, Not a Cure for Obesity

Whether it’s a New Year’s resolution, a medical need or just the desire to live a healthier lifestyle, losing weight is a common goal for many. For some, though, a healthy diet and routine exercise on their own cannot get them to their weight loss goals.

“It has been inappropriate for us to look at people who are morbidly obese and say eat less, move more and you’ll do fine,” said Dr. John Webb, director of the bariatric program at CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs. “It is a disease when it becomes that severe. It’s a problem. It’s altered physiology. Your body is not working right.”

The bariatric program at CHI St. Vincent is more than just a surgery to lose excess weight. Following a vertical sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass surgery to restrict the amount of food a person can eat, the comprehensive process also includes dietary instruction and education to teach patients what to eat and how much to eat.


“This operation is not the cure,” Dr. Webb said. “This operation is the reset button. We can get you thin, but it takes a lot of help to stay that way and that’s what our program is all about.”

The first step towards being healthier and happier begins with learning more about weight loss surgery and if it’s right for you. If you are ready to take your next step towards living your life to the fullest, Dr. Webb and the team of bariatric and metabolic specialists at CHI St. Vincent are here to help. To learn more and read about our patients’ experience with their weight loss journey, visit: chistvincent.com/bariatrics