This icon indicates services provided by Duluth Clinic physicians and staff who work in concert with caregivers at St. Mary's Medical Center to deliver world-class care.

 

Weight loss (bariatric) surgery is a safe, effective, and dignified option for many people who suffer from obesity or related medical problems. It can help you control your appetite, lose pounds, and maintain a healthy body weight for a long and active life.

St. Mary’s Medical Center offers two proven types of weight-loss surgery, performed by bariatric surgeons with the help of dedicated surgical technicians and nurses:

• Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (lap band)
• Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (gastric bypass)

Approximately 90% of these procedures are done using minimally invasive, laparoscopic techniques rather than open surgery. This means shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times for you or your loved one.

Weight loss surgery at St. Mary's is an extension of the SMDC Medical Center-Duluth Clinic Weight Management Program. As part of an integrated health care system with many specialties, we offer a full range of support before and after your surgery.

Our Weight Management Program has helped more than 650 patients achieve their weight loss goals through surgery since the program began in December 2002. We are now one of the busiest lap band centers in Minnesota.

Weight loss surgery is a very personal decision — one that should not be rushed. Our caring professionals will help you to thoroughly and thoughtfully examine your options so that you can determine if this is the right path for you.