Avera McKennan Bariatric Institute - Weight Loss Surgery
If you have made the decision to have weight loss surgery, or if you are simply looking for information on the health benefits surgery can offer, you have come to the right place. Avera McKennan staff and facilities are equipped to provide high quality care to our bariatric patients. Avera McKennan is designated as a Center of Excellence from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
The bariatric program at Avera McKennan includes many different team members: physicians, nurses, dieticians, pharmacists, physical therapists/exercise professionals, psychologists, and the bariatric coordinator. All of these team members work together to assist patients in long-term weight loss success.
Are You a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?
Patient Selection is conducted on an individual basis following guidelines established by ASMBS, National Institutes of Health and The Society of American GI Endoscopic Surgeons. Those guidelines include:
- BMI of 40 or greater or 100 pounds or more above ideal body weight or BMI of 35 or greater with co-morbidities such as Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Sleep Apnea or other conditions related to obesity. Measure your BMI »
- Failed previous attempts to achieve lasting weight loss.
- Understanding and a willingness to make permanent lifestyle and behavior changes pre- and post-operatively.
We also look for patients that have a willingness to commit to long-term follow up. Studies show that patients who continuously follow up with their surgeons have a greater percentage of weight loss and a lower rate of complications.
