Health Center at Williston

Bariatric Surgery - Williston

 (802) 847-0733

353 Blair Park Road
Williston, VT 05495-7530

Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Request a Consultation

Request an consultation online with a UVM Medical Group Bariatric Surgeon.

Returning patient? Log in and schedule your appointment through MyChart.

New patient? Click the button below to request a consultation.

Ready to change your life?

Research has shown that Bariatric Surgery (also called Weight Loss Surgery or Obesity Surgery) is the BEST method for permanent weight loss. Studies have shown that a permanent loss of excess weight, can lead to a reduction or even elimination of many serious health problems, including diabetes, hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea.

The University of Vermont Medical Center Bariatric Surgery Program offers a unique team approach to weight loss. Our program focuses on the whole person, through an intensive pre-operative period, and beyond. Our surgeons, dietitians, physician assistant, psychologist, and nurses work with you to insure a successful outcome. Take a look at our video recipe series to familiarize yourself with different eating phases.

If you have tried and failed at weight loss in the past and you are in the "obese" weight range, bariatric surgery may be an option for you. Calculate your BMI (Body Mass Index) to see if you qualify. The UVM Medical Center follows guidelines set by the National Institutes of Health. Your BMI must be above 40 (or above 35 if you have serious health problems due to your weight such as diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea) to qualify for Bariatric Surgery.

Bariatric Surgery Options at The UVM Medical Center

Our bariatric surgery program offers both Primary and Revision surgeries:

Primary Bariatric Surgery

  • Gastric Sleeve or Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, also known as Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, removes a portion of the stomach that produces ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates hunger. The smaller stomach size reduces food intake and decreases calorie consumption.
  • Gastric Bypass Surgery, also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, slows the absorption of food and decreases calorie intake by creating a small stomach pouch and a "bypass" of the small intestine.
  • Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy with Duodenal Switch combines both the sleeve and bypass surgeries to produce the largest amount of weight loss (up to 85% Excess Body Weight) as well as reducing or eliminating diabetes. This surgery provides the most durable weight loss and best protection against weight regain and is especially good for the patient who has a great deal of weight to lose.
  • Gastric Banding or Lap Band® Surgery involves placing a silicone ring around the upper part of the stomach. The balloon inside the ring is inflated to create a small pouch to make the patient feel fuller sooner.

Revision Bariatric Surgery

Sometimes patients require a revision to their original bariatric surgery. Revision surgery options include:

  • Revisions of Gastric Bands to Sleeve, Bypass or Duodenal Switch may be needed if weight loss was inadequate or due to intolerance or complications from the Band. This is done in one or two stages and restores/induces weight loss.
  • Re-stapling of Gastric Sleeve may be necessary if the sleeve has stretched. This further reduces the size of the stomach and thereby restores weight loss.
  • Second Stage Duodenal Switch may occur after a primary Gastric Sleeve surgery that did not produce adequate weight loss. In this revision, the small bowel portion of the surgery is completed.
  • Revisions or reversals of Gastric Bypass or Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) may be needed due to inadequate weight loss, weight regain, or complications such as; severe GERD, marginal ulcers, staple line disruption, recurrent bleeding, perforation or obstruction, or gastro gastric fistula.
MBSAQIP Seal

Learn more about all of The UVM Medical Center's comprehensive surgical services.

Download The UVM Medical Center Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Information Brochure

The UVM Medical Center is accredited through the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MSSAQIP) in a joint effort with the ACS.

 

BCBS

The University of Vermont Medical Center is designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont, an independent licensee of Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

 

 

Important: Am I Eligible for Bariatric Surgery?

 

Thanks for your interest in the Bariatric Surgery Program! Please note that there are number of requirements that affect eligibility for surgery. Those requirements include, but are not limited to:

  • Participants must be at least 18 or older.
  • Participants must have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or higher, or 35 or higher with co-morbidities (Hypertension, Diabetes, Sleep Apnea, etc).
  • Participants with active cancer are not eligible. Participants can become eligible once they are at least 2 years out of cancer treatment.
  • Participants with substance use disorder are not eligible. Participants can become eligible once they are at least 2 years out of treatment.
  • Participants must be at least 30 days tobacco-free before applying for the program.

Request an Appointment

The Division of Bariatric and Weight Loss Surgery at The University of Vermont Medical Center is staffed with surgeons who also teach and conduct research at the University of Vermont. The UVM Medical Center offers a setting that combines education, training and the latest advancements in technology. This allows our providers to educate others and conduct vital research, which fuels better care for our patients.

Learn more about our clinical, research and academic missions below.

Patient Care

How to refer a patient to The UVM Medical Center Bariatric and Weight Loss Surgery Program:

Call (toll free): 888-362-3242

Fax Referral Line: 802-847-2001

Email: ReferralCenteratuvmhealth [dot] org (ReferralCenter[at]uvmhealth[dot]org.) Note: please send encrypted files.

  • For information on the Office of Provider Relations, Provider Access Services and Patient Placement Services, visit Patient Referral Resources.

Education

Fellowship and Residency Programs - The UVM Medical Center offers residency and fellowship programs in over 17 service lines. Bariatric Surgery is a surgical subspecialty in our comprehensive Surgery Residency Program, which prepares residents for careers in general surgery, academic surgery and surgical fellowship training. Visit the Division of General Surgery for more information.
 
Continuing Medical Education (CME) – Our CME program offers a series of medical courses for health care professionals to learn about new and developing areas of their fields. Visit CME.
 
Grand Rounds - Grand Rounds present current medical topics and developments. They are sponsored by individual departments on a regular basis. Search the schedule for upcoming dates and times.

Research

The Division of General Surgery is recognized as a leader in complicated surgery, advanced minimally invasive abdominal surgery and more, offering a variety of care in general surgical problems. Our surgeons are involved in numerous multi-institutional clinical trials. Visit the Division of Surgery for more information or go to the UVM Office of Clinical Trials and Research to receive up-to-date information on the latest clinical trials.

**For all forms and questionnaires - Please print these documents, complete, and mail or fax the forms prior to your appointment.

For Bariatric Surgery Applicants 

Bariatric Surgery Health Questionnaire**

Financial Assistance Program - Information & Documentation Checklist

Insurance 

Insurance Worksheet Guide to Seeking Weight Loss Surgery 

Before Your Appointment - Please Sign & Return 

Bariatric Surgery Introduction Letter - Clinic Copy** 

What to Expect

Bariatric Surgery Introduction Letter - Patient Copy (please keep for your records)

Bariatric Surgery Timeline - Preparing for Your Weight Loss Surgery

General Surgery - Patient Letter - Notice of Medicare Billing Practices

Wasef Abujaish, MD
General Surgery
      	        
	  	  Hima B. Kanuparthi, RD
Hima B. Kanuparthi, RD
Clinical Nutrition
Chad T. Mitchell, MD
Internal Medicine - Hospital Medicine
Internal Medicine - Specialty Care
Nancy T. Silberg, PhD
Clinical Psychology
      	        
	  	  Linda L. Tilton, RD, CDE
Linda L. Tilton, RD, CDE
Clinical Nutrition
Diabetes Education