Overview

Akron General Medical Center established its bariatric program in response to the obesity crisis facing this nation, and our community. There are numerous causes of obesity. And when diet and exercise programs are ineffective – bariatric surgery may be the best option for a healthier and happier life. Click on one of the links above for additional information.

We are one of the few hospitals in Ohio that offers minimally invasive (laparoscopic) gastric bypass. This approach is just as effective as open gastric bypass, but has a lower rate of wound and pulmonary complications. In addition, patients have less pain, a shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery. Akron General Medical Center also offers the latest bariatric procedure available – the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System.

We do not have a weight limit for minimally invasive surgery. While many centers claim to offer minimally invasive bariatric surgery, they have a weight limit of 250 pounds for minimally invasive bariatric surgery. While it’s true that heavier patients are at higher risk for surgical complications, that’s the case for any procedure. We have successfully performed minimally invasive surgery on patients well over 450 pounds.

Our patients not only lose weight, but they keep the weight off over time. After 24 months, the average weight loss of each of our gastric bypass patients is more than 100 pounds. To help our surgical patients focus on keeping the weight off, we offer nutritional education and a free 1-month exercise membership to Akron General LifeStyles.

We have a dedicated monthly support group. To us, the patients in our program are some of the most courageous people around. And no one can provide a better perspective on how bariatric surgery has changed their lives. These support groups and information sessions allow you to ask questions from the people that have experienced the process themselves.

LAP-BAND is a registered trademark of Allergan, Inc.