Watch our free on-demand videos to find out if surgery is right for you.
Bariatric Services
More energy. Better health. Greater well-being.
There’s so much to gain from losing weight. More energy. Better health. Greater well-being. We can help you achieve it. Providence St. Patrick Hospital offers comprehensive surgical and non-surgical weight loss programs that are tailored to your personal health goals and preferences.
Considering weight loss surgery?
Register for our free on-demand video series.
Take the first step in evaluating whether weight loss surgery is right for you. You’ll learn the basics of weight loss surgery and what surgical options are available.
We understand that losing weight (and keeping it off) is easier said than done. Our bariatric team understands the complex genetic, biologic, environmental, social and behavioral factors that contribute to obesity. That’s why we take a comprehensive approach to surgery for weight loss. Our team includes experienced weight loss surgeons, compassionate nurses and knowledgeable dietitians to help support your whole health.
After all, weight loss doesn’t happen overnight. You can be confident we’ll be right next to you every step of the way – giving you the support, education and resources you need to eat healthier, feel better, lose weight and make changes that last a lifetime.
Our team is honored to work with patients from across western Montana – from Missoula to Kalispell; Helena to Butte; Bozeman to Great Falls. We’re proud to serve as the region’s premier weight loss surgery center.
Let us help you reach your goals.
Bariatric surgery has seen many advances over the last few years – offering more and more minimally invasive options. That means fewer incisions, less pain and a shorter recovery time. Our bariatric surgeons offer two weight loss procedures:
- Gastric bypass surgery. The gold standard in weight loss surgery is the Roux-en-Y (roo-en-way) gastric bypass. (It’s also the most common.) This procedure creates a small pouch in your stomach, which is connected directly to the small intestine. This limits the amount of food you can comfortably eat and the amount of nutrients and calories your body absorbs.
- Gastric sleeve surgery. During gastric sleeve surgery (also known as sleeve gastrectomy), your surgeon will remove about three-fourths of your stomach and reshape what’s left into a “sleeve.” Your smaller stomach makes you feel full sooner and greatly reduces how much food you can eat.
At Providence, we understand that weight loss surgery isn’t for everyone. We also offer healthy weight management services that can help you reach and maintain your goal weight without surgery.
Request our free on-demand videos to learn more about weight loss surgery.
Choosing to have weight loss surgery is an important and very personal decision. At Providence, our goal is to provide knowledge and support as you consider your options.
We know bariatric surgery isn’t right for everyone. That’s why we will complete a comprehensive evaluation to identify the best weight loss approach for you. Our doctors will meet with you to learn about your goals and your health history. Most surgical weight loss candidates are between the ages of 18-64 and have specific body mass index (BMI) requirements based on their gender:
- Women: BMI of 40-60, or BMI of 35 or higher and a weight-related health condition
- Men: BMI of 40-55, or BMI of 35 or higher and a weight-related health condition
- Calculate BMI
Weight gain can lead to obesity, which can cause other serious health problems, including:
- Fatty liver disease
- Gout
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- Osteoarthritis
- And many others
Many of the individuals we work with report that they were able to come off one or more medicines that manage chronic health conditions. (Remember, keep taking all prescriptions until your doctor tells you otherwise.)
When evaluating whether surgery is right for you, we’ll discuss your options and work side-by-side to create your personal plan. And if you exceed the maximum BMI requirement, we can help you reach a healthier weight before surgery so you’ll be well prepared.
Request our free on-demand videos to learn more about weight loss surgery.
Ready to take control of your weight instead of letting it control you? We’re here to help.
1. The first step is to register for our free video series about surgical weight loss. These short videos will explain the basics of weight loss surgery and what options are available to you.
2. After you watch the videos, check with your health insurance plan to find out if your policy covers weight loss surgery at Providence hospitals.
3. Complete our intake form to begin the process of scheduling a consultation.
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Why Bariatrics?
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Meet Brad Pickhardt, MD, FACS
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Meet Charles Swannack, MD, FACS
Read more information about surgery from our experts:
Rebecca had gastric bypass surgery and has never looked back. She is down to 137 pounds, with a BMI of 24.6 and wears a size 6. She is starting a new chapter. “I can exercise more – without hurting."
Jenny loves being more active... She finally took a trip to Disneyland, triumphant at being able to stand in lines, go on the rides, and sit in an airplane seat comfortably while traveling.
Annette lost more than 100 pounds. She fits into the clothes she loves to wear and is more active than she’d been in years – using the elliptical trainer, practicing yoga and hula-hooping in her living room.
Expert Health and Nutrition Tips
Providence St. Patrick Hospital is celebrating its 150th Anniversary in 2023. As the oldest, continuously operating facility in Providence, this anniversary marks a sacred celebration of our heritage, as well as a chance to share our story.