Bariatric Surgery

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Advanced Weight Loss/Bariatric Surgery in Baltimore, Maryland

It always takes a team to help you reach your goals. Ascension Saint Agnes bariatric surgeons and team members form strong bonds with our patients that begin with your first seminar, continue into all of your appointments preparing you for your procedure, and provide support over the years to come. Our patients tell us they value the special ongoing relationship that comes from having a surgeon who knows you, your history, what causes you to struggle, and what makes you come alive.

The Surgical Program is an Accredited Center by the American College of Surgeons’ Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program.

Health care facilities recognized for expertise and cost efficiency in delivering specialty care.

Over 20 years of changing lives

Saint Agnes Hospital Bariatric Program is designated by these major insurance companies as a Center of Excellence and designated provider.

Watch our video testimonial
on how Keith lost over 100lbs
with the bariatric program at Ascension Saint Agnes

Meet Your Bariatric Surgeons in Maryland

Dr. Averbach

Dr. Andrew Averbach is a board-certified general and bariatric surgeon with more than 30 years of experience. He has performed more than 4,500 weight loss procedures since 2002, and they have been safe, effective, and helped people change and transform their lives for good.

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Dr. Hamdallah

Dr. Isam Hamdallah earned his medical degree at the Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) School of Medicine in 2000. A native of Amman, Jordan, he continued his education and training as a surgical resident in various rotations in the United Kingdom.

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Dr. Swift

Dr. Catriona Swift is trained in laparoscopic, robotic, and endoscopic techniques and offers duodenal switch, gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, revisional bariatric surgery, endoscopic weight loss procedures, and surgical treatment of GERD, hiatal hernia, and achalasia.

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“As bariatric surgeons and your neighbors in the Baltimore community, we encourage you to just start a conversation with one of us as a first step and remind you we are here to support you through the journey.”

Bariatric surgical procedures include those that cause weight loss by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold, those that cause weight loss primarily as a result of malabsorption of nutrients, and those that cause weight loss both by gastric restriction and malabsorption. Most bariatric procedures today are performed using minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopic surgery).

We offer the safest and most effective primary bariatric surgical procedures, as well as revision bariatric surgery

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Bilio-Pancreatic Diversion
Bariatric Revision Surgery
Endoscopic Bariatric Procedures

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Why Choose Us

5-Star Reviews on Google, Healthgrades.com, Facebook & Yelp
Most major commercial plans are accepted
Unparalleled Surgical Expertise
MBSAQIP National Accreditation
Offer one-on-one guidance to keep you on the road to success

Try Our BMI Calculator

BMI	Classification	Health Risk
Under 18.5	Underweight	Minimal
18.5 – 24.9	Normal Weight	Minimal
25 – 29.9	Overweight	Increased
30 – 34.9	Obese	High
35 – 39.9	Severely Obese	Very High
40 and Over	Morbidly Obese	Extremely High

*Note that these are approximate values, and are intended to be used only as a rough guide.

What is BMI

BMI is the most widely used measurement for obesity. The BMI approximates body mass using a mathematical ratio of weight and height [(weight in kg ÷ height in meters²) or (weight in pounds ÷ height in inches² x 703)].

A BMI of 30 or more is regarded by most health agencies as the threshold for obesity. A BMI of 40 or more generally qualifies as morbid obesity. However, note that BMI measurements in body-builders and athletes may not be accurate determinants of obesity because the BMI does not distinguish between muscle and fat.

Federal Guidelines for Healthy Weight

Underweight. Your BMI is less than 18.5.
Ideal Weight for Your Height. Your BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9.
Overweight. Your BMI is between 25 and 29.9.
Obese. Your BMI is 30 or greater.

Understanding Dumping syndrome after Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery is a weight loss surgery that removes a large portion of the stomach, leaving a small “sleeve” or “tube.” This smaller stomach can hold less food, making people feel full more quickly. Some benefits of this weight loss surgery include improved blood sugar control and resolution of sleep apnea. One of the […]

Pregnancy after Gastric Sleeve: What Should You Know

Gastric sleeve surgery is a popular weight loss option, and many women choose to get pregnant after the procedure. The timeline for recovery depends on various factors like the person’s weight, health, and age. For example, after one week of the surgery, most people can walk around and do light activities like taking a shower. […]

Benefits of Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery

If you are dealing with pain in the upper-right side of your abdomen, you likely have a gallbladder issue. In many cases, surgery is the best solution. And thanks to advances in medical technology, there are now several different types of gallbladder surgery available, including laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is a minimally invasive procedure […]

How long do I need to take off work for Bariatric Surgery?

This will depend entirely on the type of work you do and the results of the surgery. Most patients who work jobs that involve minimal movement and minimal manual labor can usually return to work in two weeks. However, patients who do perform manual labor or have jobs that require a great deal of movement may need to take more time off work (up to four weeks).

When can I start exercising again after Bariatric Surgery?

Exercise is an important part of any weight loss regimen, and this includes weight loss induced by bariatric surgery. We recommend patients start walking as soon as they’re comfortably able to, however exercise will need to be limited to brisk walks and exercise biking on low settings. Patients can start swimming as soon as the surgeon has assessed that the wounds have healed. Distance running and weight training should be held off until at least four weeks after surgery, and even then should be held off until the patient gets the doctor’s approval.

Will I have to take vitamins or supplements after surgery? Does my insurance pay for vitamins and supplements?

Patients will be advised to take a multivitamin, which includes both vitamin and mineral supplements. Patients are also advised to take protein supplements in order to meet protein goals. Insurance typically will not cover supplement costs, however, you can elect to pay for them out of a Flex or HAS medical account. Flex and HAS medical accounts are accounts taken from your pre-tax income that can be used to pay for medical expenses.

Will I have to diet or exercise after the procedure?

The answer is yes. After surgery, you will be put on a highly restrictive post-op diet, which slowly reintroduces foods as it becomes safe for your body to digest them. After the post-op diet, you will be given support in order to help you eat the right foods. Although surgery makes it hard to overeat while reducing the body’s ability to absorb calories, there is a risk that the patient will fall back into old behaviors. For this reason, we provide support including a monthly in-person support group, online support, and help from dietitians who are knowledgeable about the nutritional needs of bariatric surgery patients.

An exercise regimen is highly recommended, and patients who exercise are much more likely to be satisfied with their results.

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For more than 150 years, Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital has been dedicated to the art of healing by providing exceptional care to the greater Baltimore area. Built on a strong foundation of excellent medical care and compassion, Ascension Saint Agnes is committed to providing the best care for our patients for many years to come.