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Bariatric & Weight Loss Services

Bariatrics is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on analyzing the causes of obesity, assisting with preventive measures, and administering treatments or bariatric services. We take pride in offering comprehensive bariatric services to those who struggle to lose weight on their own.

  • Teaming with Grand Health Partners, Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital offers comprehensive weight loss programs that are customized to the needs of our patients.
  • Our bariatric services offer the expert support you need to transform your life, alleviating symptoms caused by obesity.
  • Our team, along with Grand Health Partners, understands the complexity that comes with weight loss, and we are proud to offer our expertise to Manistique and the Upper Peninsula.

Here at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital, our mission is to provide quality health and wellness services for the people in our tight-knit community.

Do I Qualify for Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric Surgery Testimonial Videos

What Bariatric Surgery Services Are Available Near Me?

In partnership with Grand Health Partners, Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital provides top-notch and comprehensive bariatric services. Depending on a patient’s individual case, they can opt for nonsurgical weight loss methods or bariatric surgery.

When is Bariatric Surgery Necessary?

Nonsurgical weight loss involves the use of an expertly designed, tailor-fit medical weight management program that will safely and effectively bring the patient’s weight to a healthy or desired range without the need for surgery.

In some cases, however, bariatric surgery may be recommended or chosen to facilitate weight loss. These surgical solutions are typically recommended for patients who struggle to achieve their goals through nonsurgical methods alone.

What Types of Bariatric Surgery Are Available?

These surgical solutions aid in long-term weight control and include sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y), and duodenal switch. Whenever possible, the experienced bariatric surgeons from Grand Health Partners opt to perform bariatric surgeries laparoscopically, resulting in smaller incisions and a faster recovery time for the patient.

This is one of the most common bariatric surgical procedures. With the vertical sleeve gastrectomy, food is allowed to pass through and be processed by the digestive system like normal. However, the procedure will result in limiting the size of the stomach to about 4-6 fluid ounces by safely removing a portion of it, leaving a long vertical tube or ‘sleeve’ in its place. 

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass bariatric surgery involves the creation of a small upper pouch for the stomach (roughly the size of an egg) and a larger “remnant” pouch. The small intestine is then rearranged so that it connects to both pouches.

After the surgery, the patient will be able to feel full with less food due to the limited size of the stomach’s upper pouch. This leads to a gradual and safe weight loss process for the patient.

The duodenal switch procedure is another highly effective type of bariatric surgery. The first stage of this procedure is sleeve gastrectomy, which reduces the size of the stomach. Next, the small intestine is rearranged much further down so that two-thirds or more of the intestine is bypassed.

With the decreased size of the stomach along with restricted absorption from the small intestines, patients can feel full even with moderate portions of food and will be able to keep the weight off long-term due to restricted intestinal absorption.

Following surgery, the average bariatric patient loses 60 to 70% of excess weight within three years. It is important to note that bariatric surgery is a weight-loss tool that requires ongoing commitment to healthy eating and exercise.

What Are the Benefits of Bariatric Surgery?

Undergoing healthy, physician-guided weight loss techniques and procedures provides plenty of benefits. Because the weight loss is gradual and consistent, it is physically safe and emotionally rewarding.

Just a few of these benefits include:

  • Relief from the symptoms of metabolic syndrome
  • The long-term remission for type 2 diabetes
  • The elimination of obstructive sleep apnea
  • Relief from depression and/or other related mental health issues
  • Better joint health
  • Improved stamina, energy, and activity level
  • Improved fertility

The Grand Health Partners Difference

Founded in 2008, Grand Health Partners is a medical group located in Grand Rapids that specializes in surgical and nonsurgical weight loss solutions. Their team of experts is trained to coach dietary, behavioral, and exercise habits while patients are safely monitored by highly experienced bariatric physicians.
For the past 17 years and counting, they have helped more than 16,000 patients with their targeted and effective bariatric services. They are, indeed, a trusted partner in transforming lives and improving overall health through tailored weight loss programs.

We Understand Obesity

The safest and most effective way to tackle obesity is with guidance from qualified medical experts who have a firm understanding of the condition. We understand obesity, and we believe that educating our patients about their condition is the first crucial step to bring patients closer to actualizing their health and weight goals.

Here are the fundamental facts about obesity:

1. Obesity is a Complex Metabolic Disease

Metabolic syndrome is a medical term for the combination of excess fat around the waist, high triglyceride levels, reduced good cholesterol, elevated blood sugar, and hypertension. Being overweight or obese can trigger metabolic syndrome in certain individuals.

Losing weight is one way to treat metabolic syndrome; however, this condition can also make losing weight even more challenging. This puts a patient in a complex cycle that may call for bariatric services.

2. Genetic, Social, Cultural, and Emotional Factors Lead to Obesity – Not a Lack of Willpower

Though a societal myth around obesity attributes its cause to a lack of willpower, this is oftentimes not the case. A multitude of factors play a role in causing obesity in patients, including a combination of:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Cultural elements
  • Increased stress due to social and emotional factors
  • Certain medication

3. Obesity is a Leading Cause of Preventable Death in the United States

Obesity is second only to smoking as a leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Additionally, one in five deaths of African Americans and Caucasians aged 40 to 85 is linked to obesity. Without proactive action, this mortality rate will increase across generations.

Bariatric Surgery & Weight Loss FAQs

If you have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above, you may be a good candidate for bariatric surgery. Your physician may be more inclined to refer you to bariatric surgery if you are suffering from the following conditions, along with the excess weight:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Sleep apnea
  • High blood pressure

Currently, most visits or consultations are done virtually via a secure telehealth platform. However, Grand Health Partners’ surgeons can meet patients at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital in Manistique once a schedule is set.

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital in Manistique has two state-of-the-art operating suites where all bariatric services and surgeries are performed. Our staff and our facilities promise to provide a top-notch patient experience before, during, and after your bariatric surgery.

Grand Health Partners offers a patient portal where you can view your patient information.

If you have further questions about Grand Health Partners’ patient portal, you can contact them here.

For scheduling or rescheduling your appointment, you can contact Grand Health Partners.

After surgery has been scheduled through Grand Health Partners, Schoolcraft Memorial’s pre-procedure planning team will contact you prior to your surgery to discuss further details. If you have any questions about this, please contact us.

If you have any preoperative or postoperative medical concerns or questions, you can contact Grand Health Partners.

However, if concerns arise after hours, please contact us at Schoolcraft Memorial, and our answering service can connect you with an on-call physician assistant.

Before & After Photo Gallery

Providers

Start Your Weight Loss Journey with the Top Bariatric Doctors in Manistique, MI

If you or a loved one is suffering from obesity, time is of the essence. Quick action can help prevent further complications down the line. Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital, together with Grand Health Partners, can give you the best options for weight loss and help you begin your journey towards a healthier state of life. Call us today at (906) 341-2153 for more information or to schedule your initial consultation with one of our bariatric doctors. We look forward to making Manistique and the Upper Peninsula a healthier community.