Surgical Weight Loss
Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Iowa with Guidance at Every Step
If you have tried to lose weight with diet, exercise, or medication and still feel stuck, surgical weight loss may be an option. At Iowa Weight Loss Specialists, we help patients take the next step with safe, supportive care before and after surgery.
Our team offers gastric sleeve surgery, also called sleeve gastrectomy. This is a common type of bariatric surgery that helps reduce hunger and limit how much food the stomach can hold. It can help people lose weight and improve weight-related health problems.
We know this is a big decision. You do not have to figure it out alone. Our team will guide you through each step with clear answers and a plan built around your health. Led by bariatric surgeon Dr. Todd Eibes, MD, FACS, our nationally accredited program has helped thousands of Iowans achieve lasting weight loss through evidence-based surgical care.
Call Us to Start Your Journey: 515-327-2000 Request a Consultation
What Is Surgical Weight Loss?
Surgical weight loss, also called bariatric surgery, is a medical treatment for obesity. It reduces the size of your stomach, so you feel full sooner and eat less at a time.
The procedure we offer is gastric sleeve surgery, where about 75% of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach. Patients consistently lose an average of 55% to 60% of their excess body weight within the first year, provided they adhere to lifestyle changes.
The best results happen when surgery is paired with nutrition changes, physical activity, regular follow-up visits, and long-term support.
Why Choose Iowa Weight Loss Specialists?
Iowa Weight Loss Specialists combines extensive bariatric experience with comprehensive, long-term support. Our team has performed thousands of successful bariatric procedures, helping patients improve their health and build lasting habits.
We are proud to be a Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) Accredited Comprehensive Center. This accreditation reflects our commitment to meeting nationally recognized standards for patient safety, quality outcomes, and long-term follow-up care.
Our services extend beyond surgery. We provide complete weight loss programs designed to support every stage of your journey, including:
Our team understands that obesity is a complex medical condition. You will receive compassionate, personalized care without blame or judgment. We listen to your goals, guide you through your options, and support you as you take meaningful steps toward better health.
How Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Work?
Gastric sleeve surgery is a minimally invasive procedure. This means the bariatric surgeon usually uses small cuts instead of one large cut. For many patients, this can mean less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a smoother recovery.
After surgery, patients eat smaller meals and follow a step-by-step diet plan as the stomach heals. Over time, the goal is to build a healthier way of eating that supports long-lasting weight loss.
Who Qualifies for Weight Loss Surgery?
Weight loss surgery may be right for adults with obesity who have not had lasting success with other weight loss methods.
You may qualify if you have:
- A BMI of 40 or higher
- A BMI of 35 or higher with a weight-related health problem
- A history of trying to lose weight without lasting results
- The ability to follow a long-term care plan after surgery
Every patient is different. The best way to know if you qualify is to meet with a trained bariatric care team.
Health Benefits of Surgical Weight Loss
Surgical weight loss can do more than help you lose pounds. It may also improve your overall health and daily life. For some patients, bariatric surgery may help improve:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Sleep apnea
- High cholesterol
- Joint pain
- Acid reflux
- Fatty liver disease
- Energy and mobility
- Quality of life
Results vary from person to person. Your outcome depends on your health, your surgery plan, and your long-term habits after surgery.
Is Surgical Weight Loss Safe?
All surgery has risks. Bariatric surgery is a major medical procedure, so it is important to understand both the benefits and possible side effects.
Possible risks may include bleeding, infection, acid reflux, nausea, vitamin deficiencies, or the need for more care after surgery.
That is why choosing an experienced bariatric team matters. Our goal is to help you make an informed choice and feel supported at every step.
Surgical Weight Loss vs. GLP-1 Medications
Surgical weight loss and GLP-1 medications can both help with weight loss, but they work in different ways. The right choice depends on your health, goals, insurance coverage, and long-term care needs.
| Feature | Gastric Sleeve Surgery | GLP-1 Medications |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Makes the stomach smaller and may reduce hunger signals. | Uses weekly medicine to reduce appetite and help you feel full. |
| Type of treatment | One-time surgery with comprehensive follow-up care. | Ongoing medication that works while you keep taking it. |
| Weight loss goal | Often used for long-term weight loss and major health improvement. | May help with weight loss, especially as part of medical weight management. |
| Lifestyle needs | Requires smaller meals, vitamins, healthy habits, and follow-up visits. | Requires healthy eating, activity, follow-up care, and continued medication use. |
| Possible side effects | May include acid reflux, nausea, constipation, or vitamin deficiencies. | May include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or other stomach issues. |
Surgery and GLP-1 medications are not competitors. Many patients benefit from one, while others use both as part of a long-term treatment plan. Our team helps determine the safest and most effective option based on your goals, medical history, and insurance coverage.
Weight Loss Support Before, During, & After Surgery
When weight affects your health, energy, or daily life, you deserve clear answers and real options. Iowa Weight Loss Specialists can help you learn about gastric sleeve surgery, ask questions, and decide if surgical weight loss is the right next step.
Call Us to Start Your Journey: 515-327-2000 Request a Consultation
