Bariatric Surgery & Comprehensive Obesity Management Program

Renowned specialists by your side, every step of the way

GBMC's Comprehensive Obesity Management Program (COMP) understands that bariatric surgery requires a lifelong commitment and offers a variety of support services to help patients before, during and after their procedures. Preoperative nutrition classes, postoperative support groups, and a walking group (COMP Stomp) are just a few. All of our surgeons are specialty trained in both minimally invasive bariatric and general surgery.

COMP has been accredited through the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) since 2011 and has been a MBSAQIP Comprehensive Center with Obesity Medicine Qualification since 2020. Our program is only one of eleven Blue Distinction Centers+ in Maryland, which recognizes us for our expertise and efficiency in delivering bariatric care. COMP has been the recipient of the Healthgrades Bariatric Surgery Excellence Award recognizing our superior patient outcomes in bariatric surgery since 2021. We are also an Optum Center of Excellence.

In 2022, 528 bariatric surgeries were performed at GBMC. Of those surgeries, 96% had no intraoperative or postoperative complications within 30 days of surgery. 84% of patients went home the day after surgery.

Our Team

View our full team

Our Services

Through our program, individuals will have access to:

  • Private Facebook support group
  • Regular appointments with a registered dietitian to prepare for surgery and adjust to post-surgery lifestyle and nutrition
  • Exercise and diet programs
  • Two types of bariatric surgery (gastric sleeve and gastric bypass) performed by top bariatric surgeons, using laparoscopic and robotic techniques
  • Bariatric support groups before and after surgery
  • Medical Weight Loss Program for post-surgery patients still struggling with losing weight

Surgical Options

Bariatric surgery is usually minimally invasive, also known as laparoscopic. Laparoscopic surgery results in fewer post-operative complications and pain and allows for an earlier return of bowel function. GBMC's COMP surgeons are additionally trained in single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS), an approach resulting in minimal scarring.

Most of the stomach is sealed off using a band or surgical staples, except for a small pouch, which is then connected to the middle of the small intestine. The new connection bypasses the bottom portion of the stomach and top portion of the small intestine. This method works by restricting the intake of food well as preventing the body from absorbing all of the food eaten (malabsorption). It is the most common and offers the best weight loss of all of the surgery options.

Most of the stomach is removed and the remaining portion is a long tube or "sleeve." The basic anatomy of the digestive system does not change. This procedure reduces complications, decreases the risk of vitamin deficiencies and produces comparable weight loss to that of other types of bariatric surgery.

Dr. Watters short video

Meet with our team from anywhere in Maryland!

Whether you're at home, work, or in your car, you can schedule a private 1-on-1 consultation with our surgeons!

Sign up now!