Helping Patients in Reno, Sparks, Carson City, and Northern Nevada Lose Weight, Improve Health & Transform Lives

Northern Nevada's First Bariatric Center of Excellence

Serving patients throughout Northern Nevada including Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Fernley, Incline Village, and surrounding communities

Understanding Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight‑loss surgery or metabolic surgery, involves surgical procedures that change the digestive system to support significant, sustained weight loss when diet and exercise alone are not effective. These procedures work by limiting food intake, reducing calorie absorption, and changing the way your body sees and responds to food, helping patients achieve lasting improvements in weight and metabolic health.

Obesity is a chronic condition associated with a higher risk of serious health issues such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and certain cancers. Bariatric surgery is recognized by the National Institutes of Health and major medical organizations as the most effective long‑term treatment for severe obesity, particularly for individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater, or a BMI of 35+ with significant obesity‑related health conditions.

Why Choose Western Surgical Group in Reno?

Western Surgical Group is proud to be Northern Nevada’s first Bariatric Center of Excellence, with over 5,000 minimally invasive weight loss procedures performed by our experienced surgeons. Our bariatric surgery program in Reno serves patients from across the region, offering:

  • Board-certified bariatric surgeons with advanced fellowship training
  • 24/7 bariatric surgeon on-call availability
  • Personalized evaluation and eligibility assessment
  • Comprehensive education on surgical options, risks, and lifestyle changes
  • Coordinated, multidisciplinary support before and after surgery
  • Region’s only Doctor of Nursing Practice specializing in bariatric care
  • Exclusive support group network and continuing online education
  • Long‑term follow‑up care focused on health outcomes
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Self Esteem
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Physical Activity
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Social Life
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Work Ability
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Sexual Health

How Bariatric Surgery Works

Bariatric procedures modify the digestive system to support weight loss in one or more of the following ways:

  • Restricting food intake by creating a smaller stomach pouch (e.g., sleeve gastrectomy)
  • Altering nutrient absorption by bypassing portions of the small intestine (e.g., Roux‑en‑Y gastric bypass)
  • Altering hunger hormones to reduce appetite and improve metabolic regulation

These changes encourage patients to feel full sooner, consume fewer calories, and make healthier eating patterns more sustainable.

Real Health Benefits Backed by Evidence

Research shows that bariatric surgery can:

  • Produce significant and sustained weight loss when compared to lifestyle change alone
  • Remit or improve type 2 diabetes and reduce medication needs
  • Decrease high blood pressure and high cholesterol
  • Improve or resolve sleep apnea
  • Lower the risk of heart attack and stroke
  • Improve quality of life, mobility, and emotional well‑being

Patients often experience improvements in multiple obesity‑related conditions, making bariatric surgery a powerful tool not just for weight loss but for overall disease management.

86% of diabetes patients achieve remission
High blood pressure resolves in 62% of patients and resolves or improves in 78%
70% of patients improve hyperlipidemia
60% reduction in cancer-related deaths

A Lifelong Journey

Bariatric surgery is a powerful tool, but it’s not a standalone solution. Long‑term success depends on:

  • 1
    Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, behavior modification)
  • 2
    Ongoing medical monitoring to prevent nutritional deficiencies
  • 3
    Patient commitment to follow postoperative guidance and follow‑up visits

Our program supports patients every step of the way, from preparation to long‑term health maintenance, because sustained results require more than surgery alone.

Doctors Specializing in Bariatric Surgery

Our surgeons have performed over 5,000 minimally invasive weight loss procedures and there is always a bariatric surgeon on-call. As one of the nation’s first Bariatric Centers of Excellence, and the first in Northern Nevada, you can be confident you are receiving education, support and care from one of the most comprehensive programs in the country.

Your care will also extend well beyond surgery, with an exclusive support group network and continuing online education through our news feed.

Our Staff

Advanced Practice Providers

Our staff boasts nationally recognized clinicians, including the region’s only Doctor of Nursing Practice, specializing in bariatric care.

Nutrition

Patient Advocates

New Patients

Existing Patients

Bariatric Surgery Procedures We Perform

We offer a range of advanced bariatric procedures to help patients safely and effectively address morbid obesity. Each surgery is tailored to the individual’s health status, goals, and lifestyle, with the goal of supporting long-term weight loss, reducing obesity-related health risks, and improving overall quality of life.

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  • Sleeve Gastrectomy

    A bariatric surgery that removes part of the stomach to reduce food intake and promote weight loss.

  • Gastric Bypass

    A weight loss surgery that reduces stomach size and reroutes digestion to limit calorie absorption.

Patient Stories

We proudly serve patients from Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Fernley and many other surrounding communities.

Watch as these amazing patients adjust to their new lifestyles.

Online Seminar

We offer a free bariatric surgery seminar presented by John Ganser MD, FACS. Please register to learn more about:

  • Western Surgical’s Bariatric Surgery Division – Western Bariactric Institute
  • The Obesity Epidemic
  • Weight Loss Surgery Options

Real Patients. Real Results.

Before & After Bariatric Surgery

Discover the powerful transformations made possible through expert bariatric care and personal commitment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — in fact, weight loss often improves fertility. However, pregnancy is not recommended during the rapid weight loss phase after surgery (usually the first 12–18 months). You should use reliable birth control and wait until your weight has stabilized before trying to conceive. Your surgeon and OB/GYN will work with you to ensure a safe, healthy pregnancy.

Loose skin is common after significant weight loss and depends on factors like age, genetics, smoking history, and duration of obesity. Some patients choose to consult a plastic surgeon for skin removal, but many are satisfied without it. These procedures are typically not covered by insurance.

Temporary hair shedding is common after weight loss surgery due to hormonal shifts and rapid weight loss. Staying on top of your protein intake, supplements, and lab work helps minimize this. Hair typically regrows once your body stabilizes.

Most patients return to work within 1–2 weeks, depending on their procedure and job type. You’ll be encouraged to walk the day of surgery and gradually increase activity. Always follow your surgeon’s guidance.

Costs vary based on insurance coverage, surgeon, and facility. Your care team will help you navigate insurance approvals and provide estimates for any out-of-pocket costs, including meals, medications, or lab work.

Yes. You’ll be placed on a Step-by-Step Pre-Operative Diet to help reduce liver size and surgical risk. This typically includes 10% weight loss before surgery and lasts 4–8 weeks, depending on your situation.

Related Resources & Posts

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Ready to Take the First Step?

Our team is here to support you from the moment you decide to explore bariatric surgery. Whether you have questions about eligibility, insurance, or your next appointment, we’re ready to help. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and begin your path toward lasting health and wellness.