Weight & Wellness Program

Your weight loss journey is supported by the comprehensive and caring team at the CHI St. Alexius Health Weight and Wellness program. From Dr. Helbling's 15+ years of bariatric surgery excellence along with our knowledgeable Nurse Practitioners, Mental Health professionals. Our team of Registered Nurses, Weight Management Licensed Registered Dietitian and Bariatric Coordinator will guide you to the knowledge and support you need to succeed.

• Bariatric Surgeon 
  • Brandon Helbling, MD, FACS, FASMBS
• Weight Management & Sleep Medicine
  • Arveity Setty, MD
• Weight Management Licensed Registered Dietitian
  • Jenny Schmidt, RD, LRD, CDCES
• Nurse Practitioners 
  • Cortney Kahl, NP
• Bariatric Coordinator and Certified Bariatric Support Group Leader
  • Jessica Miller, RN, BSN
• Mental Health Provider 
  • Sara Horner, PsyD
• Long-Term Lifestyle and Health Support
  • Diane Nelson, MD

As the most researched and for many, many years has been considered the "gold standard" in bariatric treatment, gastric bypass is routinely performed laparoscopically, which is minimally invasive.  As an added benefit, Dr. Helbling performs his laparoscopic procedures with the support of a surgical robot.  A robot is simply a tool that allows the surgeon's technique to be performed with sometimes smaller incisions, more dexterity and possibly less pain than with traditional laparoscopic instrumentation. 

The procedure involves the cutting and stapling of the stomach and bowel, along with a bypass of a portion of the digestive tract.

The initial weight loss is rapid. Good long term weight loss is achieved through a combination of restriction of food intake capacity and a reduction of food absorption. Best results involve healthy lifestyle choices such as regular physical activity, commitment to our support and discussion group and planning  balanced daily nourishment. As with any of our bariatric procedures, follow-up with the Weight and Wellness Program and your primary care provider will help ensure that your nutritional and general health status can be optimized.

This procedure reduces the stomach's volume and also eliminates the part of the stomach that produces the hormone that stimulates hunger. Approximately 85 percent of the stomach is removed, with the remaining stomach volume measuring around 2 to 5 ounces. Other than the reduction in volume, the stomach tends to function normally, so most foods can be consumed, but in small amounts. As an added benefit, Dr Helbling performs his laparoscopic procedures with the support of a surgical robot.  A robot is simply a tool that allows the surgeon's technique to be performed with sometimes smaller incisions, more dexterity and possibly less pain than with traditional laparoscopic instrumentation.

Because this procedure doesn't involve intestinal bypass, it's a good option for people with existing conditions such as anemia or Crohn's disease. It can be performed laparoscopically on most patients, even those with a high BMI. After the initial weight loss, patients on the higher end of the BMI scale may need a second-stage procedure to lose the remaining weight. As with the gastric bypass, best results for Sleeve gastrectomy patients include healthy lifestyle choices such as regular physical activity, commitment to our support and discussion group and planning  balanced daily nourishment.  Follow-up with the Weight and Wellness Program and your primary care provider will help ensure that your nutritional and general health status are optimized as you discover a healthier and more energetic you!

Weight loss, whether surgical or non-surgical, requires changes in diet and exercise. We'll help you identify and implement these changes, maximizing your weight loss potential.

Access pre-operative nutrition materials anytime, anywhere, via computer or smartphone. Learn about pre- and post-surgery diets, including what to eat and avoid, as well as long-term dietary needs and essential supplements.

Post-surgery, work one-on-one with a registered dietitian for personalized guidance, recipes, and exercise tips. We'll cover everything from calorie needs to meal planning and behavior modification, empowering you to achieve lasting weight loss.

A Whole Body DXA scan is a quick, non-invasive imaging technique that measures body composition, including bone density, lean muscle mass, and fat mass. The scan distinguishes between different tissue types and provides a complete analysis of total body composition. 

Unlike traditional scale and measurements, the Whole Body DXA scan offers a more detailed and motivating view of progress by revealing shifts in muscle and fat distribution. It is a powerful tool for a personalized health assessment and goal tracking

Information from DXA is valuable for providing insights that support healthy, sustainable weight loss,  identify potential health risks like diabetes and heart disease and helps monitor important changes over time.

We know that patients participating in weight loss surgery benefit from support received from many sources - including family, friends, physicians and the entire medical team. Also important is the support that patients get from others, who like themselves, have actually experienced weight loss surgery.

Studies have shown that individuals who regularly attend support group meetings and follow up with their surgeon have the greatest long-term success. We offer a support group virtually via Zoom each month with a variety of topics to help you on your weight loss journey. Meeting virtually will allow you to participate and receive support no matter how far away you live and whether you’re at home or not. Topics include: snacking, portion control, holiday success, exercise, vitamins & supplements, healthy hydration and others.

Join Certified Bariatric Support Group Leader, Jessica Miller, RN for these fun and informative sessions. For more information, and to be added to the unique monthly support group invitation links, please call Jessica at (701) 530-5189 or email [email protected].

Is weight loss surgery reversible?

Gastric Bypass - No
Lap Band - Yes
Sleeve Gastrectomy - No

Is there guaranteed success?

No. These surgeries can be defeated by falling back into old patterns.  It is a very good idea to enlist a mental health professional during this time, to support changing behaviors and to work through any challenging personal life experiences or habits that may get in the way.

Will you take my gallbladder out when you do my surgery?

No. We do not remove healthy gallbladders. If you have evidence of stones or disease it will be removed.

What are the age limits for these surgeries?

18 is the youngest. Patients as old as 65 have had these surgeries, however, all patients are individually considered.

When can I go back to work?

Returning to work may be possible around 2 weeks, but actual time away from work will be based on your individual recovery, the procedure that has been completed and the type of work you do.

When can I drive?

When off of sedating or opioid pain medication.

When can I exercise?

Walking is recommended in moderation immediately after surgery. 4-6 weeks for more intense exercise depending on which surgery you choose.

Can I drink alcohol?

We don't encourage alcohol consumption due to carbonation, it’s non-nutritive calories and risk of impairment after weight loss surgery.

Am I going to have loose skin after I lose weight?

Probably. Reconstructive surgery may be an option for people who experience an excessive amount of loose skin.  You may consider asking your insurance provider whether there is any coverage for skin removal after bariatric surgery.

Eligibility & Insurance

Do I qualify for weight loss surgery?

To qualify for surgery, typically a person must be at least 100 pounds overweight and have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater, or have a BMI of 35 or greater with medical conditions related to obesity, such as diabetes, hypertension or arthritis.

Qualifying for surgery is a thorough process, with patients receiving a number of health assessments. Attendance through all of the education elements is mandatory.

BMI is calculated as follows: weight (in pounds) / height (in inches) 2 x 703. To quickly calculate your Body Mass Index, visit CDC-Body Mass Index.

Will my insurance company pay for weight loss surgery?

If you are considering weight loss surgery, it is extremely important that you first check with your insurance company regarding eligibility and to determine if there are any exclusions in your policy. It is a good idea to have your Body Mass Index (BMI) calculated before making the call. If your insurance company will not pay for weight loss surgery, pre-pay options may be available.