Weight Loss Surgery


At the Nicholson Clinic, we specialize in finding the right weight loss solution for each individual person. We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, which is why the surgeons at the Nicholson Clinic specialize in multiple bariatric procedures. We want every patient to have the best chance at weight loss success, which we believe comes from being educated in all the options. Understanding all bariatric surgery options allows you to make the decision that is best for your individual needs. We encourage you to sign up for a consultation with one of the surgeons at the Nicholson Clinic to ensure that all your questions are answered by an expert.

How does bariatric surgery help weight loss?
Bariatric surgery procedures promote weight loss in one of three ways:

  • Restriction, or limiting the amount of food you can eat before feeling full by reducing the size of the stomach.
  • Malabsorption, or limiting the absorption of nutrients in the intestines by “bypassing” part of the small intestine (removing it from the path of food through the digestive tract).
  • Combination of restriction and malabsorption.

How can weight regain be prevented or treated?
Preventing weight regain begins with realistic expectations about what bariatric surgery can do and what you have to do for yourself to lose weight and keep it off. While the surgery can help you limit the amount of food you eat, you must be ready to change lifestyle habits that led to weight gain. After surgery you need to follow your doctor’s nutritional recommendations and exercise regularly (150 minutes per week of physical activity is recommended). Participation in a support group could help you stick with new habits. It’s also important to keep follow-up medical appointments to monitor the effects of surgery.

What effect will bariatric surgery have on obesity-related health conditions?
The effect of bariatric surgery goes beyond weight loss in people who are severely obese. In most patients, obesity-related health problems disappear or greatly improve. For example, very soon after a malabsorptive procedure, type 2 diabetes can improve to the point that little or no diabetes medication is necessary. Likewise, insulin-treated patients require much less insulin, and most can discontinue insulin therapy within 6 weeks after surgery.

Bariatric surgery can also improve or resolve other conditions, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnea, joint disease, asthma, and infertility due to polycystic ovarian syndrome. If you were taking medications before surgery to treat conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, you may need to adjust your dosage right after surgery. It is important for your doctor to monitor such conditions in follow-up exams.

Watch Dr. Nicholson discuss why you should consider weight loss surgery.


Watch Dr. Long explain the procedures offered at the Nicholson Clinic.


Brett and Sherry lost 315 lbs. combined with weight loss surgery. Watch their Story
"Weight loss surgery definitely changed our lives. I’m almost three years out and Brett will be two years out. No regain and living life doing things we’ve never done before. Hiking, biking, hunting, jet skis, amusement parks, water parks. Feel like I’m in my 20’s!" ~ Sherry -

* results will vary