KNOXVILLE, TN--(Marketwire - Nov 8, 2012) - According to the latest statistics from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), approximately 200,000 Americans choose to undergo some form of metabolic or bariatric surgery each year. While the study shows that procedures such as the gastric bypass can improve life expectancy of a morbidly obese patient by as much as 89 percent, less than one percent of the clinically eligible population actually take surgical steps to lose weight and get back on track towards a healthier life. Dr. Stephen Boyce, a bariatric surgeon in Knoxville, and his partner Dr. Robert Williams say weight loss surgery can offer effective relief from the burdens of obesity for many patients; however, Dr. Boyce adds that making an effort to research one's procedure and the pros and cons of each treatment is an essential first step to ensuring proper care:

"It is important that patients understand the risks and side effects of bariatric surgery before they undergo a procedure so that they may choose the option that best fits their specific needs."

At their Knoxville weight loss surgery practice, Dr. Boyce and Dr. Williams say many of the patients who come in requesting a procedure are unsure of the options available to them, while others have a good idea of which treatments might be right for their needs. Regardless, Dr. Boyce says knowing the right questions to ask during consultation can help patients make a better assessment about the skill and experience of their bariatric surgeon and also determine whether the procedure they are interested in will help them achieve their weight loss goals. He says some of the questions patients should be prepared to ask are:

• How much weight do I need to lose?
• Which procedure do you think would be best suited to meet my needs?
• What are the pros and cons to the different procedures?

Also during the initial consultation, Dr. Williams says he recommends patients discuss post-operative care and recovery, as knowing which procedures affect post-surgery life more drastically than others is valuable in the decision making process. For example, he says gastric banding procedures such as the LAP-BAND® System can prevent patients from eating breads and steak, while sugar is not tolerated well after gastric bypass. Similarly, he says dietary noncompliance may result in diarrhea and flatulence following a duodenal switch and cause a dumping syndrome in gastric bypass patients.

As with any medical procedure, Drs. Boyce and Williams say one of the most essential steps in a person's weight loss surgery journey is choosing the right surgeon to perform the operation. They say by choosing an experienced and qualified bariatric surgeon, patients can help ensure their procedure is performed with the utmost standards in safety and efficacy. Dr. Boyce adds that selecting a compassionate and supportive practice is also vital to helping patients keep their weight off and stay strong in their dieting and exercise plan.

About Stephen G. Boyce, MD

A graduate of Texas A&M University, Dr. Stephen Boyce earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, after which he completed a surgical residency at the Parkland Memorial Hospital. Having performed thousands of weight loss procedures, he has also completed a Masters Certification in Bariatric Surgery and special training in advanced laparoscopic surgery. Dr. Boyce's New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery is also the only Center of Excellence in East Tennessee to offer all approved bariatric procedures.

About K. Robert Williams, MD

Dr. Robert Williams graduated from the University of Virginia School of Medicine and completed his general surgery residency at Union Memorial Hospital, after which he completed a minimally invasive fellowship at Allegheny General Hospital. He is a member of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and has completed over 500 weight loss surgeries, including numerous laparoscopic gastric bypass, gastric banding, and revisional procedures.

Located at Physician's Plaza 1, Suite 305 Turkey Creek Medical Center 10810 Parkside Drive in Knoxville, TN 37934, the New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery can be reached at (865) 694-9676. Dr. Boyce and his team can also be contacted online via the websites newlifebariatricsurgery.com or facebook.com/newlifecenterbariatricsurgery.