Weight Loss Care Built for You
People come to New Mexico Bariatric Institute at different points in their weight-loss journey. Our program may be helpful if you have obesity or weight-related health conditions and have not had lasting results with diet and exercise alone.
You may be considering bariatric surgery. Or you may prefer to begin with a medically supervised plan that focuses on nutrition, physical activity and medication when appropriate. We also support patients who are already taking GLP-1 or similar weight-loss medications and want to understand their long-term options.
We’ll walk through each option with you and discuss which best fits your health needs and personal goals.
A More Personalized Path to Weight Loss
If you’ve tried to lose weight and keep it off, you know it affects more than the number on the scale. It can change how you feel day to day and impact your health over time. Because of this, we do not rely on a single type of treatment. Together, we look at factors like your BMI, weight-related health conditions, and what you’ve already tried to decide which options may be right for you.
At New Mexico Bariatric Institute, we offer both medical weight loss care and bariatric surgery. Some people start with a supervised medical plan. Others are better served by surgery. Many use both approaches at different points in their care. We treat obesity as a long-term health condition — not a personal failure — and use tools that reflect its complexity.
Surgical and Medical Weight Loss Options in One Program
New Mexico Bariatric Institute provides bariatric and weight-loss care with personalized treatment plans. Medical weight loss care, including nutrition support and medication, may be used before or after surgery to support your results. Your exact plan will depend on your health and the services available at this hospital. Options may include:
- Medical weight loss
- Nutrition and lifestyle support
- Prescription weight loss medications, when appropriate
- Sleeve gastrectomy
- Gastric bypass
- SADI-S (single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy)
- Revisional bariatric surgery
- Gastric band repair or removal
Understanding the Difference: Medical Weight Loss vs. Bariatric Surgery
Medical weight loss care is nonsurgical and typically includes medical evaluation, nutrition counseling, activity goal setting, and, in some cases, prescription medications to support weight loss.
Bariatric surgery changes your stomach and/or intestines to help you lose weight and improve health problems related to obesity. Surgery is often considered when other methods have not led to lasting results or when weight is already affecting your health.
Many people also ask about GLP-1 and similar weight loss medicines. For some people, medicine alone is helpful. Others do better with surgery or a combination of medication and surgery. During your visit, we review these options and discuss what may fit your health needs and goals.
Support at Every Stage
Most people need more than one visit or procedure to reach their weight loss goals. Long-term follow-up is an important part of safe and effective weight loss care, especially after surgery. Education, regular follow-up and clear instructions can make a meaningful difference. This program provides support from your first consultation through long-term follow-up.
Support at this hospital may include:
- A care team experienced in weight loss treatment
- Nutrition education and counseling
- Guidance before and after surgery or medical treatment
- Help with insurance questions and next steps
- Ongoing follow-up to help you stay on track
Meet the Physicians
Led by board-certified general surgeon Dr. Fermin Fontan, New Mexico Bariatric Institute employs a bilingual staff of dedicated professionals who want to help you achieve your weight loss and health goals.
.tmb-0.webp?Culture=en "MBSAQIP Accredited Center Quality Program Logo")
Alice
“The New Mexico Bariatric Institute transformed my mind, my body and my life.”
Mom & Daughter Yolanda & Genevieve
“Since my surgery, I haven’t taken Tylenol, I got off about 50 medications, no more oxygen, no more CPAP machine, and I just feel like I gave myself some years to live.”
Ready to Get Started?
Taking the first step does not mean committing to surgery — it means getting answers. During your first visit, we review typical insurance requirements and the steps needed before certain treatments, such as surgery. Whether you are interested in medical weight loss, bariatric surgery or simply want to understand your options, we’re here to help.
Not sure which approach is right for you? Start with a conversation. We can review your health history, explain your choices and outline possible next steps.