Advanced Bariatric Surgery and Medical Weight Loss
Empowering You to Make A Change
Reconstructive Surgery
What is weight loss surgery?
Also known as “bariatric” or “metabolic” surgery, weight loss surgery is a proven treatment for obesity. It is the only treatment that has been shown to result in long term weight loss and resolution of obesity-related medical conditions.
Why choose UofL Health – Advanced Bariatric Surgery and Weight Loss?
Advanced and Effective Treatment
At UofL Health – Advanced Bariatric Surgery and Weight Loss, we offer the latest and most effective treatments for obesity. We offer five advanced surgical options, as well as advanced endoscopic (non-surgical) procedures.
Convenient Care
With our virtual platforms, most of your evaluation process can be completed from your home, at your convenience, minimizing your time away from work and family.
Expedited Recovery
All procedures are done in a minimally invasive fashion. Our accelerated recovery protocols limit your time in the hospital and get you back to life sooner.
Commitment to YOU
We are committed to your success. We provide comprehensive, LIFELONG follow-up care to support you and your health. We will be with you on every step of your journey.
Individual Care
Our compassionate multidisciplinary team will tailor treatment options to you, your health conditions, and your goals.
Will I benefit from bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery may be right for you if your weight interferes with the quality of your life. Specifically, bariatric surgery has been shown to have the following health benefits:
Improvement in overall health, fitness, energy level, mobility and longevity
Significant improvement in Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease
Decreased risk of certain cancers
Increased fertility
Weight optimization prior to undergoing surgery for a separate medical condition (such as hernia surgery or joint surgery)
Ability to wean weight loss medications
Treatment of weight recurrence after an initial bariatric procedure
Am I a Candidate?
Insurance companies generally consider coverage for bariatric surgery if one of the following conditions are met:
BMI is 40 or more
BMI is 35-40, with a major health complication such as:
Diabetes
Cardiovascular disease including high blood pressure, high cholesterol or significant heart disease
Debilitating joint pain
Sleep apnea
Uncontrolled GERD or acid reflux
You are having a complication or adverse side effect from a prior bariatric surgery
Calculate your BMI to see if you qualify
Weight loss surgery options
UofL Physicians Advanced Bariatric Surgery offers a full range of the most advanced and effective weight loss surgery options at UofL Hospital, including the following:
It is important to weigh the risks and benefits of each procedure. You and your provider will discuss your medical history and individual goals to decide which surgery is right for you.
What is the process to have bariatric surgery?
Step One:
Make the decision to change your life. Click “Request an Appointment” to schedule an evaluation.
Step Two:
Attend a virtual consultation with your surgeon to individualize your treatment plan and receive your personalized next steps.
Step Three:
Complete your Pre-Surgery Checklist
Step Four:
Schedule your Surgery! You will have a second virtual consultation with your surgeon to review your pre-surgery checklist, finalize your surgery choice and discuss details of your upcoming surgery. Once your prior authorization is approved by your insurance company (average 2 weeks) you will get a surgery date!
Meet Our Providers
Dr. Elizabeth Bruenderman
is a bariatric and general surgeon with UofL Health – Advanced Bariatric Surgery and Weight Loss and serves as medical director of the program. Dr. Bruenderman is a native of Louisville and feels incredibly fortunate to practice in her hometown and give back to her community. She completed medical school, internship and residency at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, then received further training in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery through fellowship at Duke University. She returned to Louisville in 2023 to join the UofL School of Medicine, Department of Surgery as an assistant professor and a bariatric and general surgeon with UofL Health.
Dr. Nanlong “Nathan” Liu
is a gastroenterologist with UofL Health and specializes in endoscopic procedures for weight loss, including endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. He is an assistant professor in the UofL School of Medicine, Department of Medicine. He received undergraduate degrees in biology and chemistry from Emory University. His medical training was received at the Medical College of Georgia. This was followed by residency training in internal medicine at the University of Louisville. Dr. Liu then earned fellowships in gastroenterology from the University of Louisville and advanced endoscopy and third space endoscopy from the University of Florida.
Patient resources:
How to find us/contact info:
UofL Health – Chestnut Street Outpatient Center
401 E. Chestnut Street, Suite 710
Louisville, KY 40202
502-583-8303 Parking info
Pre-surgery appointments take place in the UofL Physicians – General Surgery practice, located in the UofL Health – Chestnut Street Outpatient Center, which connects to UofL Hospital. Most surgeries will take place at UofL Hospital, which is getting a brand new facelift with the addition of a West Tower, scheduled to open in 2025.
Clinician resources
Referral information: To refer a patient, call 502-583-8303 or refer using EPIC ID: HCOC GENERAL SURGERY.