BLIS insurance now available at the Bariatric Institute of WI for our self pay clients!
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ASBS Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence

Bariatric Institute of Wisconsin (BIW)
Serving Elmbrook & Waukesha

Do you or someone you love struggle with obesity?


Find new hope with minimally-invasive weight loss surgery, both LAP-BandŽ and Roux-en-Y Gastric By-Pass.


The Bariatric Institute of
Wisconsin is here to help.

Weight loss surgery is a life-changing decision. You want the best medical care available for this major procedure. Combined, David Engstrand, M.D., James W. Burhop, M.D., Manfred Chiang, M.D. and Dr. Bobby Wu have more than 65 years of surgical experience. Each is exceptionally skilled at minimally invasive laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

  • The BIW surgical team has helped hundreds of patients fulfill their dream of a slimmer life.
  • BIW includes a comprehensive team with bariatric nurses, dieticians, a physical therapist and psychologist. At the hospital the anesthesiology, recovery room, x-ray and nursing staff are all experienced in caring for our bariatric patients.
  • Support groups before and after surgery.
  • Comfortable setting tailored to your needs.

Why Surgery?

  • Weight-loss surgery is the most successful treatment for severe obesity.
  • Obesity causes more serious effects on overall health than either smoking or problem drinking.
  • Increases in chronic health conditions caused by obesity are similar to those from 20 years of aging.
  • Obesity increases the risk of death from:
    • Heart Disease
    • Type 2 Diabetes
    • Sleep apnea
    • Difficulty Breathing
    • Stroke
    • High blood pressure
    • Cancer
    • Joint problems

Innovative Surgical Techniques

Drs. Engstrand, Burhop, Chiang and Wu are one of the first teams of physicians in Wisconsin to develop a minimally invasive bariatric program. They perform LAP-BandŽ, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, Gastric Sleeve Resection and BDS-DS laparoscopically. That means small incisions, faster recovery and reduced risk of complications. These doctors are four of only a handful of surgeons skilled in both of these laparoscopic surgical weight loss techniques.

Who Qualifies?

  • A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more. Click here to use the BMI calculator
  • BMI of 35 with other significant health risks.
  • Documentation of 5 years of severe obesity.