Bariatric surgery is a long-term weight loss solution for those who are severely overweight. This surgical procedure reduces the size of your stomach to minimize appetite. At Lompoc Valley Medical Center, we use the most advanced, minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgical techniques for bariatric surgery, so our patients can enjoy smaller incisions and quicker recovery times. We are accredited by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
We understand that deciding on your surgical weight loss treatment is highly personal and shouldn’t be taken lightly. That is why we want to help you learn about all of the available options, so you can make the best choice for your body.
The two surgery treatment options we offer for weight loss include Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy. Also available is Prescription based weight loss (called Medical Weight loss).
During gastric bypass surgery, your surgeon will staple part of your stomach to create a smaller pouch and then cut part of the small intestine—attaching it directly to the stomach pouch to ensure food bypasses the parts of the stomach and intestine that absorb the majority of calories. The small pouch restricts the amount of food you can eat. i. In addition to this surgery being restrictive, it is also malabsorptive, as your small intestine is rerouted which enables your body to absorb fewer calories from the foods you eat. Of all the different weight loss surgeries, patients lose the most weight on average with gastric bypass and are able to maintain their weight-loss.
Learn more about Gastric Bypass.
Also known as a gastric sleeve, this surgery removes about 80% of your stomach, reducing the amount of food you can eat during a meal. The remaining 20% of your stomach will be configured into a vertical, banana-shaped pouch. This surgery may also affect your levels of leptin and ghrelin—these “hunger hormones” have been tied to appetite, to further prevent you from overeating. Because a portion of your stomach is removed, this is a non-reversible procedure. Most patients lose weight faster with sleeve gastrectomy than with adjustable gastric banding and itis less likely that you experience malabsorption and nutrient deficiencies as those who receive gastric bypass.
Learn more about Sleeve Gastrectomy.
Ideal candidates for weight-loss surgery are at least 100 pounds overweight and have a BMI of 40 or greater. Additionally, those with a BMI of 35 or greater may also qualify if they have at least one obesity-related health issue. This includes, but is not limited to: Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and heart disease.
The second part of the evaluation process involves consulting with one of our dieticians, as understanding your eating habits and lifestyle is critical in determining weight loss success. Our dieticians will coach you through a supervised weight-loss plan—particularly if your insurance company requires you to lose weight before surgery—and you will complete a food diary.
You still have options if you are not a good candidate for bariatric surgery. Our professionals might recommend a prescriptive weight-loss program that can incorporate one or more medications based on your needs and medical history. View our medical weight loss page to learn more!
Bariatric surgery not only assists in weight loss, but it can also treat conditions tied to obesity. Studies show that bariatric procedures can reduce or eliminate the symptoms of obesity-related conditions, such as:
Additionally, weight-loss surgery can lower your chances of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
At Lompoc Valley Medical Center, we know that there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution to weight loss, and our team of highly specialized professionals works collaboratively to create a custom treatment plan. Your team includes:
Together, we help you meet your weight loss goals. Our team provides complete pre- and post-surgical diagnostic testing, including endoscopy, lab work, and x-rays, if needed. We also offer access to our monthly bariatric support group with other pre- and post-surgical patients.
If you need help losing excess weight—and have tried a variety of other diets and weight-loss methods—our bariatric surgery team is here to help. We pair the most advanced technologies and techniques with a personalized and collaborative approach to offer our patients a quality experience. To get started, we offer both monthly informational seminars as well as a free, no-obligation one-on-one consultation so you have answers to all of your questions before making your decision.
For more information about our Lompoc bariatric surgery treatments, call us at (805) 737-3382.
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