The western world is facing an epidemic of the disease known as obesity. Being obese can damage your health. With an elevated body mass index (BMI), your health can face serious repercussions that could affect your quality of life and potentially shorten your lifespan. One of the most effective modalities for treating obesity is bariatric or weight loss surgery. Bariatric surgery is recommended when you have tried all the conventional methods of weight loss to no avail.
If this describes you, schedule a consultation at Beverly Century Surgery Center to discuss bariatric surgery and what it can do for you. Dr. Babak Moeinolmolki is our resident bariatric surgeon. With decades of intense medical schooling, residency, and hands-on training, Dr. Moeinolmolki can provide you with the latest and most advanced bariatric procedures currently available. The doctor and his caring and compassionate surgical team aim to provide you with excellent results and a lifetime of healthy living.
After a short consultation, Dr. Moeinolmolki can provide you with a diagnosis before potentially recommending you for one of the following bariatric surgeries. All of these weight loss procedures are minimally invasive and performed using a laparoscopic camera and other cutting-edge tools.
Bariatric Surgery for Fast and Effective Weight Loss
Sleeve Gastrectomy
The vertical sleeve gastrectomy, or more simply the gastric sleeve, is a form of bariatric surgery that offers a permanent solution for excess weight accumulation. During the procedure, your bariatric surgeon will reduce the volume of your stomach by up to 75%. This major change to your digestive system forces you to eat less. The surgery is considered safe with a low risk of complications in the hands of an experienced bariatric surgeon.
The goal of the gastric sleeve is to help you maintain a sensible dietary plan. Several hormones are also affected by the digestive changes, helping you feel less hungry during and between meals. This combination of factors helps you lose up to half or more of your excess weight within one to two years following surgery.
Are You a Good Candidate for the Gastric Sleeve?
You would be considered ideal for gastric sleeve surgery if you have a BMI of 40 or over, indicating you are approximately 100 pounds over your ideal weight. Patients with lower BMIs may also qualify if they suffer from comorbidities such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, or joint pain. Demonstrating prior attempts at weight loss through conventional methods is also a prerequisite.
Benefits of the Gastric Sleeve
- Significant and rapid weight loss
- Minimal scarring and quick recovery
- Improvement or resolution of obesity-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes
Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass
Referred to as RYGB or simply gastric bypass, this surgery is considered the gold standard of bariatric surgeries. Gastric bypass provides a two-pronged approach to weight loss. First, the stomach is reduced by up to a third, restricting food intake. Second, the newly configured stomach is connected to the small intestine, rerouting the digestive process to absorb fewer calories. This setup resembles a Y shape, from which the procedure gets its name.
Are You a Good Candidate for Gastric Bypass?
Gastric bypass is recommended for patients diagnosed with severe obesity, typically with a BMI of 40 or greater.
Benefits of Gastric Bypass
- Greater potential for significant weight loss
- Reversal of weight-related conditions such as high blood pressure and sleep apnea
- Potential for losing 60% or more of excess weight
Intragastric Balloon
This non-surgical bariatric procedure is safe and effective for achieving moderate to significant weight loss. The gastric balloon is a temporary option with lower risks and complications compared to other procedures. The balloon is inserted into the stomach via a small endoscopic instrument, then inflated to reduce food intake. It is removed after six months, during which patients are encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle to maintain weight loss.
Are You a Good Candidate for a Gastric Balloon?
Ideal candidates for the gastric balloon have a BMI of 27 or higher. This procedure can also help individuals with extremely high BMIs lose weight before undergoing more permanent bariatric surgeries.
Benefits of the Gastric Balloon
- Non-invasive and temporary
- Safe and effective
- Quick results with minimal risks
Which Bariatric Surgery is Right for You?
At Beverly Century Surgery Center, we are here to answer your questions about bariatric procedures and their benefits. We can also help you understand any risks associated with these procedures. Our goal is to provide you with the information needed to make the best decision for your health.
Schedule a consultation today to discuss bariatric surgery with Dr. Babak Moeinolmolki and take the first step toward a healthier life.