Weight loss surgery

When conventional methods prove ineffective for losing weight, bariatric surgery can help you achieve sustained weight loss. As surgery is a major life decision with significant impacts, there are certain qualifications you must meet to get approved for surgery, including:

• 40 or higher body mass index (BMI)
• BMI of 35 or higher, plus one or more weight-related health conditions

Bariatric surgery may be a good option if you are severely obese and experience one of the following related conditions:

• Depression
• Heartburn
• High blood pressure
• Infertility
• Menstrual irregularities
• Osteoarthritis
• Respiratory problems
• Type 2 diabetes
• Urinary stress incontinence

Bariatric surgery should be a last resort, after you attempt more conventional weight loss methods, such as regimented diet and exercise. However, we understand that surgery is absolutely necessary in certain situations. When you meet with one of the dedicated weight loss doctors at our locations, including Las Palmas Del Sol Bariatric Clinic - East, we will evaluate your current level of health and determine the best care plan based on your individual needs and goals.

People with different body types and levels of overall health have different needs, so we offer multiple types of procedures to meet those needs. Additionally, the weight loss surgeons at our locations can use minimally invasive techniques that offer the same results as traditional surgery, but with less scarring and a faster recovery.

Adjustable gastric banding

Gastric banding, or lap band surgery, is accomplished by placing a small device in your abdomen that wraps around the top of the stomach. We work with your individual physique to determine the optimal "tightness" of the device, to make you as comfortable as possible. This procedure makes you feel fuller after smaller-than-normal meals.

By combining the physical effects of surgery with prolonged exercise and a commitment to eating smaller meals, you should be able to progressively lose weight and keep it off. Although it will increase the feeling of fullness, the band will not restrict you from eating larger meals, so maintaining your dedication to postoperative diet and exercise is critical for making this type of surgery a long-term success.

Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y)

During the Roux-en-Y procedure, we create a small pouch at the top of your stomach. From there, the surgeon attaches a Y-shaped section of the small intestine to the pouch, allowing food to bypass the lower stomach. This limits how much food it takes for you to feel satiated.

Gastric bypass is generally considered the procedure that enables the most weight loss within a time period of about two years. Specifically, the surgery is most effective if you:

• Are experiencing additional health conditions, such as diabetes, sleep apnea or severe acid reflux
• Have a BMI score greater than 35
• Need to lose 130 pounds or more

Gastric sleeve

Also known as a "sleeve gastrectomy procedure," this surgery limits the amount of food you can eat. We remove approximately 80% or more of your stomach, leaving behind a "sleeve" of stomach. As a result, you will experience hormonal adjustments and reduced food intake, and these changes will inform your weight loss success moving forward.

Gastric sleeve is considered an optimal treatment for metabolic syndrome. It is typically the best option if you are experiencing fewer or less severe health complications, have had other abdominal surgeries or have less than 130 pounds to lose.

We understand that surgery is just the beginning of your weight loss journey. Although losing weight after surgery may seem straightforward, there are other important considerations to address during the process. Our program prepares you to embrace all the changes you may experience after undergoing a bariatric procedure, not just the physical changes.

One of these considerations is your mental health. With weight loss surgery, you are experiencing a sizeable, albeit positive, lifestyle change that affects all aspects of your life, so getting behavioral support is key to long-term success. Recognizing this crucial role that mental health plays, our team makes all manner of support, guidance and resources available to you.

We have received numerous recognitions for providing high-quality bariatric surgical care. These designations recognize our commitment to positive outcomes, as well as upholding high surgical standards. Our accreditations include:

• Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery by Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Certified Facility or Hospital for Bariatric Surgery by Cigna Healthcare
• Institute of Quality for Bariatric Surgery by Aetna
• Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program by American College of Surgeons

Not all insurance plans may cover the costs of weight loss surgery, but our team will work with your insurance provider to demonstrate the medical necessities of the procedure. During this process, you might need to provide documented evidence that you were unable to lose enough weight with a supervised diet and exercise program. Regardless of your situation, it is essential to research your insurance coverage and your expected out-of-pocket costs.

Self-paying is another option to consider. Benefits of self-pay include avoiding waiting for your insurance provider to approve coverage for the procedure. As someone utilizing the self-pay option, you will receive a total upfront cost after your initial consultation.