How to Lose Weight with Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is helping obese patients gain control of their weight and their health. The procedure helps improve obesity related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels and sleep apnea.
How to Lose Weight with Surgery
PIH Health offers three different surgical treatments for obesity. Each is designed to make the stomach smaller and may even change the configuration of the small intestine.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
This procedure is the most complex of the three surgical options. It can be performed with minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques and offers high weight loss success rates.
Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve Surgery)
This procedure is the most common option for surgical weight loss in the United States. It is a simpler operation than gastric bypass with similar success rates.
Adjustable Gastric Band
This solution involves a silicone band placed around the top part of the stomach to reduce its volume. It is the least invasive of the options, and is typically performed as an outpatient procedure.
Each type of surgery has advantages and disadvantages. These descriptions are for general information only and should not take the place of a detailed discussion with your surgeon.
Bariatric Doctor
Meet Justin Braverman MD, director of bariatric surgery at PIH Health:
Bariatric Surgery Benefits
In addition to promoting long-term weight loss, bariatric surgery can improve health problems related to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels and sleep apnea. Surgery and accompanying weight loss can lead to improved physical function, mood and quality of life.
Bariatric Surgery Risks and Side Effects
Every operation has risks, and you should talk with your surgeon about all of the possible risks associated with your chosen procedure. The risks of obesity and its associated illnesses far outweigh the risks of bariatric surgery.
More Information
Our Bariatric Program includes educational weight loss classes that fulfill the requirements for most health plans. Classes are taught Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm at PIH Health Whittier Hospital located at 12401 Washington Blvd., Whittier, CA 90602.
The goals of the nutrition classes are to teach healthy eating habits and behavior skills that will promote success in your weight loss journey. The classes are appropriate for those wishing to lose weight through diet and exercise only or those preparing for bariatric procedures.
We also have both Bariatric Support Groups and the post-operative Lifestyle Lab Workshops that meet twice per month and are appropriate for those considering the procedure or for those who have already had surgery. Our goal is for long-lasting success.
For more information about our program, visit: PIHHealth.org/Bariatrics or call 562.789.5449.
