Bariatric Surgery

What is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, involves medical procedures that produce significant weight loss in people who carry excess body weight. Dr. Paya at SurgiThin provides various weight loss procedures that bypass portions of the stomach, reduce the size of your stomach, or alter your digestive system in other ways to make it easier to eat fewer calories.

Which health conditions can bariatric surgery help?

The benefits of bariatric surgery extend beyond simply achieving your target body weight. It helps overweight and obese individuals gain self-confidence, mood improvements, and a better overall quality of life. Achieving an ideal weight can reduce your risk of or improve:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Sleep apnea
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
• Arthritis
• Joint pain
• Other forms of pain
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Skin conditions
• Breast, prostate, endometrial, and other cancers 

Completing bariatric surgery may also improve your ability to complete routine daily tasks, stay active, and keep your energy levels high.

Who is a candidate for bariatric surgery?

The SurgiThin specialists determine if you’re a candidate for bariatric surgery after discussing your goals, previous weight loss attempts, lifestyle, and medical history. They also complete a physical exam and lab testing.

Candidates for bariatric surgery are individuals with obesity who haven’t had success losing weight using other methods. They are at risk of obesity-related medical problems or may already have a chronic disease. You must be willing to adopt healthy habits before and after surgery and participate in a long-term follow-up plan. 

As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks involved with surgery. Your provider reviews these with you to ensure surgery is the right option. 

SurgiThin also provides weight loss injections and other medical weight loss solutions if bariatric surgery is not suitable for you. 

Which bariatric surgery options are available?

SurgiThin provides an array of bariatric surgeries, including:

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

A sleeve gastrectomy procedure requires a tiny incision and removes about 80% of your stomach, leaving a tube-like pouch that can’t hold as much food. This causes you to feel full from fewer calories. The procedure removes part of the stomach associated with hunger hormones, thereby reducing your appetite.

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty 

An endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty also reduces the size of the stomach, but this procedure doesn’t require any incisions. Your specialist accesses your stomach by passing an endoscope (long, thin tube) down your throat. They close off part of your stomach, creating a sleeve-like pouch that’s about 30% of your stomach’s original size.

Orbera® gastric balloon surgery

The Orbera weight loss balloon procedure inserts an inflatable balloon-like device into your stomach to help you feel fuller and consume fewer calories. This intragastric balloon doesn’t require surgery for placement, making it a popular option for people who want to lose weight rapidly without any surgical risks.

Schedule a bariatric surgery evaluation at SurgiThin by phone or request one online today to learn more about your weight loss options.