While it was once considered a technique of last resort, weight loss surgery (also known as bariatric surgery) has become an accepted, mainstream treatment in the fight against obesity, the many problems that often go along with it, and reaching weight loss goals. When it comes to being morbidly obese there are numerous accompanying health conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, sleep apnea, and many more. Fortunately, many of these illnesses are improved and even resolved with weight loss.
For many people, weight loss is a nearly impossible endeavor, and extra help is needed. This is the purpose of weight management surgery and weight loss programs. Plano & Dallas, Texas has one of the more experienced bariatric surgeons around: Dr. Preeti Malladi.
How Does Weight Loss Surgery Work?
So how do these procedures work for weight loss? The first thing to note is they don’t replace routine weight management efforts of eating right and exercising. Instead, weight loss procedures make alterations to the way you digest food, in many cases limiting how much you can eat. Bariatric procedures enhance your efforts to help you be successful.
If you meet any of these criteria, you may be eligible for one of the below weight loss surgery procedures:
- Your BMI (Body Mass Index) exceeds 40.
- Your BMI is 35 and you experience severe health problems as a result of your weight.
- You are over 100 pounds overweight.
- Previous efforts to reach a healthy body weight have been unsuccessful.
What are the different types of weight loss surgery?
Bariatric surgery patients have a few options when it comes to weight loss surgery. During your consultation, your weight loss surgeon will review your medical history, your current physical condition, your goals, and other factors that will affect your outcome. You and your surgeon can then discuss surgery options and determine which procedure is right for you.
Dr. Malladi and her team of professional medical staff provide a comprehensive bariatric surgery program and weight loss care to each patient using minimally invasive techniques. The weight management procedures offered by bariatric surgeons include:
These laparoscopic procedures are performed with minimal incisions to speed up healing, allowing you to get back to normal life and start your weight management plan quickly.
Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the most commonly performed weight loss surgery. In this surgery, a small pouch is created by stapling the upper part of the stomach. The smaller portion of the stomach is then attached directly to the small intestine, bypassing a large portion of the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). In this minimally invasive procedure, the stomach is made smaller to limit food intake and suppress hunger, & the intestines are modified to limit calorie absorption.
Gastric Sleeve
In this minimally-invasive procedure, a portion of the stomach is removed and what remains is a smaller sleeve-like section. There are two benefits to the gastric sleeve:
- When the majority of the stomach is removed, the body produces less of the hormone that makes you feel hungry.
- With a smaller stomach, you feel fuller sooner and can’t eat as much.
The gastric sleeve is typically used on patients with a BMI of 40 or greater and who have 100 lbs or more to lose.
Band Adjustments
In Adjustable Gastric Banding surgery, a hollow band made of special material is placed around the stomach near its upper end, creating a small pouch (about 7 ounces) with a narrow passage leading into the larger remainder of the stomach. Oftentimes, patients require this band to be “adjusted” to remain effective. During a band adjustment, sterile saline is infused into the port underneath the skin in order to inflate or deflate the adjustable gastric band around the stomach. The adjustment leads to a decrease in appetite and an increase in the sensation of fullness.
Bariatric Revisional surgery
Band-to-Sleeve: Certain patients who experience issues with their gastric banding or have inadequate weight loss may benefit from having their band and port removed and converted to a gastric sleeve. These individuals may be candidates for revisional bariatric surgery.
Band-to-Bypass: Certain patients with issues with their gastric banding or inadequate weight loss may benefit from having their band and port removed and converted to a gastric bypass.
Sleeve-to-Bypass: Certain patients who may have nausea or reflux after a sleeve or inadequate weight loss may benefit from having their gastric sleeve converted to a gastric bypass.
Other Dallas bariatric revision surgery options for gastric banding, gastric sleeve, and gastric bypass are also available. Please contact our office to discuss your situation and needs in more detail.
Does Insurance Cover Weight Loss Surgery?
Most insurance companies will pay for weight loss surgery that is medically necessary. Please check with your insurer to determine if bariatric surgery is covered. Prior to surgery, our office will work with your insurance company to pre-authorize your procedure and determine what your out-of-pocket costs will be. If you are uninsured, contact our office to learn about self-pay options.
Dallas & Plano Weight Loss Surgery—What Makes Dr. Malladi Different?
If you’re looking for a weight loss or an obesity surgeon in the Dallas area, make sure you understand the process. An experienced bariatric surgeon like Dr. Malladi will help you create a complete weight management program consisting of portion control, healthy eating habits, and exercise to help achieve your weight loss goals and maintain your good results after loss surgery. Contact Dr. Malladi at Malladi Bariatrics and Advanced Surgery in Dallas and Plano to discuss your case and a weight loss surgery program for your individual needs.
