Weight loss surgery
Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is performed on patients with obesity. There are several types of bariatric procedures, but all focus on making modifications to the digestive system with the goal of significant weight loss.
Weight loss surgery in Southwest Virginia
We are committed to helping you live a healthier life.
At LewisGale Medical Center, we want to help you achieve your weight loss goals. Our surgical weight loss program includes individualized treatment plans, education and long-term postoperative follow-up care. With accreditation from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®), we ensure our patients receive multidisciplinary medical care, improving patient outcomes and long-term success.
A healthier you
Are you a candidate for bariatric surgery? Determine if you qualify with our online assessment.
Are you a candidate for bariatric surgery? Determine if you qualify with our online assessment.
Our surgical weight loss services
Our multidisciplinary care team consists of bariatric surgeons, dietitians and nurses. They are here to support you throughout your weight loss journey.
Types of weight loss surgery we offer
Once you come to us, we carefully look at your overall health, needs and goals to determine what procedure will deliver the best outcome.
We offer adjustable gastric banding, gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery. These are performed laparoscopically using minimally invasive approaches that result in shorter hospital stays, less pain and faster recoveries for you.
Adjustable gastric banding
During gastric banding, also known as lap band surgery, a small device is placed in the abdomen and wrapped around the top of the stomach. This band can be tightened or loosened as needed to find the perfect "tightness" you.
The goal is to provide you with a sense of satisfaction after eating small meals. If you eat small meals consistently, and exercise progressively, you will slowly lose weight over time.
The band does not restrict you from eating larger meals or snacking slowly throughout the day. Therefore, this procedure is most effective if you are active, motivated and disciplined, but struggle with constantly feeling hungry.
Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y)
The gastric bypass procedure comes in many forms, but the Roux-en-Y is the most common. During this procedure, your surgeon creates a small stomach pouch at the top of the stomach. Next, a Y-shaped section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch to allow food to bypass the lower stomach. This newly created pouch restricts the amount of food you can ingest, causing you to feel full faster.
Roux-en-Y is generally the bariatric procedure that results in the most weight loss, with an average of 70 to 75 percent of excess weight lost in the first year. Additionally, many comorbidities — such as diabetes, sleep apnea or glucose intolerance — are positively impacted right away.
This procedure is most effective if you have a high body mass index (BMI), severe acid reflux or diabetes or need to lose 130 pounds or more.
Gastric sleeve
The gastric sleeve, or vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is another restriction procedure. With gastric sleeve, about 80 percent of the stomach is removed through small incisions, leaving a "sleeve" of stomach behind. Compared to gastric bypass, the sleeve is less risky and generally results in less excess weight (about 60 to 65 percent versus 70 to 75 percent or more).
Gastric sleeve is usually best if you:
- Are experiencing fewer or less severe comorbidities
- Have had other abdominal surgeries
- Have less than 130 pounds to lose
What to know before and after bariatric surgery
Taking the step to have weight loss surgery is a major consideration. As such, we want you to be as informed as possible, before and after surgery.
Why consider weight loss surgery?
Obesity is a major health concern that can lead to the development of many life-threatening or disabling health conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Unfortunately, sometimes diet and exercise are simply not enough. In these cases, weight loss surgery can be extremely beneficial.
Weight loss surgery has progressed from an experimental, unconventional procedure to a safe, standard-of-care treatment for obesity that is now seen as life-changing metabolic surgery. After weight loss surgery, your heart and lungs do not have to work as hard and as a result, you can often lower or discontinue certain medications and treatments for other weight-related medical conditions.
Before your surgery
If you decide to undergo surgery, you will go through several months of preoperative classes and training prior to surgery. This will include visits with your surgeon, nursing staff, bariatric dietitians and trained psychologists. You should also maintain a liquid diet for two weeks prior to your surgery. During this process, you are expected to lose some weight and will receive medical clearance for surgery based on your health.
Immediately after your surgery
After undergoing surgery, you are generally up and walking within a few hours, can sip on ice chips and are typically discharged after one night in hospital. Once you are home, daily activity can quickly advance back to normal. You may take a week or two off from work, but there is very minimal pain after a few days and there are no restrictions on activity.
Diet and life after your surgery
For the first few weeks after surgery, you will have to remain on a carefully controlled liquid diet as you adjust to your new stomach anatomy. Then you can advance your diet to include soft foods such as tuna salad, egg salad, lunch meat, eggs, cheese and yogurt.
Over the next few months you will advance to eating solid foods — mostly meat, small amounts of cooked vegetables and very little else. You are encouraged to eat your small meals slowly and to minimize snacking. Exercise is also encouraged.
If you follow these instructions faithfully, you will lose about two-thirds to three-fourths of your excess weight in the first year after surgery. Along with this weight loss often comes resolution of medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, acid reflux and obstructive sleep apnea.
Weight Loss Surgery at LewisGale Medical Center
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