Weight Loss Services

There are many different options for weight loss surgery, or medically assisted weight loss. Learn more about these options to help choose the right option for you.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

A Sleeve Gastrectomy is conducted when people are severely overweight and unable to lose weight with diet, exercise, or medicine. The surgery can be conducted either by making a large incision in the abdomen, called an open procedure, or by making several small incisions and using small instruments and a camera to guide the surgeon, also known as a laparoscopic approach. The procedure itself consists of removal of over half the stomach, leaving behind a vertical “sleeve”, therefore limiting the amount of food the stomach can hold and reducing hunger, combined with a change of hormones in the body that limit hunger. A huge benefit to this surgery is the reduced risk of malabsorption. The lack of hunger will cause you to change your diet and eat much less food than you are accustomed to. Sleeve gastrectomy research shows that people who have had this surgery on average lose more than half of their excess weight. http://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/restrictive-operations-stomach-stapling-or-gastric-banding

Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass

Considered the gold standard of weight loss surgery, this method separates the stomach into two parts to limit food consumption and produce extreme weight loss through a laparoscopic approach (small stomach incisions). Food goes directly to the smaller section, which is about the size of an egg, through an attachment at the Roux limb and then straight to the middle of the small intestine (forming a “y” shape), passing the rest of the stomach and small intestine, causing you to eat less food and reduces the amount of fat and calories absorbed from the foods you eat. Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass is conducted to treat severe obesity in patients that have a body mass index over 40 and usually also suffer from other health conditions like sleep apnea, high blood pressure, heart disease, or type 2 diabetes. It is recommended to people who have been unsuccessful with other weight loss methods. After the surgery, people may need to take supplements such as: daily multivitamins, daily calcium supplements, vitamin B-12 supplements, oral vitamin D supplements, and iron supplements to prevent nutritional deficiencies.

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/gastroenterology/roux-en-y_gastric_bypass_weight-loss_surgery_135,65/

Duodenal Switch and Single Anastomosis Duodenal Switch

The Duodenal Switch works by removing a large portion of the stomach, similar to the gastric sleeve, and also bypasses a large portion of the small intestine, resulting in lower caloric absorption. The middle section of the intestine is closed off and attached directly to the duodenum—this is the duodenum switch. The other section of the intestine is reattached to the end of the intestine, allowing pancreatic digestive liquids to flow into the intestine. This approach works by causing food to bypass most of the small intestine, limiting the amount of food that can be consumed and limiting the number of calories your body absorbs.

The Single Anastomosis Duodenal Switch is very similar to the Duodenal Switch, but bypasses less of the small intestine with a transection at only one point instead of two. Most of the stretchable portion of the stomach is removed, but stomach functions are not changed. Calorie absorption is decreased from bypassing half of the upper small intestine. The decrease in food consumption and malabsorption results in weight loss from reduced calorie absorption. Also, there is a dramatic decrease in the appetite-producing hormone ghrelin because the ghrelin-producing tissue is completely removed. Release of appetite-suppressing hormones like polypeptideYY and glucagon-like Peptide 1 aid in weight loss as well. Single Anastomosis Duodenal Switch surgery is recommended for weight loss, weight maintenance, and type 2 diabetes resolution. About 70% of excess weight loss has been reported with this surgery.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bariatric-surgery/multimedia/biliopancreatic-diversion/vid-20084649

http://www.centerforweightlosssurgery.com/service/weight-loss-surgery/single-anastomosis-duodenal-switch

Revisional Bariatric Surgery

If you have previously undergone weight loss surgery and are experiencing weight regain, we offer consultations to create personalized plans to combat this. Revisional Bariatric Surgery is conducted when the patient has already undergone a form of bariatric surgery and either had complications, did not successfully lose weight, or wants to enhance weight loss results. The surgery can be done laparoscopically unless the previous surgery caused scarring. Revisional bariatric surgery may need to be done because the first bariatric surgery was either done incorrectly, or was not the best treatment for the patient. Obesity is a disease, and there is no one way that cures this disease for everyone, sometimes we need to try different approach, and we’re here to help.

http://bariatric.stopobesityforlife.com/obesity-surgery/correcting-obesity/procedures/revisional-bariatric-surgery/

Medically Supervised Weight Loss

Medically supervised weight loss is a program that helps you lose weight under a doctor’s supervision. A comprehensive, non-surgical approach to significant weight loss that includes education, nutritional guidance, exercise and/or medication. You can consult with a nutrition, dietician, doctors, and exercise counseling to get your best results without surgery and continue to receive support long after you have reached the desired healthy weight. Average weight lost in this program is 3 to 5 pounds per week for men and 2-4 pounds per week for women. There are weekly meetings and individualized coaching. The program uses nutritionally balanced meal replacements usually.

https://www.sharp.com/services/weight-loss/weight-management/medically-supervised-program.cfm

Weight Loss Medication

Weight Loss Medication can be used in addition to a healthy diet and exercise to help you lose weight. They may be prescribed if your BMI is 30 or higher, or you are at least 27 and you have a weight-related condition like type 2 diabetes or hypertension. Most weight loss medication can be used to suppress appetite or blocking your body from absorbing some of the fat consumed, allowing for a lower calorie intake. The most common prescription weight loss drugs are Orlistat, Belviq, Contrave, Saxenda, Phentermine, and Qsymia.

http://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/weight-loss-prescription-weight-loss-medicine

Fitness Program

This supporting approach to a weight loss program helps our patients make physical fitness a way of life by giving them an inspiring, safe, and supportive workout environment. We offer expert guidance to find the right program that works for you, to help you lose weight and sustain a healthier way of life. Fitness means having the energy and strength to feel as good as possible and can improve your health. The individualized program can include cardiovascular exercises, resistance training, and weight-lifting to lose weight, build muscle, or increase muscular endurance.