Bariatric Surgery

How Bariatric Surgery Can Help With Obesity[a][b] 

        Obesity is more than just the struggle of losing weight. It can also lead to potentially life-threatening health problems, such as sleep apnea, liver disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes.

        In such cases, bariatric surgery presents effective treatments to reduce the risks associated with severe obesity.

Generally, bariatric surgery procedures cause long term significant weight loss, improved cardiovascular risk factors, recovery from diabetes, and a mortality reduction from 40% to 23%(1).

        At the Khalili Center, we offer a wide array of weight loss procedures administered by the most experienced bariatric surgeons in Southern California.

Our center is run by a pioneer in bariatric surgery and treatment, Dr. Theodore Khalili. He has performed over 8,783 bariatric and advanced laparoscopic surgeries, including the United States’ first robot-assisted gastric bypass surgery.[c][d]

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Watch our clients share how their lives have been transformed by these surgeries at the Khalili Center.

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Types of Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery involves various procedures to restrict the amount of food the stomach can hold and help obese patients lose excess weight.

The Khalili Center guarantees patients to be well-informed about their weight loss surgery options, their benefits, and risks.

We provide different types of weight loss surgery. They include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, LAP-BAND® surgery, and revisional procedures.

During a consultation, your surgeon will review your surgical options with you to determine the most appropriate procedure for your condition.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

        This surgery involves a procedure called Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, where the stomach and the small intestine are rearranged to modify how these organs absorb and digest food.

Gastric bypass causes malabsorption of nutrients and a decrease in the absorption of calories.

This surgical procedure modifies a part of the small intestine to provide an outlet to the small stomach and maintain digestive juices. Meanwhile, the lower portion of the stomach is bypassed.

During Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, bariatric surgeons insert instruments through several small incisions in the abdomen.

        Our surgeons create a small pouch by cutting the top part of the stomach from the rest of the stomach. Then, the bottom end of your small intestine is connected to the small stomach pouch.

This rerouting of your intestines may produce a favorable change in your gut hormones to reduce hunger and increase satiety.

        After surgery, the size of the stomach will be smaller. The increase in satiety hormones will also help you reduce food intake and feel full.  

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery is also called vertical sleeve gastrectomy. It is a laparoscopic procedure that involves the removal of about 80% of the stomach.

Surgeons create a tube-like pouch or gastric sleeve that empties food off the bottom of the stomach and into the small intestine.

        This procedure results in a smaller stomach and produces less of the appetite-increasing hormone ghrelin, which lessens your desire to eat.

Unlike gastric bypass surgeries, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a less complicated procedure that does not require rerouting the intestines. This surgery allows you to lose a significant amount of weight.

LAP-BAND® Surgery

The lap band surgery involves placing an adjustable gastric banding device around the top portion of the stomach. The lap band creates a two-compartment stomach, resulting in a patient eating enough food to fill the stomach’s top part.

After this gastric banding surgery, the stomach's upper small pouch can hold only about half a cup of food. Patients will feel full faster and satisfied longer.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the LAP-BAND® is indicated for use in severely obese adult patients with a BMI of 40 and above and have failed in other weight reduction alternatives(2).

Revisional Procedures

        Weight loss surgeries are generally successful, but some procedures require occasional revision due to device-related problems or unsatisfactory weight loss.

        Some patients may suffer from heartburn after sleeve gastrectomy. Outdated and restrictive procedures, such as stapled gastroplasty, may[g] also result in anatomic and nutritional complications.

        In these cases, you would need an experienced bariatric surgeon to perform these revisional procedures.

The founder of the Khalili Center, Dr. Khalili, is one of the leading authorities on revisional bariatric surgery in the U.S. [h][i]

Choosing the Best Bariatric Surgeon

        It is important to choose a highly trained bariatric surgeon to help you take the right steps toward your weight loss goals.

        The Khalili Center’s founder, Dr. Khalili has proven his expertise after performing thousands of bariatric surgeries. He has also contributed substantial research on surgical procedures and technologies to the medical community.

        With his vast experience in weight loss surgeries, Dr. Khalili has trained several surgeons who have led bariatric programs all over the country.

He was also part of the team that launched the Khalili Center's weight loss surgery program.

        Along with Dr. Khalili are other experienced surgeons on bariatric surgery, minimally-invasive surgery, robotics surgery, and general surgery.

Discover more about our team of medical professionals here committed to offering you the most comprehensive care possible.

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Is Bariatric Surgery for You?[j]

        The Khalili Center makes sure that you get a comprehensive assessment to know if you are the right candidate for bariatric surgery. We help you determine which procedure is the safest and most appropriate for you.

The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) recommend bariatric surgery for the following(3):

  1. Obese people with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40
  2. People with a BMI of at least 35 and serious coexisting medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hypertension, or heart disease
  3. People unable to achieve long-term weight loss, despite efforts in dieting and exercise

The NIH and ASMBS also recommend a board-certified surgeon with specialized bariatric surgery experience to perform the procedure.

At the Khalili Center, we are a multi-disciplinary team of experts highly trained in bariatric surgery. Our doctors have successfully performed over 5,000 surgical weight loss procedures.

How Bariatric Surgery Works

We perform surgeries using minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopic surgery). Generally, laparoscopic surgery results in less pain, faster recovery, shorter hospital stay, and faster return to work(4).

A laparoscope, an instrument with a camera attached, is inserted through small incisions in the abdomen. It allows surgeons to view and operate inside your abdomen without making the traditional large incisions.

However, bariatric surgery may not be suitable for everyone. If a traditional open surgery needs to be done, you can rest assured that an experienced surgeon of the Khalili Center will safely handle the procedure.

Preparing for Bariatric Surgery

If you qualify for bariatric surgery, your health care team will give you instructions on preparing for your specific procedure.

The Khalili Center ensures that you get a proper preoperative preparation to make sure that the surgery goes smoothly.

You may need to undergo various laboratory tests before the surgery. You may also have restrictions on eating, drinking, and which medications to take.

We ask our clients to check with their insurance providers if they can cover the tests’ costs. Your surgeon then will conduct a series of consultations and diagnostic examinations to prepare you for the surgery.

Post-surgery Expectations[k]

        After your bariatric surgery, you must refrain from eating solid food for one to two days to allow your stomach and digestive system to heal.

        Most patients at the Khalili Center experience a smooth recovery time. However, we recommend follow-up consultations with your assigned doctor if you observe any postoperative complications.

Frequent medical checkups, blood work, and weight management sessions are also required in the first several months after the surgery.

        Approximately 50% of patients may regain a small amount of weight two years or more after surgery(5). However, it is well-documented that most bariatric surgery patients maintain successful long-term weight loss.

We encourage lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy foods and staying active, to maintain a healthy body weight and improve your quality of life. 

Recovering From Bariatric Surgery

        At the Khalili Center, your weight loss journey does not end after the surgery. We offer a unique care support program tailored to your needs.

        This holistic and fully-integrated program consists of follow-up consultations, ongoing education (in-person and online), fitness, nutrition, support, and community activities.

        Our unique care support begins with a private nutrition counseling session with our registered dietitian. Meanwhile, our psychologist offers a private psychological counseling session to prepare patients for life after weight loss surgery.

        We also encourage our patients to attend our support groups to learn from other weight loss surgery patients. To keep them active, we have planned several special events throughout the year.

        The Khalili Center believes that support is imperative to the success of our bariatric patients. We have designed these programs to keep you on a long-term path to wellness.

FAQs

What are the Risks of Undergoing Bariatric Surgery?

Although bariatric surgery is generally safe for weight loss, it can have side effects. Risks associated with this surgical procedure include:

  • Adverse reactions to anesthesia
  • Blood clots
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Infection
  • Leaks in your gastrointestinal system
  • Lung or breathing problems

        Long-term risks and complications can also occur, depending on the type of surgery. These can include:

  • Bowel obstruction
  • Dumping syndrome, which leads to nausea, vomiting, flushing, lightheadedness, or diarrhea  
  • Gallstones
  • Hernias
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Ulcers
  • Acid reflux (GERD)[l][m]

Does Insurance Cover Bariatric Surgery?

        Bariatric surgery is often covered by insurance. Several insurance companies cover the procedure costs if your BMI is 35 or above.

To find out if your insurance policy provides coverage, the Khalili Center offers free insurance verification.

How Quickly Can I Get Bariatric Surgery?

The Khalili Center understands the urgency of your condition. Before undergoing any procedure, we ensure that you get a comprehensive evaluation from one of our experienced bariatric surgeons to determine the best approach to your situation.

Our customer and medical care team are ready to assist you with any inquiries and health information you may need.

Call us at 310-246-9083 and experience the Khalili difference today.

References

  1. Robinson, MK. (July 2009). "Editorial: Surgical treatment of obesity—weighing the facts". The New England Journal of Medicine. 361 (5): 520–1. doi:10.1056/NEJMe0904837. PMID 19641209
  2. The LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System Summary of Safety and  Effectiveness Data. (2001, June 5). Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf/P000008b.pdf
  3. American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS.org). (Accessed 2020). Who is a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery? Retrieved from: https://asmbs.org/patients/who-is-a-candidate-for-bariatric-surgery
  4. Velanovich, V. (2000). Laparoscopic vs open surgery. Surgical endoscopy, 14(1), 16-21.
  5. American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS.org). (Accessed 2020). Bariatric Surgery Misconceptions. Retrieved from: https://asmbs.org/patients/bariatric-surgery-misconceptions

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