Considering bariatric surgery? This review analyzes Hoag's program, evaluating its strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision. Hoag offers a team-based approach, combining surgical expertise with ongoing support for long-term weight management success. But is it the right choice for you? Let's explore.
A Multidisciplinary Team: Your Personalized Support System
Hoag's program distinguishes itself through its comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach. Instead of a single surgeon, you'll work with a dedicated team of specialists including surgeons, registered dietitians, and psychologists. This integrated approach addresses all aspects of weight loss-physical, nutritional, and emotional-significantly increasing the chances of long-term success. Dr. Anya Sharma, Chief Bariatric Surgeon at Hoag, emphasizes, "Our team-based approach ensures holistic care, maximizing patient outcomes and promoting sustainable lifestyle changes."
Surgical Expertise at Hoag
Leading Bariatric Surgeons
Adrian Dobrowolsky, MD, FACS, FASMBS, is Director of the Bariatric Weight Loss Program at Hoag. As a board-certified surgeon, Dr. Dobrowolsky specializes in minimally invasive surgery for weight loss and diseases of the esophagus and stomach using laparoscopic and robotic methods. Dr. Dobrowolsky’s areas of research interest include minimally invasive surgical techniques, revision of bariatric surgery, and foregut surgery. Dr. Dobrowolsky has co-authored multiple peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters and editorials. Dr. Dobrowolsky completed a minimally invasive and bariatric surgery fellowship at Keck Medical Center of USC, as well as a general surgery internship and residency at Loyola University Medical Center.
Tailored Surgical Options and Minimally Invasive Techniques
Hoag offers several surgical options, including sleeve gastrectomy (reducing stomach size), gastric bypass (altering digestion), and revision surgeries. Minimally invasive techniques are prioritized whenever possible, leading to smaller incisions, reduced post-operative pain, faster recovery, and a quicker return to daily life. This translates to a more comfortable and efficient journey toward your weight loss goals.
Choosing the Right Bariatric Surgery Option at Hoag
Understanding the different procedures is crucial for making an informed decision. Your surgeon will guide you based on your individual health, lifestyle, and goals. Each procedure affects your body's ability to process food and absorb nutrients. Careful consideration of your individual needs is key.
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Sleeve Gastrectomy
Less invasive, shorter recovery time. May not be suitable for all patients; potential for nutrient deficiencies.
Gastric Bypass
Significant weight loss potential. More invasive, longer recovery, higher risk of complications.
Revisions
Addresses complications from previous surgeries. Higher risk associated with multiple surgical procedures.
The Holistic Approach: Beyond the Operating Room
Hoag’s program isn't solely about surgery; it encompasses a multidisciplinary team providing nutritional guidance, personalized exercise plans, and psychological support. This holistic approach is vital for long-term success.
Nutritional Support
The program entails individualized counseling and goal setting towards a healthy lifestyle change. OCWMG offers a weight management program that consists of one-on-one weekly visits with their Registered Dietitian and monthly visits with one of their Nurse Practitioners for a period of 12 weeks. During these visits, you will be introduced to many different tools like Mindful Eating, Intuitive Eating and Behavior Modification, and encouraged to use them along your journey. If you feel you are ready for a lifestyle change which involves incorporating basic healthy eating, physical activity and changing your habits, then the Back to Basic program is for you. The Back to Basics Program is a scientifically sound, safe and successful program.
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Fitness and Exercise
Fitness is one of the keys to good health and wellbeing. Hoag Concierge Medicine offers a state-of-the-art, fully-equipped fitness facility for its members. Their exercise physiologists are there to help you reach peak performance by looking at injury prevention or areas for improvement such as flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular reserve. Our fitness facility is open and available to all our concierge members, a benefit that comes with a Hoag Concierge Medicine membership. Members can come in at any time, Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Psychological Support
Therapy, strong support groups, and ongoing psychological monitoring.
Real-Life Success Stories
Jim Duffy is no stranger to hard work. After scheduling an appointment with Dr. Gabriel Carpio-Bracho, family medicine and sports medicine specialist at Hoag Health Center Foothill Ranch, Jim was able to talk through his overall health and wellness goals. “My main focus was to lose weight and feel my best again,” said Jim. “After knee replacement surgery, I struggled to get up and down without assistance. Dr. He attended the BIOCIRCUIT studio five days per week to work towards his goals. “Jim’s Army background really showed when he started the program,” said Lori Mueller, program manager of the Hoag Lifestyle Program at Hoag Health Center Foothill Ranch. After the completion of the 60-day program, Jim became the first graduate of the Hoag Lifestyle Program. “It was incredible to have the whole team rooting me on through the program,” said Jim. “I’m so grateful to live near Hoag Health Center Foothill Ranch and the amazing team of the Hoag Lifestyle Program,” said Jim.
Chris Hill can slide right onto a rollercoaster. He finds the seats at Angels Stadium downright roomy. He cycles about 23 miles a day on the vintage beach cruisers that he loves to restore. “Everything is beautiful,” said Hill, who received bariatric surgery from the experts at Hoag’s Digestive Health Institute at the end of 2021. “I feel better than I have in many, many years. Like many people, Hill’s weight crept up on him over time. In his case, he gained around seven pounds a year, every year, since his 30-year-old daughter was born. Long-distance running, cycling, surfing. He was 63 years-old and 428 pounds. He had developed type 2 diabetes and hypertension. “There was a lot of shame involved,” he said. In just 18 months, Hill lost more than 200 pounds, dropping to a weight of 235. His goal of weighing 215 pounds is well within reach. “I have neighbors stopping me on my ride to ask me how I did it,” Hill said. Both Hill’s wife, Teresa, and their son work at Hoag. “Finally allowing someone to help out was my biggest thing. In Dr. Dobrowolsky, endocrinologist David Ahn, M.D. - who has managed Hill’s post-surgery metabolic care - and the rest of the medical staff, Hill found people who were trustworthy, helpful and encouraging. “The doctors are informative, and the physician’s assistant for Dr. Dobrowolsky is fantastic,” he said. “So are the nurses and the cardiologists. Hill said the weight-loss program is thorough and sets patients up for success. An abdominal hernia incurred prior to his bariatric surgery still prevents Hill from enjoying his love of surfing, but his weight loss enables him to have that corrected more safely, and he looks forward to returning to the water. “I have taken to going to thrift stores because when I buy something, a month or two later, it doesn’t fit anymore,” he said. “My energy has come back to me. I don’t have much of any appetite anymore. “I feel better than I have in 30 years,” he said.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Option
- Thorough Consultation: Consult with Hoag's bariatric team to assess your medical history, lifestyle, and goals.
- Procedure Review: Understand the details of sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and revision surgeries, including benefits, risks, and recovery timelines.
- Comprehensive Risk Assessment: Discuss potential complications with your surgical team and address any concerns.
- Lifestyle Commitment: Understand the importance of long-term lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise, and ongoing support.
- Insurance Verification: Confirm your insurance coverage to avoid unexpected financial burdens.
Risk Assessment Matrix: Understanding Potential Complications
Bariatric surgery, while effective, carries potential risks. The following matrix details likely risk levels and mitigation strategies:
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| Procedure | Likely Risk Level | Mitigation Strategies |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeve Gastrectomy | Moderate | Comprehensive pre-operative assessment, skilled surgeon, close monitoring. |
| Gastric Bypass | Moderate | Same as above, plus rigorous post-operative nutritional support. |
| Gastric Revision | Higher | Extensive pre-operative evaluation, experienced surgeon, specialized care. |
| Nutritional Deficiencies | Moderate | Nutritional counseling, regular vitamin and mineral supplements. |
| Psychological Issues | Low | Therapy, strong support groups, and ongoing psychological monitoring. |
Program Limitations: A Balanced Perspective
While Hoag's program holds impressive credentials, including national accreditation and high rankings, it's crucial to acknowledge areas needing improvement. Currently, detailed public data on specific weight loss outcomes, long-term success rates, and complication percentages is limited. This lack of readily available information should be considered when evaluating your options. Additionally, insurance coverage can vary, requiring individual verification before proceeding.
Addressing the Need for More Data: A Call for Transparency
While Hoag's high rankings indicate positive patient experiences, increased transparency is needed.
Other Health and Wellness Programs at Hoag
Hoag Executive Health
At Hoag Executive Health, we take a comprehensive approach to your health with added focus on prevention and overall wellness. This is the first step to ensuring good health both today and for the future. Hoag Executive Health is conducted at our luxurious and private facilities in Aliso Viejo, Irvine or Newport Beach, California. All tests are conducted within one building to ensure your experience is convenient and an efficient use of your valuable time. We provide time for one-on-one discussions with members of our medical and fitness staff and make certain you receive the personal attention you deserve and answers to all your questions. Upon completion of your examination, you will receive a personalized Wellness Report that provides all test results and specific health, fitness and nutrition recommendations to enable you to reach your long-term health goals. Based on the comprehensive physical and your individual needs, the physician may recommend ancillary testing. Examples of these tests include, but are not limited to a colonoscopy, a lung CT scan or sonogram, or advanced cardiovascular risk testing. The physician will review his or her recommendations with you during the post-physical consultation and discuss options, if desired.
Hoag Concierge Medicine
At Hoag Concierge Medicine, we understand this, and are proud to offer a state-of-the-art, fully-equipped fitness facility for our members.
Additional Factors for Overall Health
Sleep may be the most important factor to your overall health. Many patients don’t need a doctor to just tell them they “need more sleep”. One of our primary focuses is incorporating real food that is hormone and pesticide free (i.e. mostly plants). Red meat and dairy should be grass-fed and chicken and eggs pasture raised. We’ll also look at food groups that are the most inflammatory foods in our diet. Both aerobic (muscle-strengthening exercise) and stretching are key to healthy aging. We are exposed to many chemicals each day. “Distress” is the stress we do not have control over that will lead us to a path ending in disease; autoimmune, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular, adrenal, hormonal, or cancer. No matter how much time, money, or energy you spend trying to change the things that cause you distress, it won’t do anything but make you sick.
Actionable Steps for Different Stakeholders
Let's outline actionable steps for potential patients and other stakeholders:
- Potential Patients: Thoroughly research Hoag's program, verify insurance coverage, and actively participate in pre and post-operative support groups.
- Referring Physicians: Streamline patient referrals, enhance communication with the Hoag team, and collaborate on research initiatives.
- Hoag Administration: Prioritize collecting and publishing detailed patient outcome data to ensure transparency and build trust.
- Insurance Providers: Increase comprehensive coverage for bariatric surgery and long-term weight management programs, acknowledging their cost-effectiveness in preventing chronic diseases.