Feeling overwhelmed by weight loss? You're not alone. Many individuals face challenges in their weight loss journeys. In Arizona, several options exist for those considering weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery. This article provides a detailed overview of these options, including qualifications, procedures, and available resources.
Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for You?
Qualifications for bariatric surgery can vary based on factors such as a person's health, body mass index (BMI), and previous weight loss attempts. If you’re struggling to lose weight and repeated dieting and exercise just haven’t worked, a bariatric (weight loss) procedure may be an option for you. When combined with a treatment plan, weight loss surgery is the only practical option to combat severe obesity and maintain long-term weight loss.
Dignity Health's Weight Loss Center
Dignity Health's Weight Loss Center offers compassionate guidance and expert support for those aiming to lose weight through lifestyle changes or considering surgical options. Their multidisciplinary approach includes dietary counseling, psychological support, ongoing expert care, and optional support groups.
From the moment you step in for this initial one-on-one session to comprehensive post-surgery support, their dedicated team is with you every step of the way. Their surgical weight loss team is eager to guide you. With a collaborative approach, they'll explore the most fitting solutions to meet your weight loss goals.
Bariatric Surgical Options
Several surgical procedures are available to aid in weight loss. Here are some of the most common:
Read also: Weight Loss Guide Andalusia, AL
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: This popular, minimally invasive procedure creates a small, banana-shaped stomach to limit how much you can eat. It also improves your gut hormones, helping you feel full and less hungry, and can even reverse type 2 diabetes.
- Gastric Bypass: In this procedure, a small stomach pouch is created and connected to the small intestine, bypassing a section of it.
- Duodenal Switch: The duodenal switch is a powerful weight loss surgery that combines stomach reduction and intestinal bypass.
The Weight Loss Center is now offering Medical Weight Loss options to help you achieve your goals.
Pivot Weight Loss Center
Pivot is an industry-leading surgery platform for surgical and non-surgical weight loss patients. Their bariatric care solution is backed by science, powered by technology, and overseen by the Pivot care team which includes surgeons, medical assistants and certified bariatric dietitians.
Pivot Weight Loss Center has locations in Tempe, Mesa, Phoenix, Sedona, Surprise, Queen Creek and Tucson, Arizona. They also offer virtual consultations.
- 4860 E. Baseline Rd., #105, Mesa, AZ 85206
- 9305 W Thomas Rd #480, Phoenix, AZ 85037
- 1855 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282
- 5 Soldiers Pass Road, Suite #2B, Sedona, AZ 86336
- 6700 E. Speedway Blvd., Ste.#5006, Tucson, AZ 85710
- 15331 W. Bell Rd., Ste.#212, Surprise, AZ 85374
- 21820 S. Ellsworth Rd. Ste.#104, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
Why Choose Pivot?
- Individualized Attention: Get individualized attention from a team including surgeons, medical assistants, and bariatric-trained dietitians to help tailor a weight loss plan that works for you.
- Supportive Community: Connect with like-minded individuals in a safe space moderated by surgeons, dietitians, and guest experts. Local meet-ups and offline events may also be available.
- Flexible Payment Options: Pivot can assist you in finding options for your procedure and work with several leading insurance, financing and workplace companies to ensure patients have options.
- World-Class Surgeons: Pivot Weight Loss Surgeons have 35+ years of combined experience in several types of bariatric surgery. Through thousands of weight loss procedures, the Pivot team is recognized for their expertise and innovation.
Testimonials
Patients rave about their experiences with Pivot Weight Loss Center:
- Sara Otto: "I've been with Doctor Richardson since 2015 when pivot weight loss center was then "weightloss institute of AZ". I refused to go to any other doctor or location! Recently had the sleeve done through Pivot Weight Loss Center with Dr. Richardson and the rest of the staff. I will always highly recommend and follow them."
- Lisa: "I had the MOST AMAZING meeting at Pivot and I have decided to go forward with this great team! I have talked with a few other establishments and had actually been all set to go through with the sleeve surgery with another doctor until I found Pivot and spoke with them."
- Brad Foldy: "I had my surgery on January 10, 2024. Dr John debarros is a great and professionally doctor. He explained the entire process and made me feel comfortable and did a great job on repairing my hernia. He also is the best because he is a huge New York yankee fan. Thank you so much for helping me."
- Amanda Porras: "I’ve had an amazing experience with Dr. DeBarros and the team and Pivot Weight Loss. The process was quick and thorough and they have done everything to ensure I continue to stay healthy while continuing to lose weight. Highly recommended!"
- Ciarra Falcon: "had my surgery Feb 6th and have had the best experience ever with Dr. Schuster and his team. i did the gastric sleeve and have had no complications. if you are considering it i highly recommend pivot weight loss."
- Brittanny Wheeler: "I'm getting great support through my journey. The team at Pivot are always checking in on me. They never make you feel like you aren't trying hard enough. So supportive and genuine when caring for you."
- Tiffany Bommann: "Dr Schuster is a literal all star. His team is remarkable. The level of attention and concern for patients comfort is unsurpassed. I will recommend Pivot to anyone who will listen."
- Scott Cross: "The doctors and staff are totally awesome. They make you feel like a true human being and are very knowledgeable about weight loss and everything that is needed to succeed."
- Zaina Khan: "Visited for a family member. We were able to have all my questions answered and she was given the relief she needed. I did over 10 consults and this was clearly the top bariatric centre. We did not have insurance but they worked with us to find a way. Super excited for this new journey and to have an amazing team behind us!"
- Gary Williams: "The team over at Pivot are top notch. My journey was extremely smooth and I felt supported the entire time. I’m down 45 pounds in two months! I cannot tell you how great I feel and how different my life now is. I wish I would’ve done this sooner!"
- Lynsi MacGregor: "Fantastic experience at the Weight Loss Institute. Extremely knowledgeable and very helpful making sure every detail was lined up. For me selecting a doctor for this procedure was a little overwhelming. From internet connection to consultation I can say it was a wonderful, smooth and easy process."
- Cassandra Curthoys: "Wonderful staff. VERY welcoming, especially (forgive me I can’t remember her name but the MA) and Mike the dietician is phenomenal! Looking forward to this process."
- Riesey Pieces: "I loveeeeeeeee my dr and staff so sweet. Thank you for giving me a second chance"
- Deeva Savage: "Very personable, welcoming and comforting environment. The one on one treatment is great. I like the communication given. It’s real. Real people know real people. If I could give them more stars…"
- Jaime Mendoza: "I had my gastric sleeve like 2 months ago.I feel very good eat les and feel much better"
- Dora Avila: "My 5 Star Doctor!!! Excellent!"
- Karla Fanco: "The doctor is amazing the staff is great as well I do recommend this place"
- Julianna Hernandez: "Dr Shuster is the best! Cares and listens and understands."
- Tim Crain: "So far everyone has been very helpful to make sure I keep on schedule for my procedure."
- Diana Muller: "Dr. DeBarros and staff are amazing!!"
Banner Health's Bariatrics Program
The battle to overcome obesity can be tough. It is a chronic condition that is hard to treat with diet and exercise alone. Choosing to have bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, is a serious decision. It can improve your quality of life, reverse conditions like diabetes and potentially extend your life. Banner Health’s nationally accredited bariatrics program offers personalized weight loss solutions focused on your long-term success.
Read also: Beef jerky: A high-protein option for shedding pounds?
Considering weight loss surgery but have questions? Before scheduling your consultation with their bariatric surgeons, you need to attend their free online seminar led by their experienced bariatric surgeons. This informative session is designed for individuals like you who are dedicated to a healthy lifestyle but haven't achieved lasting weight loss goals.
Banner Health Bariatric Surgeons
- Dr. Ghaderi: Specializes in minimally invasive general surgery and bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and revisional bariatric surgery.
- Dr. Hodges: Board certified by the American Board of Surgery. He later completed fellowship training in Minimally Invasive Bariatric and General Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pennsylvania.
- Dr. Susan Messenger, FNP: An ANCC board certified family nurse practitioner who specializes in bariatric surgery, weight loss and metabolic surgery.
Mayo Clinic's Bariatric Surgery Program
Mayo Clinic in Arizona has performed bariatric surgery procedures since 2001. Medically supervised interventions include nutrition therapy, behavior modification, pharmacotherapy, and weight-loss surgery, including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. Minimally invasive surgery is the preferred approach. For out-of-state patients, they offer efficient, condensed scheduling.
Mayo Clinic conducts regular informational seminars for people interested in learning more about the medical and surgical options available through the Mayo Clinic Bariatric Surgery Program. Seminars are free of charge and open to anyone considering bariatric surgery. These meetings are free and open to people who have had bariatric surgery at Mayo Clinic.
A team of specialists works together to develop bariatric surgery treatment plans tailored to your needs.
Mayo Clinic Locations
Mayo Clinic has major campuses in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona; Jacksonville, Florida; and Rochester, Minnesota.
Read also: Inspiring Health Transformation
Mayo Clinic's Approach to Bariatric Surgery
- Team Approach: A team of medical experts, including endocrinologists, surgeons, dietitians, and psychologists, helps identify candidates who could most benefit from surgery and works intensively with you before and after surgery to help achieve a long-lasting result.
- Minimally Invasive Approach: Mayo Clinic uses minimally invasive techniques for bariatric surgery whenever possible.
Bariatric Surgery for Adolescents at Mayo Clinic
At Mayo Clinic, adolescent care includes evaluation for coexisting conditions as well as an assessment of the child's and family's understanding and readiness for a weight-loss procedure.
Abdalla Zarroug, M.D: "When the adolescent fails behavioral modification, when it's medically indicated, then we can go on to talk about bariatric interventions or surgical interventions that we perform. Really we have a multidisciplinary program here. We have pediatric dietitians. We have pediatric surgeons. We have bariatric surgeons. The individual who heads the program is Dr. Seema Kumar. She's a pediatric endocrinologist and she's been doing this for some time."
Criteria for Adolescent Bariatric Surgery
Adolescents need to be above the 95th or 99th percentile for weight and age. Roughly speaking, their BMI needs to be over 40, with a medical co-morbidity that is related to their obesity.
The Process for Adolescent Bariatric Surgery
The process is that they meet with the pediatric endocrinologist, they meet with the dietician, they meet with the multidisciplinary team including a behavioral specialist, a bariatric surgeon who performs these types of procedures every single day and a pediatric surgeon so that we can have an adolescent or a pediatric aspect to it.
Making an Informed Decision
Choosing to undergo weight loss surgery is a significant decision. It's essential to consult with qualified medical professionals, attend informational seminars, and thoroughly research your options. Remember, bariatric surgery is not a quick fix but a tool to aid in long-term weight management and improved health.
Remember that bariatric surgery may not be suitable for everyone. Various methods can be used for weight loss, including diet, exercise, behavioral health programs and certain medications. Bariatric surgery utilization has increased over the last two decades and has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment option for weight loss.