Obesity is a chronic condition impacting overall health, not merely a weight issue. If you're seeking a long-term solution for weight loss and considering weight loss surgery in Glendale, numerous options and resources are available. This article explores surgical and non-surgical weight loss solutions, including types of bariatric surgery, factors contributing to obesity, and support systems available in the Glendale area.
Understanding Obesity
Obesity arises from an imbalance between calorie intake and energy expenditure. While seemingly simple, the causes of obesity are multifaceted:
- Genetics: Genetic factors influence how the body responds to environmental changes. A predisposition to being overweight increases if one or both parents are obese.
- Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle contributes to weight gain. Healthy behaviors include regular physical activity.
- Medical Conditions: Certain endocrine disorders, diseases, and medications can lead to weight gain.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a tool used to assess whether a person's weight is healthy. A high BMI increases the risk of serious health conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes. Conversely, a very low BMI can lead to health problems such as bone loss, anemia, and decreased immune function.
Bariatric Surgery Options in Glendale
Several bariatric surgery options are available in Glendale, each with unique advantages and considerations. Brand Surgical Institute and Adventist Health Glendale are among the facilities offering comprehensive weight management programs. These options include:
1. Sleeve Gastrectomy
This procedure has gained popularity over the years. The Sleeve Gastrectomy works through several mechanisms. During a sleeve gastrectomy, approximately 85% of the stomach is removed, leaving a small, tube-shaped stomach. This reduces the amount of food that can be consumed and decreases hunger by removing the part of the stomach that produces ghrelin, the hormone responsible for triggering appetite. The sleeve is not reversible, but the majority of patients who have undergone this procedure feel that the benefits are worth it. Typically, patients lose about 60-70% of their excess body weight. Unlike gastric bypass surgery, there is a reduced need for ongoing nutritional supplements. Patients often experience steady weight loss of three to four pounds per week as they adjust to their new, healthier lifestyle.
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2. Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)
Gastric Bypass, also known as “Roux-en-Y” is one of the most commonly performed procedures for weight loss. Gastric Bypass shrinks the size of your stomach so you will not be able to eat as much as you used to. This procedure is known as a restrictive operation as it restricts food intake, as well as the amount of calories and nutrients the body absorbs. With the gastric bypass there is a change to the hormones your intestines produce which will help you feel fuller longer contributing to appetite suppression. Gastric bypass enhances weight loss in morbidly obese people who were unable to achieve long term success with any other weight loss attempts. By changing your gastrointestinal anatomy the end result is the reduction in the desire to eat and in the frequency in eating. This procedure is irreversible and changes the way your body digests food. A small stomach pouch is created, and a portion of the small intestine is bypassed. This new digestive system limits your food intake to help you feel full sooner and reduces calorie absorption. Gastric bypass is performed laparoscopically, using small incisions for a minimally invasive approach. Most patients stay in the hospital for two to three days for recovery and monitoring. While this procedure is not reversible, it is highly effective in producing rapid, and sustained weight loss. Most patients can expect to lose 60-70% of excess weight within the first year after surgery. Many patients experience remission of obesity related diseases such as type 2 diabetes.
3. Lap Band (Adjustable Gastric Band)
The Lap Band (aka adjustable gastric band) is an inflatable silicone band that is placed on the upper portion of the stomach creating a small pouch above the band. When adjustments are made to the band, it increases or decreases the size of the passageway between the upper and lower parts of the stomach. Lap Band is not only minimally invasive it is completely reversible. A small tube connects the band to a port under the skin that allows the band to be adjusted over time. Like the gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, the smaller stomach pouch reduces food intake, and hunger. Some patients prefer gastric banding because it carries less risk of surgical complications, allows for faster recovery, and is reversible. However, patients should be aware that gastric banding may require ongoing adjustments, and the success rate may not be as high as our other procedures. However, the majority of the patients who have had this procedure have not had good results due to the many disadvantages and complications of the gastric band. If you are having intolerance or complications of the gastric band, such as difficulty swallowing, vomiting, nausea, or erosion, immediate removal of your gastric band offers immediate relief. However, it is important to remember that without converting to another bariatric procedure it is possible to regain all the weight after Lap Band removal.
4. Bariatric Revision Surgery
There are times after having a weight loss procedure, which desired results are not achieved requiring revision surgery. Truth is treating obesity is similar to treating other types of diseases so realistically one treatment may not always be enough. Sometimes a weight loss procedure does not lead to the amount of weight loss you or your physician hoped for. In other situations, you can lose the weight but regain some or all of that weight back. Bariatric surgery is a powerful tool for long-term weight loss, but sometimes, additional support is needed. If your initial procedure hasn’t provided the results you expected, or if you’re experiencing issues with a past surgery, bariatric revision surgery might be the solution to help you achieve your goals.
5. Duodenal Switch
This surgery combines sleeve gastrectomy with a duodenal switch that bypasses a portion of the small intestine.
6. Endoscopic Procedures
Our gastroenterologists provide non-surgical endoscopic weight-loss procedures using an endoscopic suturing device to reduce the size of the stomach and decrease food intake, including endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, transoral gastric outlet reduction, and endoscopic revision of sleeve gastrectomy, as well as gastric balloon and endoscopic management of surgical complications.
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Non-Surgical Weight Loss Solutions
Adventist Health Glendale offers non-surgical solutions, including:
- Pharmaceuticals: Revolutionary new pharmaceuticals have proven effective in helping individuals who need to lose weight for health reasons but have struggled with achieving results through diet and exercise.
- Nutritional Counseling and Fitness Guidance: Support with nutritional counseling and fitness guidance as an alternative or in conjunction with medication.
The Importance of Lifestyle Changes
For a safe and successful surgery, significant changes to diet and lifestyle are needed to lose weight after bariatric surgery. It is important you continue to follow the diet and exercise guidelines given to you by your surgeon. By changing your gastrointestinal anatomy the end result is the reduction in the desire to eat and in the frequency in eating. In addition, sometimes after bariatric surgery energy increases resulting in more calories being burned unlike dietary weight loss, surgical weight loss has a greater chance in lasting due to an appropriate energy balance that is created. When significant weight loss has been achieved defects in fat metabolism are reduced, you will find yourself engaging in more physical activity improving your body’s ability to burn fat. This then leads to a more positive personal attitude decreasing stress levels.
Insurance Coverage and Financing
Yes, bariatric surgery may be covered for qualifying individuals. Because health insurance can be complicated, patients become overwhelmed trying to figure out the details of their insurance coverage. Keep in mind that many health insurance plans that cover bariatric surgery also have specific requirements or waiting periods. Patients who would like to avoid restrictions or long waiting periods may opt to utilize financing in order to take advantage of the ease of a self-pay procedure.
Choosing a Bariatric Surgeon
If you’re searching for a highly qualified bariatric surgeon near Glendale, California, Dr. Davtyan stands apart. He is board certified in both Surgery and Bariatric Medicine, and has been helping patients achieve life-changing weight loss for nearly 30 years. Davtyan prefers Sleeve Gastrectomy, because it can achieve the same results without the risks of complications and nutritional deficiencies of gastric bypass.
Support Systems
Bariatric surgery program includes a support group for patients. In a support group, you’ll find people who have similar wellness goals, want to celebrate your successes, and support you in challenging times.
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Facilities Offering Weight Loss Surgery in Glendale and Surrounding Areas
- Brand Surgical Institute
- Adventist Health Glendale
- The Weight Loss Surgery Center of Los Angeles (serving Glendale, CA)
- Abrazo Arrowhead Hospital (Abrazo Orchards Medical Center) in Glendale, AZ
- Keck Medicine of USC