Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, offers a transformative opportunity for individuals seeking to achieve significant and sustainable weight loss. In Las Vegas, Nevada, several programs and surgeons offer various options to help individuals on their weight loss journey. This article explores the different weight loss surgery options available in Las Vegas, including the types of procedures, the benefits and risks, and the support systems available to patients.
Understanding Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery is a set of medical procedures aimed at aiding individuals in significant weight reduction. It is typically recommended for individuals who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 to 39.9 with one or more obesity-related health conditions. These procedures are designed to limit food intake, decrease nutrient absorption, or both.
Types of Weight Loss Surgery
Several types of weight loss procedures are available, each offering unique benefits and helping with weight loss in different ways. The most common procedures include:
- Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: The most common weight loss procedure, involves creating a small (2-3 ounce) stomach pouch by stapling the top part of the stomach. The rest of the stomach remains but is disconnected. By surgically reducing how much food your stomach can intake, gastric bypass surgery changes the amount of food you need in order to feel full.
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: A restrictive procedure removing 80% of the stomach, creating a banana-sized pouch. This new stomach holds significantly less food, reducing calorie intake, yet still functions normally. This most common bariatric surgery helps patients feel fuller sooner and longer, decreasing portion sizes.
- Adjustable Gastric Banding: This procedure involves placing a band around the upper part of the stomach to create a smaller pouch, limiting the amount of food that can be consumed.
Minimally invasive robot assisted surgery is also available through the St. Rose Dominican Surgical Weight Loss Program. Robotically assisted bariatric and general surgery represents the very latest and one of the most significant leaps in minimally invasive surgical technology. At Las Vegas Bariatrics, surgeons utilize the latest robotically assisted technology in the form of the da Vinci 5 Surgical System.
Weight Loss Surgery Programs in Las Vegas
Premier Physicians Weight Loss Program
Led by board-certified obesity medicine specialists, the Premier Physicians Weight Loss Program helps guide you toward both visible results and continued accountability. Premier Physicians has been recognized as “Top Doctors” in Obesity Medicine by peers in Health Care Quarterly for nine consecutive years. Their Founder and Chief Medical Officer (CMO), an American Board of Obesity Medicine-certified specialist, brings nearly 20 years of expertise to the program.
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St. Rose Dominican Surgical Weight Loss Program
The St. Rose Dominican Surgical Weight Loss Program in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV offers safe and proven procedures to help you find lasting success. The St. Rose Dominican Surgical Weight Loss Program has physicians and staff who will be with you every step of the way on your weight loss journey. Your journey begins with a one-on-one meeting with our medical team to understand your personal goals. Then we carefully collaborate with your input to select the appropriate weight loss procedure that is best suited for you. Our multidisciplinary approach, which is also unique, includes dietary counseling, psychological support, ongoing weight loss care through our expert providers, and optional support groups with your peers.
At Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican, their team of weight loss experts is here to guide you with experienced, quality care every step of the way. These small group sessions provide the opportunity to share your story with others who are experiencing many of the same feelings and concerns. It’s a place to celebrate successes, share challenges, and meet others who could act as a strong support system for each other.
Las Vegas Bariatrics
Las Vegas Bariatrics is an accredited Bariatric Center of Excellence operating under Bernie Hanna M.D.
Our caring surgeons at Las Vegas Bariatrics know that the choice to undergo bariatric surgery can be life-changing. If your employer offers a bundled-care program, you and your dependents may qualify for predictable pricing, streamlined approvals, and concierge coordination at Las Vegas Bariatrics.
Slim Vegas Bariatrics & General Surgery
Slim Vegas Bariatrics & General Surgery in Las Vegas, Nevada, is dedicated to providing high-quality bariatric services that exceed patient expectations. Jon Williams, MD, is a fellowship-trained bariatric specialist who takes a comprehensive approach to care, spending as much time as needed with his patients to get a complete picture of their health and goals. He then talks to his patients, discussing their options so they can make the most informed decision about their care.
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Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery can lead to significant improvements in health and quality of life. Some of the benefits include:
- Significant Weight Loss: Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is a safe and effective way to lose weight long-term. It reduces the amount of food your stomach holds and helps you to feel full faster, resulting in significant weight loss results.
- Improved Health Conditions: Severe obesity may increase the likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease and many more.
- Increased Mobility: Their stories highlight renewed health, increased mobility, and the joy of embracing life fully.
- Improved Self-Esteem: When we don’t feel our best, it affects our self-esteem.
- Better Quality of Sleep: Today, now that I have had my surgery, I am finally feeling like I can live again! I can dance, walk without being winded, go up and down stairs no problem, my quality of sleep is better, the numbness has decreased, my blood pressure is normal, my labs have been great!
Risks and Considerations
Choosing a surgical weight loss method is an important decision. While there are many benefits, there are inherent risks, as with any surgery. Weight loss surgery should be considered only after other nonsurgical options have failed.
Weight loss surgery can present many questions regarding the process, surgeon selection, insurance, and procedure choice. To provide clarity, attend our free information seminar.
The Weight Loss Journey
The weight loss journey can be a challenging but exciting endeavor, and our accomplished board-certified surgeons and caring team are here to help you get started.
- Initial Consultation: Your journey begins with a one-on-one meeting with our medical team to understand your personal goals.
- Personalized Weight Loss Strategy: Following your evaluation, we will devise a customized weight loss strategy uniquely suited to your body's needs and your personal health goals. This plan will be thoughtfully designed around your lifestyle, dietary preferences, and any specific challenges you face in managing your weight.
- Supportive Community: Having a supportive team to encourage you and celebrate every victory can make the process much easier. A supportive community of like-minded individuals who have been through what you’re going through can offer helpful tips, motivation, and connection.
- Aftercare and Follow-ups: Once your personalized weight loss program is underway, you'll receive comprehensive aftercare guidelines to maximize its effectiveness. Your progress is of utmost importance to us, so we'll arrange follow-up meetings to assess the success of your plan, fine-tune it as needed, and discuss any questions or concerns you might have.
Insurance Coverage
Yes. Many health insurance plans cover weight loss surgery. Talk to your surgeon about health plans in your area that cover bariatric procedures. Insurance plans change periodically. Visit the Insurance Plans page to view the plans currently accepted at St. Rose Dominican hospitals.
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Meet the Surgeons
Las Vegas, Nevada is home to nationally renowned, board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeons, Dr. Tom Umbach and Dr. Our board certified bariatric surgeons offer over 20 years combined experience.
Here are some of the surgeons in Las Vegas specializing in weight loss surgery:
- Dr. Bernie Hanna: Dr. Bernie Hanna, MD, FACS FASMBS is an internationally recognized bariatric surgeon and the founder and Medical Director of Las Vegas Bariatrics.
- Dr. Peter Caravella: Dr. Peter Caravella completed his medical training at the University of Maryland after receiving his B.A. in Economics at Yale University. Dr. Caravella is certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
- Dr. Damon Schroer: Dr. Damon Schroer obtained his undergraduate degree in Biology from California State University, Fresno. He journeyed to the Midwest to pursue his medical education.
- Dr. Jimmy Xu: Dr. Jimmy Xu is from Fayetteville Arkansas and completed his bachelor of science in industrial engineering at University of Arkansas. He completed his medical degree at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He completed his general surgery training at St Louis University. Finally, he underwent further training in a Minimal Invasive, Bariatric, and Robotic surgery fellowship in the Bay Area of Oakland, California.
- Dr. Arthur Fusco: Dr. Arthur Fusco is a graduate of the George Washington School of Medicine and Columbia University (premed). He completed his internship at the Staten Island and University Hospital and his residency at Mt Sinai Medical Center, Orlando Regional Medical Center and Rush Presbyterian St Lukes. He is also a certified Robotic Instructor for Intuitive Surgical.
- Dr. Jordan Shively: Dr. Jordan Shively obtained his undergraduate degree in Biology at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN. He completed his medical training at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia before moving to the Midwest.
- Dr. Roy Christian Gan: Dr. Roy Christian Gan specializes in minimally invasive bariatric and general surgery. Dr. Gan immigrated from the Philippines as a child and grew up in New York City where he did his undergraduate studies. He also completed his general surgery residency in New York City at Maimonides Medical Center where he was one of the top graduates. During his general surgery residency, Dr. Gan received multiple awards including intern of the year, resident of the year, and teacher of the year.
- Dr. Dustin Baldwin: Dr. Dustin Baldwin is a minimally invasive surgeon specializing in robotic, bariatric and general surgery. Dr. Baldwin is originally from rural Wisconsin, where he grew up on a dairy farm. He was an avid runner and received a cross country and track scholarship to attend the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. While at Parkside, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. From there he attended medical school at the University of Wisconsin and completed his general surgery training at the University of Illinois-Chicago.
- Dr. Jun Xu: Dr. Jun Xu is a distinguished vascular surgeon with an impressive educational and professional background. He earned his BA in Philosophy from the University of Maryland in 2005, followed by an MD and an MA in Bioethics from Case Western Reserve University in 2010. His postgraduate training includes a residency in vascular surgery and a fellowship in vascular biology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Prior to joining LVSA, Dr.
- Dr. Lee: Originally from small-town Mississippi, Dr. Lee made Las Vegas his home as soon as possible. He completed his undergraduate education at William Carey University and then earned his medical degree at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine.
- Dr. Hassan Hashmi: Dr. Hassan Hashmi is a distinguished general and colorectal surgeon with exceptional expertise and compassionate care. With comprehensive training in robotic, laparoscopic, endoscopic, and open surgical techniques, Dr. Hashmi is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to his patients.
- Dr. Melissa Miles: Dr. Melissa Miles is a board certified general and colorectal surgeon. As an Arizona native, she studied at the University of Arizona for an undergraduate degree in biology. She then continued her education with a medical degree (M.D) from Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She completed her general surgery residency at Jefferson Abington Memorial Hospital in Abington, Pennsylvania. She then returned back out west for a colorectal fellowship in Salt Lake City at St. Marks Hospital.
- Dr. Jonathan R. Chino: Dr. Jonathan R. Chino, MD is a board certified General Surgeon specializing in Robotics, Bariatrics, and General Surgery. A Las Vegas native, he returns to his hometown to practice after completing a fellowship in Robotic and Bariatric Surgery at Baptist Health in Miami, FL, where he obtained his ASMBS Certification in Bariatric Surgery.
- Dr. Angel J. Rivera Aponte: Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Dr. Rivera Aponte brings a unique blend of cultural understanding and surgical precision to his practice.
- Dr. Alex Lall: Dr. Alex Lall is a board-certified vascular surgeon with specialized expertise in both open and endovascular procedures. After completing his integrated vascular surgical training at the University of Miami, Dr.Lall has dedicated his career to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care for a wide range of vascular conditions with a special interest in limb salvage, complex endovascular aneurysm repair and iliocaval venous obstruction.
- Dr. Jon Williams: Jon Williams, MD, is a fellowship-trained bariatric specialist who takes a comprehensive approach to care, spending as much time as needed with his patients to get a complete picture of their health and goals. He then talks to his patients, discussing their options so they can make the most informed decision about their care.
Additional Services
Besides surgical options, some centers also offer non-surgical weight loss options. Non-surgical weight loss options, like the Orbera Gastric Balloon and Endoscopic Sleeve, offer effective alternatives to traditional surgery. These minimally invasive procedures are designed to reduce stomach capacity, which aids in significantly decreasing food intake and promoting long-term weight management.
Some centers also offer body sculpting treatments. Emsculpt Neo represents the next evolution in non-invasive body sculpting treatments, combining the muscle-building capabilities of the original Emsculpt with the fat reduction power of radiofrequency heating. This innovative technology not only helps in creating more defined abdominal muscles but also targets stubborn fat layers, providing a dual-action solution for body contouring. NEOsculpt represents a groundbreaking advancement in the field of non-invasive body contouring, offering a unique dual approach to fat reduction and muscle enhancement. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, NEOsculpt targets specific body areas to simultaneously burn fat and build muscle fibers, resulting in a sculpted and toned appearance without the need for surgery or significant downtime.