Obesity is a prevalent, serious, and costly disease, and losing weight can be extremely difficult, especially for individuals who have 100 pounds or more to lose. Various methods can be used for weight loss, including diet, exercise, behavioral health programs, and certain medications. However, for some, weight loss surgery may offer a solution where other methods have failed. 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. In Tucson, Arizona, several qualified surgeons and programs offer a range of bariatric surgery options to help individuals achieve significant and sustainable weight loss.
Understanding Bariatric Surgery
Metabolic (Bariatric) surgery can be life-changing, and it's essential to be informed so you have the knowledge and power to determine what is the best option for you. Bariatric surgery (gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and more) is currently the only long-term effective treatment for patients suffering from obesity. Through methods including dietary counseling, behavior modification, exercise, support groups and bariatric surgery, weight loss programs do more than help reduce weight - they change lives. Having weight loss surgery can feel like a new beginning. Typically, patients continue losing weight 18 to 24 months after surgery.
Bariatric Surgery Options Available
Weight loss surgery encompasses several different procedures, each with its own advantages and considerations. The amount of weight you lose will depend on the type of surgical procedure you have done and how committed you are to the required lifestyle changes, including exercise and eating habits. Some of the most common bariatric surgeries performed in Tucson include:
- Gastric Bypass:
- Sleeve Gastrectomy:
- Revisional Bariatric Surgery:
Leading Bariatric Surgeons in Tucson, AZ
Tucson is home to experienced and highly skilled bariatric surgeons who are dedicated to helping patients achieve their weight loss goals. Some notable surgeons in the area include:
- Dr. Guillermo Higa: Dr. Higa is a board-certified general surgeon and fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon with over 20 years of surgical experience and thousands of general and bariatric surgeries performed. He offers surgical and non-surgical intervention for common conditions including obesity, gallbladder issues, hernias and poorly controlled GERD.
- Dr. Ghaderi: Dr. Ghaderi specializes in minimally invasive general surgery and bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and revisional bariatric surgery. He completed his general surgery residency training at the Western University in London, Canada. He then went on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed a 2-year research and clinical fellowship in advanced laparoscopic and bariatric surgery.
- Dr. Hodges: Dr. Hodges is board certified by the American Board of Surgery. He received his medical degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso. He completed his General Surgery residency training at Houston Methodist Hospital in the world-renowned Texas Medical Center. After completing his residency, Dr. Hodges served as a locum tenens general surgeon in Fort Defiance, Arizona. 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: Dr. Susan Messenger, FNP, is an ANCC board certified family nurse practitioner who specializes in bariatric surgery, weight loss and metabolic surgery. She received her FNP degree from the University of Phoenix - School of Nursing.
Northwest Healthcare's Bariatric Weight Loss Program
Northwest Healthcare is dedicated to helping you achieve your weight loss and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Northwest Healthcare's bariatric weight loss program is successful because of the team that supports patients from the first conversation to post-op care. At Northwest Healthcare, they are dedicated to helping individuals achieve weight loss and maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you're struggling to lose weight, one of their many options for weight loss may be right for you.
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Considerations Before Undergoing Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. It's crucial to understand the risks and benefits, as well as the lifestyle changes that are necessary for long-term success. Your patient is embarking on a significant lifestyle change, and surgery is one part of the bigger picture.
The Role of Support and Guidance
Weight loss is a journey, and support is essential every step of the way.
Life After Bariatric Surgery
The hard work doesn't end at surgery, but bariatric programs are there to support you. Many patients experience more than just long-term weight reduction - they experience notable improvement in their health.
Bariatric Surgery and Pregnancy
Bariatric surgery and pregnancy are two profound milestones, each life-changing on their own - one reshapes your body, the other reshapes your family. Overlapping these pivotal moments opens the door to exciting possibilities alongside new considerations for both your health and your baby’s. Your body is still healing and adapting, and at the same time, you’re planning for a whole new life.
GLP-1 Medications and Weight Loss
What nobody tells you about GLP-1 meds:
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- They reduce appetite.
- They help with food noise.
- They can lead to real, sustainable weight loss.
But:
- They don’t work like magic.
- You’ll still hit plateaus.
- Hunger often returns.
- Side effects can be rough without the right guidance.
Pound of Cure App
Most people are handed a prescription… and then left to figure it out themselves. That’s why the Pound of Cure App was built - to give you real tools, support, and answers for every stage of your weight loss journey. Inside the app:
- CaloRatio - a food tracker built for GLP-1 success
- Sage - your AI dietitian, trained by Dr.
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