Weight loss center in Los Angeles
Losing weight can be a challenge, especially when medication, eating plans, lifestyle changes or exercise stop working. Reaching your optimum weight may be even more difficult if you have health conditions like type two diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Bariatric or weight loss surgery may help you lose weight and achieve good health. At the Center for Bariatric Surgery at West Hills Hospital and Medical Center, we understand your challenges. Our compassionate specialists work with you and your doctor to find the best option for your needs.
For more information about bariatric surgery, or to find a specialist, talk with a member of our Consult-A-Nurse® team at (818 ) 676-4321.
What to know about bariatric surgery
Bariatric surgery is a major surgical procedure. During bariatric surgery, our surgical specialists limit the size or remove part of the stomach. The result? You consume less and that leads to weight loss.
Bariatric surgery is intended for those who have been diagnosed with severe or "morbid" obesity. These are patients who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher (approximately 100 pounds or more of excess weight) or have a BMI of 30 or higher (approximately 50 pounds or more of excess weight).
Weight loss surgery procedures we offer
Our weight loss program offers two types of minimally invasive procedures. They include:
Laparoscopic procedures
In a laparoscopic procedure, surgeons insert an instrument through small incisions, usually in or around the belly button. The instrument includes surgical tools and a tiny camera that uses guided imaging to help surgeons. Some of the benefits of laparoscopy include less blood loss, less pain and shorter recovery time.
Robotic-assisted procedures
Robotic procedures are similar to laparoscopic procedures but with a few differences. Laparoscopic procedures work through long tubes with surgical and imaging tools enclosed inside. Robotic surgery, as the term suggests, uses robotic arms that act as extensions of surgeons' hands, offering increased precision and flexibility. Also, robotic surgery has 3D imaging that offers an enhanced view of the surgical area. Each of our laparoscopic surgeries can be performed using robotic-assisted techniques.
Types of bariatric surgeries
Our center offers several bariatric surgeries, including the most common laparoscopic procedures: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding.
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
This type of gastric bypass surgery effectively reduces the stomach size by stapling and separating its upper portion. In addition, part of the intestine is bypassed, which means that approximately 25 percent of consumed calories are not absorbed.
The result of the restricted food intake and malabsorption of calories is rapid weight loss. The procedure takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and the typical hospital stay is two nights.
Sleeve gastrectomy
This procedure is purely restrictive, in that it reduces the stomach size drastically, limiting the amount of food a patient can consume. The bariatric surgeon creates a narrow, banana-shaped sleeve by stapling, separating then removing the remnant.
The procedure takes approximately 75 minutes and the typical hospital stay is one night. For additional weight loss, a sleeve gastrectomy can later be revised to a gastric bypass procedure.
Adjustable gastric banding
Gastric banding is both adjustable and reversible. An inflatable band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach, forming a small pouch which limits the stomach's capacity.
There is no cutting and stapling of the stomach and there is no re-routing of the intestine. The band is adjusted by the surgeon as needed for optimal weight loss. This procedure takes approximately 45 minutes and the patient typically goes home the same day.
Life after bariatric surgery
While every patient experience is different, some patients experience very rapid weight loss after surgery. Regardless of their experience, ongoing support after surgery may involve working with a dietitian and/or a physical therapist to develop healthy eating and exercise plans. Support may also mean participating in counseling sessions. Additional surgery may also be needed to address loose skin, a common side effect of rapid weight loss.
Pre-registration for weight surgery
If you are scheduled for surgery, you can pre-register at your convenience. You may register online or by phone at (833) 867-8774.
