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Bariatric Surgery Q & A

What is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a specialized area of surgery that focuses on procedures that help patients struggling to lose excess body weight with diet and exercise. 

Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity and the health complications related to this chronic health condition, including diabetes and heart disease.

AZ Weight Loss Clinic specializes in bariatric surgery. The team takes a patient-centered approach to care, guiding you through every step of the process, so you feel comfortable and confident about your choices. 

What are the types of bariatric surgery?

The AZ Weight Loss Clinic team uses many techniques when performing different types of bariatric surgery, such as:

Gastric bypass

The gastric bypass, also known as the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), involves creating a small stomach pouch that your surgeon connects to the lower part of your small intestine.

With gastric bypass, you feel full quickly because of your smaller stomach, and you absorb fewer calories because you bypass a large section of your small intestine. 

Sleeve gastrectomy

During a sleeve gastrectomy, also known as a vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), your surgeon at AZ Weight Loss Clinic removes about 80% of your stomach, creating a banana-shaped sleeve. 

With this surgery, your smaller stomach reduces the amount of food you can eat. It also removes the part of the stomach that produces hunger hormones, helping to control hunger and appetite.

Duodenal switch

The duodenal switch, also known as the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS), combines the gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy procedures. Your surgeon creates the sleeve-like stomach and attaches the stomach to a lower part of your small intestine.

Lap-Band® 

The Lap-Band is an inflatable device your surgeon at AZ Weight Loss Clinic places around the top portion of your stomach. The band creates a small stomach pouch, helping you feel full faster. 

However, unlike the other procedures, the Lap-Band doesn’t make any permanent changes to your stomach or small intestine and is reversible.

Am I a candidate for bariatric surgery?

The team conducts a thorough exam to understand your weight concerns, health issues, and goals. They also ask about your previous attempts at weight loss.

The team may consider you a candidate for bariatric surgery if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or a BMI of 30 or higher with health problems such as Type 2 diabetes or heart disease.

To schedule a bariatric surgery consultation, call AZ Weight Loss Clinic or schedule an appointment online today.