Obesity can lead to numerous health problems, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. Bariatric surgery services help patients struggling with these issues achieve long-term weight loss and improve their overall health. 

With a team of highly qualified and experienced bariatric surgery specialists, Highland Clinic provides personalized care and support at every step of your weight loss journey. Whether you’re considering gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, or other bariatric procedures, we’re here to help you achieve lasting results.

What is Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a weight-loss procedure that is used to treat severe obesity. This condition can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea. The weight loss surgery works by reducing the size of the stomach, which restricts the amount of food a person can eat and makes them feel full more quickly. This results in significant weight loss and can improve overall health and quality of life. Bariatric surgery is a complex procedure that only highly qualified and experienced surgeons should perform.

Common Conditions Treated with Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery has been proven to be beneficial in treating various conditions associated with obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. Bariatric surgery can provide significant health benefits for the following conditions:

• Severe obesity (BMI over 40 or BMI over 35 with comorbidities)
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Joint pain and mobility issues
• Depression and anxiety related to obesity
• Cardiovascular disease

It’s important to note that bariatric surgery is not a cure for these conditions, but it can significantly improve them by promoting weight loss and reducing the risk of complications associated with obesity. It’s also important to discuss with your healthcare provider whether bariatric surgery is an effective treatment option for your condition.

Qualifying Factors for Bariatric Surgery

Qualifying factors for bariatric surgery vary depending on the individual and their specific health needs but typically include a body mass index, among other factors:

• Body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher.
• BMI of 35 or higher with at least one obesity-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.
• Inability to achieve significant weight loss through traditional methods such as diet and exercise.
• Physical limitations due to obesity, such as joint pain or mobility issues.
• Mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety related to obesity.
• A history of unsuccessful attempts at weight loss, including medically supervised weight loss programs.
• Understanding of the risks and benefits of bariatric surgery, as well as the need for significant lifestyle changes post-surgery.
• A commitment to lifelong follow-up care and maintenance of weight loss.

Bariatric surgery is not a quick fix and requires a significant commitment to lifestyle changes and post-operative care.

Schedule Bariatric Surgery in Shreveport

If you’re struggling with obesity and related health conditions, bariatric surgery may be a suitable treatment option for you. At Highland Clinic, we offer a comprehensive bariatric surgery and aftercare program. Our team of experienced physicians and healthcare professionals is dedicated to helping you achieve your weight loss goals and improve your overall health. Contact us today to learn more about our bariatric surgery program and take the first step towards a healthier, happier life.

Bariatric Surgery FAQs

Why is Bariatric Surgery Done?

Bariatric surgery is done to treat severe obesity, which can lead to serious health problems. With the procedure’s aim to reduce the size of the stomach, it restricts the amount of food a person can eat and makes them feel full faster, resulting in significant weight loss. The surgery aims to improve overall health and quality of life by reducing the risk of obesity-related health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea.

How much weight can you lose with bariatric surgery?

The amount of weight loss a person can achieve with bariatric surgery varies depending on the individual’s starting weight, lifestyle changes, and adherence to post-operative instructions. However, studies have shown that people can lose an average of 60-80% of their excess weight within the first year of bariatric surgery. This significant weight loss can improve overall health and reduce the risk of obesity-related health problems.

Are There Any Alternatives to Bariatric Surgery?

While bariatric surgery is a common and effective weight loss procedure for individuals who are severely obese, there are other surgical and non-surgical options available. These procedures include gastric banding, gastric sleeve surgery, and non-surgical treatments such as gastric balloons and endoscopic therapies.

• Sleeve Gastrectomy: This procedure involves the removal of a portion of the stomach, leaving a sleeve-shaped section. This reduces the amount of food the stomach can hold, leading to weight loss.
• Gastric Bypass Surgery: Considered the gold standard by many bariatric surgeons, this surgery involves creating a small stomach pouch connected to the small intestine, bypassing the rest of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine. This reduces the amount of food the stomach can hold and reduces the absorption of calories and nutrients, leading to weight loss.
• Gall Bladder Removal: The gallbladder stores bile to aid in the digestion of fats, but when it malfunctions, small gallstones form causing pain and nausea. Removal is common, with laparoscopic surgery and quick recovery.
• Anti-Reflux Surgery: Highland Clinic offers bariatric surgery services to treat GERD and hiatal hernia, common conditions causing heartburn and reflux symptoms. Mild cases may be managed with medication and dietary changes, while severe cases require laparoscopic surgery to create a one-way valve to prevent stomach acid from escaping.
• Hernia Repair: Bariatric surgery services for hernia repair defects or holes in the abdominal muscular lining, which can frequently become painful and often accompanied by a bulge, can be found in areas such as the groin, belly button, or prior surgical incision sites. Hernias can become dangerous if they trap a loop of the intestine, but fortunately, most cases can be treated laparoscopically with mesh reinforcement.