Weight-Loss Surgery in Palmdale, California

According to the National Institutes of Health, obesity affects one in three adults in the United States. This medical condition, which refers to excessive body fat, can cause many health problems and put you at a higher risk for certain diseases including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea and other respiratory problems and some forms of cancer, including breast and colon.

Weight-loss surgery at Palmdale Regional Medical Center is an option for people who have tried diets and exercise but continue to struggle with weight loss.

Awards and Recognition

• Accredited under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), and an American College of Surgeons Surgical Quality Partner.
• Designated an Aetna Institute of Quality® for Bariatric Surgery for treating individuals living with morbid, or extreme, obesity.
• Accredited as a Comprehensive Center by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®), a joint Quality Program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
• Named one of America's Best Hospitals for Bariatric Surgery by the Women's Choice Award®, America’s trusted referral source for the best in healthcare. It signifies that the hospital is in the top four percent of 4,542 U.S. hospitals reviewed.
• Recognized by Anthem Blue Cross® with a Blue Distinction® Centers for Bariatric Surgery designation, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.
• Recognized by Blue Shield® of California with a Blue Distinction® Centers for Bariatric Surgery designation, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.

Weight-Loss Surgery Options

Palmdale Regional Medical Center offers three minimally invasive surgical weight-loss options: adjustable gastric banding, laparoscopic gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. It is important that patients understand that no one procedure is the best choice for all cases. Each patient is assessed as an individual, with consideration given to their medical history, current medical conditions and other factors.

In addition, long-term success with any of the procedures depends on the patient’s adaptation to a healthier lifestyle, including smaller portions of healthy food, daily exercise, supplementation and ongoing support.

Adjustable Gastric Banding

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgery (LAP-BAND^®) is the least invasive bariatric procedure and does not require the surgeon to cut or reattach any part of the stomach or small intestine. This procedure helps patients lose weight by limiting the amount of food their stomachs can hold using an adjustable band. Most patients can expect to lose 55 to 60 percent of their excess body weight over 18 months. With weight reduction, patients may also see an improvement in obesity-related medical conditions such as diabetes or sleep apnea. In some cases, the surgeon may even remove the band once the patient's target weight is reached.

With this procedure, there is no effect on the absorption of nutrients. The restrictive capacity of the band may be adjusted by injecting or withdrawing fluid through the port. The success of this device depends greatly on good patient compliance and maintenance. Potential complications include Lap-Band slippage, erosion and failure of the device.

Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

Laparoscopic gastric bypass is a minimally invasive procedure in which a one-ounce stomach pouch is created and attached to the small intestine. This restricts patients to eating smaller portions of food, increasing satiety and reducing absorption. Most patients can expect to reduce their excess body weight by 80 to 85 percent over 18 months.

Medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea are often dramatically improved. Patients who have this procedure may experience negative effects if they eat too many simple sugars, fats or overly processed foods. The contour of the body may change and patients may choose to have plastic surgery after their weight loss. Hair loss may occur during the first three to six months. This usually resolves within one year.

There is a one percent risk of ulcer formation in the pouch, especially if the patient takes NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen) or smokes. The risk of iron deficiency in menstruating women is possible.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a minimally invasive procedure in which 70 to 80 percent of the stomach is removed. This reduces hunger and increases satiety with smaller portions of food. Patients may expect an excess body weight loss of 70 percent. There is less than one percent chance of leakage within the first 30 days.

The advantage of a gastric sleeve over gastric banding surgery is that there is no foreign body implanted, and unlike gastric bypass, there is less change in the absorptive capacity of nutrients. The sleeve offers dramatic improvements in health, often including diabetes and hypertension resolution.

Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if bariatric surgery is right for you.

Nutrition After Surgery

After surgery, patients who commit themselves to a healthier lifestyle generally see the most dramatic improvements. You will be under a strict diet after surgery according to your surgeon's instructions but can use the following information as a guide to help you achieve your weight-loss goal:

• Keep a food journal and write down everything you eat
• Learn about nutritional facts so you can make informed choices
• Eliminate carbonated beverages, alcohol and caffeine from your diet
• Drink liquids between meals, not during
• Take your daily vitamins and mineral supplements
• Eat six small meals a day to help maintain a high metabolism
• Don't lie down right after eating
• Talk to your doctor about the proper amount of protein you need to stay healthy
• Exercise three to five times a week for 30 minutes

Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if bariatric surgery is right for you.