Millions of Americans struggle with excess weight to the point of morbid obesity – it is estimated that over 40% of Americans are obese. Obesity can cause extensive health problems that can impact the length of your life and affect your self-esteem and ability to enjoy life to its fullest. If you have tried to lose weight through diet and exercise but continue to fail to achieve your goals, it may be time to consider bariatric or weight loss surgery.

What Are The Types Of Weight Loss Surgery?

In the last few decades, bariatric surgery has changed immensely. There are many different options available that can help overweight individuals reset their metabolism and control their eating to lose significant amounts of weight in a short period of time. Some of the weight loss surgery options Dr. Shouhed offers at his practice include:

  • Sleeve Gastrectomy
  • Gastric Bypass
  • Duodenal Switch/SADI/SIPS
  • Intragastric Balloon
  • Orbera Balloon

Each type of weight loss surgery has its own pros and cons – it is important for each patient to have an experienced surgeon who specializes in bariatric surgery to discuss which option would be best for him or her.

Is Weight Loss Surgery Safe And Effective?

According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), an estimated quarter of a million weight loss surgeries are performed in the U.S. each year. In recent years, the sleeve gastrectomy is the most popular, accounting for an estimated 60% of bariatric surgeries. The success and safety of bariatric surgery has improved extensively with advances in surgical techniques and technology, as well as pre-surgery and post-surgery programs.

The risks of weight loss surgery are extremely low, especially when compared to the risks of health issues caused by obesity. The risk of death from the surgery is less than one percent and complication risks are also low – Dr. Shouhed has never had a patient death from bariatric surgery and only one leak in over 1300 weight loss surgeries.

While all surgeries have risks, ASMBS reports that 90% of bariatric patients lose 50% of their excess body weight and keep the weight off long-term. This can greatly reduce their risks of death and health problems from related diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

Weight loss surgery is not right for everyone. It does require a commitment to changing your eating habits and lifestyle for it to sustain long-term weight loss. If you are wondering whether bariatric surgery is right for you, contact us at the office of Dr. Danny Shouhed in Los Angeles.