Lap Gastric Bypass

Gastric Bypass in Los Angeles (LA)

Gastric bypass has been performed for weight loss since the 1970s. Over the years, the surgical technique has been improved so that today gastric bypass is a safe and effective surgery in Los Angeles and nationwide.

The procedure is composed of two main elements, restriction and malabsorption: Restriction is achieved by stapling and dividing a ping-pong sized pouch from the remainder of the stomach. This pouch has a small capacity and will fill with a small quantity of food.

Malabsorption is achieved by bypassing a relatively short length of the small intestine which reduces calorie absorption. The result is usually aggressive weight loss, approximately 70% of calculated excess weight, as long as patients faithfully stick to their nutrition and exercise plans.

How is Gastric Bypass Surgery Performed?

A laparoscopic surgery is performed through small incisions in the body, using a telescope and high definition camera. Instead of large or “open” incisions, LA Bariatrics specializes in laparoscopic techniques. This means that patients usually recover faster, experience fewer complications, and have less pain than if they had had open surgery.

The operation, which is performed under general anesthesia, consists of the stomach stapling and intestine re-routing, as described above, performed through the small openings with laparoscopic instruments. It is potentially reversible; however, this is usually done only in response to serious problems, which are very uncommon.

Gastric Bypass Surgeons

Among the many Los Angeles surgeons providing gastric bypass surgery, Dr. Jeremy Korman stands out. He and the bariatric surgery center, of which he is the medical director, L.A. Bariatrics, have the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery's "Center of Excellence" designation; this means that they have undergone a rigorous vetting process at the hands of objective, expert observers, and have been found to provide outstanding care and support, both before and after surgery. It also means that both the center and Dr. Korman personally have extensive experience specializing in this field, because there is a minimum experience threshold and annual minimum number of operations before the Center of Excellence designation is conferred.

Recovery Time After Having Gastric Bypass Surgery

The procedure should take less than two hours. When you wake up, you will be in the hospital's recovery facility, monitored by medical professionals. Following the operation, you will likely have a two night hospital stay. After discharge, for a limited period of time, you may have some of the following:

Soreness
Fatigue
Food intolerances

Costs of Gastric Bypass Surgery

Depending on where you live, the cost of gastric bypass surgery can vary considerably; no two individual patients are the same, either, and there are several factors that can cause price variations. It isn't possible to give a price quote that will apply to everyone, so please call us to get an accurate quote.

When you are considering costs, you might also think of the costs of not acting in response to serious obesity. Higher medical bills, more sick leave, and less productive work are just the start: there is also the non-financial cost that you pay in decreased mobility, health complications, discomfort and shortened lifespan.

L.A. Bariatrics offers help as you work out the financing for an operation. Furthermore, insurance often covers the surgery; please ask us for help, and we can advise you on how to get the best results when requesting authorization from your insurer.

Dieting After Gastric Bypass Surgery

Before and after the operation, you'll be required to follow a strict nutritional plan. The medical team at L.A. Bariatrics will go into specifics, but in general, for the first one to two weeks you will be on a liquid diet. This will progress to more solid food over the first month. Our support staff includes a nutritionist, who will help you through this period.

After the operation, after you heal, you'll need to make life-long changes to your diet. You will have to make protein and foods carrying lots of vitamins, such as vegetables, a priority, and you'll also have to avoid sugars, starches and most fatty foods.

Los Angeles Gastric Bypass and Weight Loss Center

If you're interested in learning more about the best surgical weight loss programs in Los Angeles, including our proven gastric bypass procedure, please call Dr. Korman's office at L.A. Bariatrics, at (800) 491-1977. We will be happy to answer your questions and to assist you in finding out more.

Click here to learn more about Gastric Bypass procedure