Weight Loss SurgeryUnderstanding Your Weight Loss Options
When considering weight loss methods, it’s essential to focus on improving overall health and managing chronic conditions. If you carry an excess of 100 pounds over your ideal body weight or have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, bariatric surgery may be a viable option. Additionally, individuals with a BMI of 35 or above, coupled with obesity-related health issues, may also benefit from surgical intervention. However, for those with a lower BMI who find it challenging to lose weight with diet and exercise alone, non-surgical options such as Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) or Gastric Balloon, as well as supervised weight loss programs, can be effective alternatives.
Non-Surgical Weight Loss Options
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- Gastric Balloon The Gastric Balloon is a non-surgical procedure for patients who have struggled to lose weight, or to maintain weight loss through diet and exercise alone. We’re proud to offer the ORBERA® Weight Loss Balloon in Huntsville, Alabama, an effective and FDA-approved gastric balloon.
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- Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, also known as ESG, the non-surgical sleeve, or an accordion procedure, is an endoscopic weight loss procedure that involves reducing the size of the stomach. Unlike gastric sleeve surgery, no part of the stomach is removed during this procedure. Instead, sutures are used to make the stomach smaller.
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- Prescription Weight Loss Medications Prescription weight loss medications can help people lose more weight than exercise and diet alone, and are most effective when combined with healthy lifestyle changes. Medical weight loss is also an option for those who wish to lose weight before surgery, lose more weight after surgery, or those for whom surgery is not an option. Our team works with each patient to determine the best treatment plan to help them achieve and maintain successful weight loss.
Bariatric Surgery Options
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- Gastric Banding or the LAP-BAND® procedure, is a bariatric surgery in which a band is placed around the stomach to restrict food intake. It can help patients lose weight by enabling them to feel full with less food. The band is adjustable so it can be customized for each patient, and it is removable if needed.
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- Gastric Sleeve This weight loss procedure, also called vertical sleeve gastrectomy or VSG, involves surgical removal of 75 to 80% of the stomach in order to help patients feel full with less food. Gastric sleeve surgery can be very effective for patients who are seeking to lose significant weight, as well as patients with obesity related health conditions. Gastric sleeve surgery may improve or resolve Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension.
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- Gastric Bypass Also known as Roux-en-Y surgery, this weight loss surgery is both restrictive and malabsorptive, meaning that it restricts the amount of food a patient can eat and also changes how nutrients are digested. Gastric bypass typically allows patients to lose up to 80% of excess weight and can also improve or reverse Type 2 diabetes.
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- Single Anastomosis Duodenal-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy, or SADI-S, is a sophisticated surgical intervention designed to combat severe obesity and its associated health issues. By performing a sleeve gastrectomy to lessen stomach volume and rerouting a segment of the small intestine to decrease nutrient uptake, SADI-S offers a dual mechanism for weight control. This innovative procedure is particularly effective in adjusting the hormonal environment within the gastrointestinal tract, leading to sustainable weight loss and significant enhancements in metabolic health, including the management of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors.
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- Duodenal Switch – The duodenal switch procedure is a surgical weight loss option known for its effectiveness in significant and sustained weight loss. Unlike other bariatric surgeries, the duodenal switch combines restrictive and malabsorptive techniques to achieve weight loss results. During the procedure, the stomach is reduced in size to limit food intake, and a portion of the small intestine is rerouted to reduce the absorption of calories and nutrients. This comprehensive approach helps patients achieve substantial weight loss and may also improve or resolve obesity-related health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
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- Weight Loss Surgery Revision A revision procedure may be an option for patients who have had bariatric surgery, but are not happy with the results, have experienced weight regain or have problems with their previous procedure. Bariatric revision procedures include gastric band to gastric sleeve conversion, Transoral Gastric Outlet Reduction (TORe) for endoscopic revision of gastric bypass, and more.
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- Robotic Weight Loss Procedures Alabama Surgical Associates utilizes advanced technology for optimal results. Learn more about the benefits of robot assistance for general and bariatric surgery.
Why Choose Alabama Surgical Associates for Weight Loss Treatment?
Experience and Expertise
At ASA, we have been helping patients with obesity achieve sustained weight loss and lifestyle changes since 1998. Dr. Darrell Doucette has extensive training and experience in minimally invasive weight loss procedures and, medical weight loss, as well as acid reflux treatment and general surgery.
Comprehensive Treatment
To meet the needs of our patients from across the region, we have partnered with the Bariatric Wellness Institute, Crestwood Hospital, and Huntsville Hospital. At these institutions, our board certified surgeon offers industry-leading expertise as well as the support and encouragement you need for long-term success.
Personalized Care
We understand the frustrations you may have faced with previous weight loss attempts, and we honor the courage it takes to commit to a major lifestyle change. We don’t offer one-size-fits all solutions; we work with each patient to find the treatment plan that works best for their individual needs and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery
How Do I Know Which Procedure Is Right For Me?
Many patients spend time researching procedures before their consultation appointment. Even if you have done this, Dr. Doucette will take the time to discuss the benefits and potential side effects of each weight loss option and then discuss your medical history and weight loss goals in order to help you determine which treatment may be best for you. We offer a full spectrum of options to fit the needs of each patient.
Is Bariatric Surgery Covered by Insurance?
Many insurance plans do cover bariatric surgery. We know that it can be difficult to understand the details of insurance coverage, so we offer a free insurance check to help you determine if your health insurance plan may cover procedures such as gastric sleeve or gastric bypass. Some weight loss procedures, such as the ESG and gastric balloon, are not covered by health insurance.
How Much Does Bariatric Surgery Cost?
Alabama Surgical Associates offers some of the best self-pay pricing for patients without health insurance, as well as those who choose to self-pay in order to streamline the process and avoid the prerequisites that insurance companies may impose. View our pricing for bariatric surgery and non-surgical weight loss procedures. We also partner with independent medical lenders to provide payment options to fit a variety of budgets.
What are the health benefits of bariatric surgery?
Potential benefits of bariatric surgery may include:
- Improvement of Type 2 Diabetes and sleep apnea
- Reduction of high blood pressure
- Improved hormone regulation
- Relief from joint pain
- Increased ability to perform physical activities
Is Bariatric Surgery Safe?
Any surgery carries some risk, and you should always discuss medical procedures with your doctor and carefully consider your options. That said, bariatric surgery is widely regarded as being very safe, with a 99.9% survival rate that is comparable to many routine procedures.1
If a patient suffers from life-threatening obesity related conditions, bariatric surgery could vastly improve health outcomes. One clinical study showed that patients with morbid obesity who had bariatric surgery were 89% less likely to die within 5 years than those who did not have bariatric surgery.2
What Results Can I Expect After Bariatric Surgery?
Your results will depend on your individual health, the type of surgery you have, and your level of commitment to healthier habits. In general, patients lose significant weight and the majority maintain their weight loss. Our patients also often report an improved quality of life, with more energy and confidence.
Begin Your Weight Loss Journey
Get started on the path towards successful weight loss by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Doucette. For more information about your weight loss options, please contact our office, call us at (256) 880-1977 or submit an inquiry through our contact form.