Bariatric Surgery Specialist

Am I a candidate for bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery is an umbrella term for research-backed procedures designed to help you lose weight if obesity is causing — or increasing your risk of — potentially life-threatening conditions. You may be a candidate for bariatric surgery if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher.

However, bariatric surgery may also be right for you if your BMI is 35 or higher if you have obesity-related health issues. For instance, if you struggle with Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, or have an elevated risk of heart disease because of hypertension or high cholesterol, bariatric surgery might be the correct resolution.

Though less common, sometimes bariatric surgery is necessary if your BMI is between 30-34. You’re likely only going to be a candidate for bariatric surgery in this case if you already have serious obesity-related conditions and conservative treatments aren’t effective or aren’t right for you. 

Which type of bariatric surgery will I need?

At SkyLex Health, you can meet with Dr. Liu, who’s board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and has extensive training in up-to-date weight loss surgeries. As a highly skilled bariatric surgeon, Dr. Liu has helped countless patients drop excess body weight and learn to keep it off. Below are short descriptions of some of the bariatric surgeries Dr. Liu offers.

Gastric bypass

Formally known as a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, this procedure is the “gold standard” of weight-loss surgeries. Gastric bypass surgery involves creating a small pouch from a portion of your stomach and attaching it to your small intestine. This smaller pouch essentially serves as your new stomach and because it’s smaller, you won’t be able to eat as much. 

Sleeve gastrectomy

A sleeve gastrectomy procedure involves removing 80% of your stomach and creating an elongated tubular stomach pouch (it resembles a small banana shape after surgery). Because this new pouch cannot hold as much volume as your normal-sized stomach, you can only eat small portions afterward. A sleeve gastrectomy also has beneficial effects on hormones that regulate your satiety, hunger, and even blood sugar. 

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch

The biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) procedure begins with reshaping your stomach in a similar manner as a sleeve gastrectomy. Dr. Liu then bypasses about three-fourths of your small intestine. These combined steps minimize the amount of food your stomach can hold, while simultaneously decreasing in the absorption of calories from protein and fat. 

SkyLex Health also offers less-invasive bariatric surgeries, including the Lap-Band® and Obalon® Balloon System. Dr. Liu can discuss each type of procedure during your consultation. 

What can I expect after bariatric surgery?

At SkyLex Health, top-rated bariatric surgeon Dr. Liu and his team of weight loss specialists help you throughout every stage of your bariatric surgery recovery. Because dietary changes are critical, you come into the clinic regularly for follow-up care and nutritional counseling.

Generally, you can start consuming liquids within a few days of surgery, followed by pureed foods for several weeks. Though it may take up to a month or two for you to recover and get back to eating solid foods, you should experience dramatic weight loss within the first six months. 

SkyLex Health provides the most up-to-date bariatric surgeries available. Find out if bariatric surgery is right for you by booking a consultation online or by phone today.