My Perspective

            Over one third of Americans are overweight or obese.  In fact, obesity has now surpassed tobacco abuse as the primary cause of preventable death and disease in the United States.  Comorbidities, or medical problems associated with being overweight, such as Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, sleep apnea, and even cancer, should remain an important focus of this worrisome pandemic.  Bariatric Surgery is not just about the pounds you will lose.  It is about living a happier, healthier, and longer life.

            Bariatric Surgery was born from failure of the time-honored rituals of low-calorie diets, exercise regimens, and behavioral modifications.  In fact, with medically supervised diet and exercise alone, about 5% of obese Americans will lose enough weight to fall out of the ‘obese’ category, and keep the weight off for five years.   In comparison, approximately 90% of Bariatric Surgery patients will experience successful and sustained weight loss for far greater lengths of time. 

            The recent boom in popularity of Bariatric Surgery is well attributed to its laparoscopic implementation. This innovative technique has allowed surgeons to offer our patients the advantages of surgical weight loss with far less pain, quicker recovery, and fewer complications. My fellowship training was in Advanced Laparoscopic General and Bariatric Surgery at the University of California, Davis Institute, and I perform each of the three Bariatric Surgeries in laparoscopic fashion.

            I consider Bariatric Surgery to be a lifetime contract with yourself, and with your surgeon.  The operation provides an anatomic tool for weight loss, and I will dedicate my time and consideration to your safe surgery and postoperative guidance.  A successful outcome, however, needs your commitment.  If you have tried and failed non-surgical measures to lose weight, and you are concerned about the significant health risks of being overweight, Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery may be your solution.