Modern Bariatric and General Surgery are Performed By Minimal Access Surgery Using Laparoscopy or Robot
Weight Loss Jorney
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1. Education
At GC Bariatrics & Invia MedSpa, we provide the option of attending an educational seminar about bariatric surgery. Alternatively, anyone interested can contact us for more information. Our team provides a variety of details relating to choosing patients who are suitable for surgery, the surgical process involved, the stages of recovery and relative expectations.
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2. Consultation
At your first meeting with Dr.Chandra Hassan or Dr.Yevhen Pavelko, you will have a chance to get acquainted with them and the rest of our staff. This is the perfect time to talk about your medical history, any potential surgical alternatives, and ask any questions that you may have about undergoing the procedure.
What Should You Bring?To get started, make sure to bring your health insurance card and a valid form of photo identification. Our insurance specialists will be able to advise you on your bariatric surgery coverage and other payment options. They can also answer any questions you may have relating to self-pay weight-loss surgery or the process.
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3. Your Pre Op Evaluation
In preparation for a successful weight loss surgery, it is important to complete a full preoperative evaluation. We will analyze various laboratory tests prior to undergoing surgery. In addition, you will be asked to complete a psychological and behavioural evaluation.
Further, you may be asked to receive medical clearance from your own doctor or a medical professional. Upon the review of your tests, we will contact you with the set date for the procedure. In addition, we will offer you advice to help you stay ready for surgery.
Are you eligible?
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At GC Bariatrics we are taking into account all factors to determine whether you are an ideal candidate for weight-loss surgery.
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You may be a candidate for weight-loss surgery (gastric bypass, gastric sleeve or gastric band) if you meet any one of the following criteria:
Weigh 100 lbs. More than your ideal body weight
Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more Check your BMI to see if you meet any of these requirements.
Have a BMI between 35 and 40 and one other obesity-related health condition, such as High blood pressure, Diabetes, Cholesterol etc.
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Weight loss surgery requires mental preparation and understanding that it is not a quick fix. Long-term success depends on your commitment to lifestyle change and follow up care. The multidisciplinary team at GC Bariatrics will support you through the initial post-surgical period and follow up.
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You are NOT alone on your journey. Your weight loss goals will also need the support of your family and friends. The GC Bariatrics exclusively professional staff will support throught the entire process until you reach your goal.
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Patients must be over age 18.
Patients must not have any uncontrolled psychological conditions.
Patients must be free of drug, tobacco or alcohol abuse.
Patients must quit smoking at least 4 weeks before surgery and abstain thereafter
Ready to take the first step towards a healthier you?
Explore the life-changing possibilities of weight loss surgery on our informative page. Discover the benefits, different procedures, and expert insights to help you make an informed decision. Your journey to a happier, healthier you starts here!
Types of Bariatric Surgery!
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
The Gastric Sleeve is one of the most commonly performed weight loss procedures in the country.The Sleeve Gastrectomy – often called the Gastric sleeve – is performed Laparoscopically or Robotically by removing around 80 percent of the stomach.It is called restrictive proceedure. General anesthesia is used during gastric sleeve surgery. The part of the stomach that stays inside of your body is a tubular pouch that resembles a banana. Laparoscopy – typically small less than 1 cm/half inch incisions placed on the upper part of the belly.
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Technically simple and shorter surgery time.
Can be performed in certain patients with high risk medical conditions.
May be performed as the first step for patients with severe obesity.
May be used as a bridge to gastric bypass or SADI-S procedures.
Effective weight loss and improvement of obesity related conditions
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Non-reversible procedure.
May worsen or cause new onset reflux and heart burn
Less impact on metabolism compared to bypass procedures
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB)
The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, often called the “gastric bypass”is one of the most common operations and is very effective in treating obesity and obesity related diseases.The new stomach pouch is about the size of an egg. The larger part of the stomach is bypassed and no longer stores or digests food. The small intestine is also divided and connected to the new stomach pouch to allow food to pass. Eventually the stomach acids and digestive enzymes will mix with food that is eaten.
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Reliable and long-lasting weight loss
Effective for remission of obesity-associated conditions
Refined and standardized technique
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Technically more complex when compared to sleeve gastrectomy or gastric band
More vitamin and mineral deficiencies than sleeve gastrectomy or gastric banding
There is a risk for small bowel complications and obstruction
There is a risk of developing ulcers, especially with NSAID or tobacco use
May cause “dumping syndrome”, a feeling of sickness after eating or drinking, especially sweets
Mini Gastric Bypass
The expected weight loss is at least comparable to the Roux en Y Gastric Bypass.
The operation consists of two components:
First, a long and narrow gastric pouch;
Second, The small intestine is also divided and connected to the new stomach pouch to allow food to pass.
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The same is true for the resolution of comorbidities, especially Diabetes.
This procedure has proven to be safe and effective, resulting in permanent weightloss, being easily revisable by moving the anastomosis, and if ever necessary, reversable.
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Patients after Single Anastomosis Gastric Bypass need supplementation of iron and vitamins.
Main information
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An excessive body fat is a disorder with a serious risk of many health problems. Obesity is a results from excessive calories than are not burned through a day and by lack of exercise or daily activities. Persone considered obese with body mass index 30 or greater. The main symptom is excessive body fat, low eneregy level and ext.
Different weight can be classified by BMI (kg/m2) ranges:
Underweight: Less than 18.5
Optimum range: 18.5 to 24.9
Overweight: 25 to 29.9
Class I obesity: 30 to 34.9
Class II obesity: 35 to 39.9
Class III obesity: More than 40
Class I and Class II is considered severe obesity. Class III obesity (morbid obesity), is a complex chronic condition leading to serious health issues. The treatment options includes lifestyle changes, behavioral & psychological therapy, medication and surgical procedures.
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A metabolism is the process when calories are converted into energy to fuel your body’s functions. When person consume more calories than it can use, our body converts the extra calories into fat tissue. Enlarged fat cells secrete hormones and many diferent chemicals that produce an inflammatory reaction affecting our body.
Type 2 diabetes.
Obesity raises the risk of Type 2 diabetes seven-folds. The risk increases by 20% for every additional point you gain on the BMI scale. The risk diminishes with weight loss.
Cardiovascular diseases.
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar and inflammation are all risk factors for cardiovascular diseases which are not limitted to coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, heart attack and stroke.
Fatty liver disease.
The liver is responsible for filtering blood. Excess fats circulating in your blood travel to your liver which can lead to chronic liver inflammation (hepatitis) and long-term liver damage (cirrhosis) by storing excess fat inside your liver.
Kidney disease.
High blood pressure, diabetes and liver disease are main common contributors to chronic kidney disease which eventually will lead to end stage kidney disease, dyalisis and kidney transplant.
Gallstones.
Higher blood cholesterol levels can cause cholesterol to accumulate in your gallbladder, leading to cholesterol gallstones and potential gallbladder diseases.
Direct effects:Excess body fat can cover your respiratory system organs and musculoskeletal system. This contributes to such diseases as:
Asthma
Sleep apnea
Obesity hypoventilation syndrome
Osteoarthritis
Back pain
Gout
Indirect effects:
Obesity is also associated indirectly with:
Memory and cognition, including a heightened risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Female infertility and pregnancy complications
Depression and mood disorders
Certain cancers, including esophageal, pancreatic, colorectal, breast, uterine and ovarian
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How is obesity treated?
We take into account your complete health profile that will determine your individual treatment plan. We will target your most urgent health concerns first following a longer-term weight loss plan. Every person is unique, that is why it common to take some trial and error to figure out which therapies work best for you. Studies have shown that team-based programs with frequent, personal communication between your physician and you will help to lose weight and maintain desired body. Such approach is the most successful.
Dietary changes
The dietary changes you personally need to make to lose weight will be individual to you. Our professional dietician will create individual plan for you.
Increased activity
The diet and exercise are both important to weight loss and weight maintenance. Walking at a moderate pace is one of the most efficient types of exercise for weight loss.We advise you in great details regarding activity changes.
Behavioral therapies
Counseling,support groups and cognitive behavioral therapy are methods that may play an important role in supporting your weight loss journey. Such methods can help you to manage stress, emotional and psychological factors that may be working against you.
Medication
We may recommend to use medications in conjunction with other treatments but this method aren’t the whole answer to weight loss.
Weight loss surgery
Surgery is a not easy option but highly effective solution to long-term and significant weight loss. If you are diagnosed with class II and III obesity, bariatric surgery may be solution for you. All bariatric surgery procedures can change your digestive system in different ways. Some of them can restrict the number of calories you can consume while other affect your calories absorption as well as hormonal changes.
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Most of the common health plans that cover obesity management procedures such as bariatric surgery are Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield and United Healthcare. Each plan has different criteria for coverage, including body mass index (BMI) and prior attempts at conservative weight loss strategies. It is best to contact your insurance provider to find out if your specific plan will cover any of the costs associated with weight loss surgery.
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It is important to make sure you are aware of what payment methods are accepted and the associated costs of the surgery. You may have to pay the Copay, Coinsurance and Deductible or for a portion of the surgery up front, depending on the terms of your insurance plan. It is best to reach out to a financial counselor prior to your scheduled procedure to get an idea of the financial expectations associated with the surgery.
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Our knowledgeable staff will leverage our experience with most insurance companies to provide you with the help and support needed to secure the approval you deserve for your needed bariatric surgery.
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If you're interested in getting weight loss surgery but don't have health insurance or aren't approved for coverage, GC Bariatrics offers self-pay and payment options. Our billing specialists are available to discuss the costs of these options and can provide advice about financing. We want to make weight loss surgery as accessible and affordable as possible to help you on your journey towards improved health.
Sleeve gastrectomy - $12,999
Mini Gastric Bypass - $15,999
Gastric Bypass - $19,999
Conversions - 20,999
