If you’ve tried diet and exercise regimens but still haven’t been able to take off weight, you may be a candidate for weight loss surgery. There are now various different bariatric surgical options, each of which helps patients jumpstart the process of shedding pounds and living a healthier life. The team at New Life Surgical Associates can help you sort through the surgical choices and determine if you are a candidate.

Am I a Good Candidate?

Interested patients go through a screening process at New Life Surgical Associates to determine whether or not they are a good candidate for weight loss surgery. The screening process involves an assessment of a patient’s weight and body mass index. The process also involves meeting with a professional to determine whether there are any underlying emotional issues that are driving your eating habits. Not everyone is a good candidate for weight loss surgery, but for those who are, the procedure can be life-changing.

What Weight Loss Surgery Options are Available?

Once you’ve passed the screening process, there are different surgical techniques to consider. Some surgical procedures work by shrinking your stomach, reducing the amount of food you can consume. Others reduce the size of your stomach and also bypass part of your digestive tract, making it harder for the body to absorb calories. The professionals at our office will work with you to determine which will best meet your wants and needs.

Adjustable Gastric Banding

In the adjustable gastric banding procedure, the surgeon places an inflatable band around the stomach to squeeze it into two parts: a small upper pouch and a larger lower section. Because the smaller upper pouch can only hold so much food, patients who undergo this procedure feel fuller sooner and consume less.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

With a sleeve gastrectomy, the surgeon removes a large portion of the stomach. The remaining portion of the stomach is a narrow sleeve, or tube, that connects with the intestines. Because the size of the stomach has been reduced, patients who have had this procedure feel full after eating smaller amounts of food.

Gastric Bypass

When performing a gastric bypass, a surgeon both reduces the size of the patient’s stomach and bypasses a portion of the digestive tract, allowing the body to absorb fewer calories. Essentially, the surgeon is dividing the stomach into two parts that are sealed off from each other. The upper portion of the stomach is then connected to the lower portion of the small intestine.

Visit Our Office

If you’re curious about weight loss surgical options and whether you might be a candidate, the professional staff at New Life Surgical Associates in Jacksonville, Florida can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.