You’ve wanted to lose weight for years, but despite giving it your
absolute best effort, those stubborn pounds just won’t budge. If
that sounds like you, take a deep breath. You aren’t alone, and
we are right here to help you figure it out. Finding the right support
makes all the difference, which is why LCMC Health Weight Loss in New
Orleans was created. We know that diet and exercise alone don’t
help everyone successfully shed pounds, and there is zero shame in that.
Sometimes, you need a little extra help, like medical intervention or
surgery, to help you reach and maintain a healthy weight.
Before we get into the details of weight loss, let’s talk about what
makes LCMC Health special. We’re here to bring a little more heart
and humanity to healthcare every day. We’ve got you covered with
top-tier services for all your needs, from regular check-ups to life-saving
emergency care, behavioral health, and specialized surgical services.
We’re here to look after all of you, not just a number on a scale.
Why choose LCMC Health weight loss in New Orleans?
When you start your weight loss journey with us, our specialists are by
your side from the moment you walk through our doors. We’re here
to support you every step of the way because we genuinely care about your
well-being.
As part of our weight loss program serving the Greater New Orleans area,
you’ll have a whole team dedicated to your success. You’ll
work with bariatric surgeons, behavioral health experts, registered dietitians,
and nurse practitioners who all collaborate to develop a personalized
plan that fits your unique body and lifestyle.
Comprehensive care at every weight loss center
We talk like New Orleanians because we are New Orleanians. We know that
our community loves good food and good times, and we want to help you
enjoy everything NOLA has to offer while feeling your absolute best.
At each LCMC Health weight loss center, we don’t believe one size
fits all. We prepare you for success before and after your weight loss
surgery, and we know exactly how to guide you through the journey.
Our programs include:
Nutritional counseling for a balanced life
Emotional support and psychoeducational therapies
Exercise education tailored to your mobility
Welcoming support groups to share the journey
Advanced bariatric surgery procedures to help you reach your goals
At LCMC Health, our weight loss teams strive to provide everything you
might need to help you achieve your goals, and have you feeling great.
Bariatric procedures from LCMC Health Weight Loss in New Orleans to help
you reach your weight goals
If your weight loss specialist recommends a surgical route, we offer two
main forms of bariatric surgery. No matter which procedure you choose,
we are with you from beginning to end.
Often referred to simply as gastric bypass, this procedure is one of the
most common forms of weight loss surgery. Your weight loss surgeon creates
a small stomach pouch and connects it to your small intestine. People
who receive Roux-en-y gastric bypass generally lose 60% to 70% of their
excess weight. In addition to shrinking the size of your stomach, gastric
bypass causes hormone changes that help you feel less hungry.
During this procedure, your bariatric surgeon removes about 80% of your
stomach. People who have a sleeve gastrectomy lose around 50% to 60% of
their excess weight. As with gastric bypass, the procedure causes changes
in hunger hormones that help you eat less. Roux-en-y gastric bypass is
a more involved procedure than sleeve gastrectomy, and sleeve gastrectomy
may be better for people with certain medical conditions.
Frequently asked questions about bariatric surgery
There’s no such thing as a dumb question. Really. Here are some general
questions we’re often asked that you may be wondering about, too:
Can weight loss surgery prolong my life?
Yes! Research shows that bariatric surgery can definitely prolong your
life by improving your overall health.
Can bariatric surgery help resolve other medical conditions?
The science doesn’t lie. Research shows that weight loss surgery
can improve or resolve health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension
(high blood pressure), obstructive sleep apnea, joint pain, lipid disorders,
reflux, and many more co-morbid conditions. Data even shows a reduction
in rates of certain cancers.
You’re only as old as you feel! We accept people into our program
based on their health age, not their chronological age. Older folks might
face slightly increased surgical risks, but the benefits, like improved
quality of life, are huge. Plus, we think our older patients are total
rock stars!
Is bariatric surgery dangerous?
Every surgery comes with risks. Thankfully, bariatric surgery has relatively
low surgical risks. Many people fear weight loss surgery, but that’s
mostly a holdover from when the procedure was first performed many years
ago in an open fashion. With current laparoscopic techniques, bariatric
surgery is safer than having your gallbladder removed. (The mortality
rate for bariatric surgery is just 0.25 percent. For gallbladder surgery,
it’s 0.7 percent.)
How do I prepare for bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery is generally safe, in part because we take our time preparing
you for surgery. It’s like running a marathon. You wouldn’t
just go out and run 26.2 miles without training first. You’d prepare
for it. In the six months leading up to your surgery, you’ll meet
with various doctors — including your primary care doctor, a cardiologist,
a pulmonologist, and a psychiatrist — who will help you prepare
for your procedure. You will also have multiple tests ordered, all to
get you ready for surgery.
After your surgery, our team will give you detailed instructions and information
about your recovery. To give you a sense of what to expect, we’ve
outlined some of the more common questions we’re asked.
How long do I have to stay in the hospital?
The average hospital stay for sleeve and bypass surgery is one to two days.
How soon will I be able to walk again?
We want you out of bed and moving almost immediately. This helps wake up
your digestive system and keeps your lungs healthy.
What happens if there’s a leak or complication from the surgery?
If leaks or complications happen, we’ve got you covered. We have
all the necessary equipment and personnel to take care of you. As a matter
of fact, we regularly care for patients from other states and even other
countries who are experiencing bariatric surgery complications.
Will I have excess skin hanging off of me?
Everyone is different. Not all patients have excess skin, but some do.
Building muscle mass helps, which is why we stress exercise. If excess
skin makes you uncomfortable later, we offer plastic surgery procedures to help.
Will I regain the weight?
Most patients keep the weight off, but some do experience regain. To set
you up for success, you’ll meet with our dietitians and physical
therapists before surgery. If you do regain weight, LCMC Health Weight
Loss in New Orleans offers revision surgeries to get you back on track.
Will I have vitamin issues after the procedure?
Some patients require vitamin supplements, and some don’t. We never
abandon you after your procedure. Your team will monitor you closely for
years following your surgery to ensure you stay healthy and strong.
Ready to take the first step?
If you are ready to embrace a healthier future, we are ready to welcome
you to the family. LCMC Health Weight Loss in New Orleans has three convenient
locations to serve you:
Downtown: Center for Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery
Westbank: LCMC Health Center for Bariatric Surgery
Metabolic and Bariatric SurgerySchedule An Appointment
