Surgical and non-surgical weight loss options
We think you’re perfect just as you are. But if you’re someone
who struggles with obesity and the associated health complications and
is seeking medical solutions, we can help.
At the LCMC Health Tulane Weight Loss Center, we’re dedicated to
providing you with the latest treatment options to assist you on your
weight loss journey. We offer both surgical and nonsurgical approaches
to weight loss and customize care to meet your unique needs and goals.
Get started today! Call the LCMC Health Tulane Weight Loss Center at
504.988.2274 to schedule an appointment.
Fill out our new patient form here
Surgical weight loss options
Bariatric surgery is the general term for all weight loss surgeries. Our
bariatric surgeons are experienced in a variety of techniques, ranging
from minimally invasive methods to higher-risk procedures for people who
have severe obesity.
Vertical sleeve gastrectomy
The most popular bariatric procedure is vertical sleeve gastrectomy. It’s
a minimally invasive procedure that uses a laparoscopic camera and five
small incisions (cuts) in the abdomen. It takes less than an hour to perform
and usually only requires an overnight stay in the hospital.
During the procedure, the surgeon removes a large portion of your stomach.
The new, smaller stomach is about the size of a banana, which limits the
amount of food you can eat at once and helps you feel fuller after smaller meals.
Vertical sleeve gastrectomy is popular because it’s very safe and
produces excellent results.
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
Like vertical sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y bypass surgery is performed
laparoscopically. But it’s slightly more complicated and takes about
two hours to complete. The typical recovery time is two days in the hospital.
During Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, a small part of the stomach is
used to create a new stomach pouch roughly the size of an orange. This
new, smaller stomach bypasses part of the small intestine. This causes
you to feel fuller faster and you won’t be able to eat as much food
at one time.
The benefits of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery are clear: You’ll
lose more weight and have a better chance of resolving comorbidities such
as diabetes and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, there
are risks — specifically, an increased risk of complications from
surgery that do not exist with the vertical sleeve gastrectomy. These
may include internal hernias, gastric ulcers, and vitamin deficiencies.
Surgical revisions
Sometimes, bariatric surgery isn’t successful, for one reason or
another. If this is your experience, you may be a candidate for a bariatric revision.
We specialize in revision surgeries for weight regain after sleeve gastrectomy
and after gastric bypass. Because these procedures aren’t one-size-fits-all,
it’s best to meet with our bariatric team to discuss the best treatment
option and approach for you.
Non-surgical weight loss approaches
If nonsurgical solutions are what you’re seeking, we’ve got
you covered.
After meeting with our board-certified obesity specialists and registered
dieticians, we’ll create a personalized plan for your exact weight
loss goals. Your plan may include any of the following components:
- Customized diet plan to fit your food preferences, lifestyle, and goals.
- Individualized exercise plan.
- Medications to aid in weight loss.
- Nutritional counseling.
- Review of current medical conditions and medications that may be contributing
to obesity.
