Bariatric Surgery
Weight Loss Surgery in Las Cruces, NM
Have you struggled with weight your entire life? Have you tried diet, exercise, and other strategies, but still not experienced the results you want? Patients throughout Southern New Mexico are achieving their weight loss goals with the help of the MountainView Medical Weight Loss Center bariatric surgeons in Las Cruces.
When it comes to bariatric surgery, the first step is always the hardest. With so many options and so much information, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. At MountainView Weight Loss Center, you will get the direction you need and the results you want from our compassionate, caring staff.
From the initial consultation to post-operative care, our staff is here to help you navigate the obstacles and challenges that stand in your way. No matter where your weight loss journey takes you, our entire team wants you to start off on the right path, which is why we offer free informational seminars in which you can learn more about our bariatric surgery procedures.
Am I a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
In order to be considered a qualified candidate for weight loss surgery in our Las Cruces facility, patients must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35-35.9 with one or more health issues caused by obesity
- Have been overweight for 5+ years
- Have made serious attempts to lose weight and only seen short-term results
- Not have a medical condition that has caused obesity
- Be prepared to make significant lifestyle changes and follow-up with a specialist for a period of time after surgery
- Not drink alcohol excessively
These qualifications are general; ultimately, your Las Cruces weight loss surgeon will determine the specific criteria and whether or not you are a good candidate for surgery.
Your Path to Bariatric Surgery in Las Cruces
If you believe you are a candidate for weight loss surgery – and are ready to start working for real results – then the first step is to register for one of our free weight loss surgery seminars. The seminar can be viewed online, or you can join us in-person at MountainView Regional Medical Center in Las Cruces, NM. Register here.
Once you have participated in a seminar and passed the test, you will be invited to a one-on-one consultation with your bariatric surgeon in Las Cruces. During this consultation, your weight loss surgeon will evaluate your health, discuss your weight loss goals, and help identify the best weight loss surgery option for you.
Your Surgical Weight Loss Options In Southern New Mexico
Our patients have many options when it comes to weight loss surgery in Las Cruces. The type of bariatric surgery you receive is based on a number of factors, which your physician will discuss with you during your consultation. Learn more about some of the most common procedures offered by our Southern New Mexico bariatric surgeon.
Sleeve Gastrectomy / Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive weight loss surgery. Restrictive weight loss surgeries restrict the amount of food that can enter the stomach. During this procedure, approximately 85% of the stomach is removed. The remaining stomach is about the size and shape of a slender banana. Patients typically experience substantial weight loss due to the decreased stomach size, as well as the fact that this surgery removes the part of the stomach that secretes ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates hunger. With less appetite and less stomach capacity, some patients may lose up to 55-60% of excess weight and maintain this at five years post-op. Gastric sleeve surgery may be effective in patients with an extremely high BMI, as well as an alternative for patients who are considering gastric bypass or gastric banding.
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass is both a restrictive and malabsorptive weight loss surgery done by our Southern New Mexico bariatric surgeons. “Restrictive” refers to limiting the amount of food that can be consumed, while “malabsorptive” refers to interfering with the digestive system’s ability to absorb fat and calories. During this procedure, the stomach is divided into two, creating a significantly smaller stomach pouch; this is the restrictive part of the surgery. That stomach pouch is then connected to the small intestine, which results in food bypassing a large part of the digestive tract so fewer calories are absorbed. The majority of patients who undergo gastric bypass at our Las Cruces weight loss facility lose 50% or more of their extra weight in the first six months following their surgery. This bariatric surgery is typically used in obese patients with a high BMI and/or excess weight of 100 pounds or more.
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding
The Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding procedure is one of the most well-known weight loss surgeries. It is popular with many of our Las Cruces surgical weight loss patients because it can be adjusted and reversed. In this procedure, a small saline-filled band is placed around the stomach. The band can be adjusted by your weight loss physician in-office via a small port just below the skin. This procedure is typically performed laparoscopically as an outpatient surgery. It is oftentimes used in patients who have a BMI of 30-35 and one or more obesity-related comorbidities.
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