Weight-Loss Surgery (Bariatrics)



For more comprehensive information about Alvarado's Surgical Weight-Loss Program, click here.
 
The nationally renowned Alvarado Surgical Weight-Loss Program is for patients struggling with severe obesity, with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more (or approximately 90 pounds or more overweight), and experiencing life-threatening health conditions. Bariatric surgeons at Alvarado Hospital pioneered the laparoscopic approach to the gastric bypass procedure, having performed and perfected the procedure in the early 1990s.
 
In February 2011, The FDA lowered the weight restrictions for patients seeking the Lap-Band. The gastric banding device is now approved for use on patients that are generally more than 50 pounds overweight. Now, a patient with a body mass index of 30-40 with at least one life-threatening health condition is eligible. Before the FDA approval, a acceptable patient needed to have a body mass index of 40 or above to be considered for the surgery. 
 
The program’s medical director was the first female surgeon to perform the laparoscopic gastric bypass. Thousands of procedures have been performed at Alvarado Hospital, making it one of the most experienced programs in San Diego.
 
Alvarado Hospital's Surgical Weight-Loss Program offers the follow procedures:
 
  • Gastric Banding: During the procedure (also known as Lap-Band), surgeons usually use laparoscopic techniques (using small incisions and long-shafted instruments) to implant an inflatable silicone band into the patient’s abdomen. Like a wristwatch, the band is fastened around the upper stomach to create a new, tiny stomach pouch that helps limits the amount of food you eat. It also creates a small outlet that slows the emptying process into the residual stomach and intestines. As mentioned, the weight requirements to qualify for this procedure were lowered in February 2011.
  • Gastric Bypass Roux-en-Y: In this procedure, a small stomach pouch is created. The remainder of the stomach is not removed, but is completely divided from the smaller stomach pouch. The outlet from this newly formed stomach pouch is then connected directly to the jejunum, the first part of the small intestine where digestion takes place.
 
Surgical Weight-Loss Revision Procedures
 
In addition to our surgical weight-loss procedures, our bariatric surgeons are experienced in a variety of weight-loss revision surgical procedures, including the new incisionless procedure, called StomaphyX. For more information on revision procedures, click here or download our brochure.
 
Alvarado’s bariatric surgeons specialize in laparoscopic surgical weight-loss procedures and post-op patient management to help patients take control of their weight and lost weight-related medical problems, such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea and high cholesteral, as well as develop an active lifestyle. In addition, the highly trained OR staff, unit nurses, physical therapists and clinic staff are specially trained to help obese patients regain their vital lives at a more normal weight. Several times a month, free lectures are given by our participating surgeons locally and throughout the region.

Quality and Experience
 
The Alvarado Surgical Weight-Loss Program has received several awards and designations:
 
  • Blue Cross Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery
  • Health Net Bariatric Center of Excellence
  • Bariatric surgeons pioneered and performed the first laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery at Alvarado Hospital in 1993, which has since been performed on thousands of patients
  • Medicare Center of Excellence
  • United Resource Network Bariatric Center for Excellence

 

Program Facts
 
  • American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Center of Excellence
  • More than 5,500 weight-loss procedures performed at Alvarado Hospital since 1987
  • Surgical options include laparoscopic gastric bypass roux en y and Lap-Band (also known as gastric banding)
  • Post-operative follow up and monthly support groups offered

 

For more information, go to Alvarado's Surgical Weight-Loss Program.
 
Physician Referral
 
Alvarado’s Physician Referral Service can help you find an experienced bariatric surgeon who meets your needs. To find a physician, simply click on the Physician Finder or call 800-ALVARADO (800-258-2723). You may also call our bariatric coordinator at 619-229-3340. Additional information regarding our bariatric services also is available.