The Center for Bariatric Surgery

The Center for Bariatric Surgery is a designated Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery!

Are you a candidate for Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is intended for people who are diagnosed with severe or "morbid" obesity. These are patients who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher (approximately 100 pounds or more of excess weight), or who have a BMI of 35 or higher (approximately 75 pounds or more of excess weight) and who have obesity-related illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), sleep apnea and high cholesterol.

To calculate your BMI, please click on the Health Calculators button, below, then choose the link for Body Mass Index and enter your height and current weight.

Surgical Procedures

The Center for Bariatric Surgery at West Hills Hospital in the San Fernando Valley is proud to offer three procedures for weight loss: Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding and Gastric Sleeve. These procedures are performed laparoscopically through five button-hole incisions which results in less pain, reduced scarring, reduced chance of infection and a quicker return to normal activity.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

This procedure effectively reduces the stomach size by stapling and separating the upper portion of the stomach. In addition, part of the intestine is bypassed causing some calories to be malabsorbed. The result of the restricted food inake and malabsorption is rapid weight loss. The procedure takes approximately two hours to complete and the patient will typically remain in the hospital for two nights.

Laparoscopic Gastric Banding

The Lap Band procedure is both adjustable and reversible. An inflatable band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach limiting the stomach's capacity and increasing the feeling of fullness. There is no cutting and stapling of the stomach and there is no re-routing of the intestine. The band is adjusted by surgeon as needed for optimal weight loss. The procedure takes 45 minutes to an hour and is done on an out-patient basis (the patient typically goes home that same evening).

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

This procedure is purely restrictive, similar to the Band. The surgeon creates a banana- or "sleeve-"shaped stomach by stapling, separating and then removing the remnant stomach. What remains is a narrow tube or sleeve that has a 1-4 ounce capacity. For additional weight loss, this procedure can be revised to Gastric Bypass. The procedure takes an hour to an hour and a quarter and the patient typically stays in the hospital for one night.

Seminars

Attend a free informational seminar
or call (818) 676-4141 for information

Health by the Numbers
Use our health calculators to determine where you stand physically and learn what you can do to improve your condition. Try it today. It's fast, easy, and fun.