Print this Page
Email this Page
Add Bookmark
Gastric Bypass Surgery for Central & Southern California
Gastric bypass surgery is a proven surgical weight loss procedure that has been performed in various forms for over 40 years. David Thoman, MD, FACS, offers the most popular variation, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass bariatric surgery. One of the few surgeons in Central and Southern California employing the minimally invasive SILS technique, Dr. Thoman specializes in gastric bypass surgery for patients from Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Fresno, Bakersfield and Los Angeles, California.
Dr. David Thoman
Specializes in minimally-invasive gastrointestinal and weight loss surgery. Read His Bio
Understanding Gastric Bypass Surgery
The ideal bariatric surgery candidate is a person who struggles with obesity in spite of repeated attempts to lose weight through diet, exercise, and behavioral changes. The gastric bypass procedure encourages weight loss in two ways:
- Restriction: Drastically decreasing the size of the stomach and the opening from the stomach to the intestines reduces the amount of food you are able to eat. When you eat, you feel full faster and you eat smaller meals.
- Dumping syndrome: Consuming unhealthy food (high in sugar, high in fat) can cause a very unpleasant reaction such as nausea, cramps, vomiting, and weakness.
Dr. Thoman performs gastric bypass surgery laparoscopically, which enables him to perform the procedure by inserting a small video camera and surgical instruments through small incisions in the abdomen, instead of one large incision (used in traditional "open" surgery).
Advantages
Throughout the country, including Fresno, Bakersfield, and Ventura, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is currently the most popular weight loss surgery procedure. The advantages of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y surgery include:
- Faster weight loss than with the LAP-BAND® technique.
- Quicker recovery, reduced risk of infection, and less pain than with traditional, open surgery.
- Weight loss one year after surgery can average 70-80% of excess weight and is usually maintained.
- Certain obesity-related health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heartburn, back pain, sleep apnea, and migraines are often resolved or improved.
Results
Gastric bypass surgery is so effective that weight loss begins immediately after the surgery and usually continues for approximately 12 to 18 months. Your rate of weight loss will depend on your height and weight prior to surgery, as well as your diet, level of exercise, and daily calorie requirements. You can expect to lose about 70-80% of your excess body weight within 18 months of surgery.
Our patients are consistently thrilled with the significant weight loss they are able to achieve. Surgery can improve the health, self-esteem, and quality of life of many of the women and men who have chosen our practice.
Risks & Complications
During your consultation, Dr. Thoman will thoroughly review your health history and discuss the risks and complications associated with gastric bypass surgery, including:
- Pulmonary embolism: A potentially fatal blood clot in the lung
- Intestinal leak: Leakage of bowel contents resulting from improper healing
- Stomal stenosis: Narrowing of the connection between the stomach and intestine requiring an endoscopy
- Internal hernia: Intestine becomes caught in an internal defect (usually after 100 pounds is lost)
- Marginal ulcer: Erosion of the lining of the intestine (usually treated with an antacid)
- Iron, calcium, and vitamin deficiencies: Avoided by following the prescribed postoperative vitamin regimen
We Are Here for You
Are you ready to begin your journey to lasting weight loss? We encourage you to attend one of our informational weight loss seminars. If you think surgery might be a good option for you, request a consultation online with Dr. David Thoman or call the office of Advanced Surgical Associates at (805) 730-1470. We see patients from Santa Barbara, Bakersfield, San Luis Obispo County, Fresno, Ventura and Los Angeles for gastric bypass surgery and other laparoscopic procedures.
