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Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital
"The decision to have weight loss surgery involves significant life changes," said Dr. Jenkins. "Long-term success depends on permanent changes in diet, fitness and emotional well-being. Support for changes to diet and exercise should be part of a patient’s weight loss program."
Dr. Jenkins, a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, has been performing the gastric bypass surgery for the past 14 years and is now performing the LAP-BAND® procedure for patients. He is one of several surgeons providing bariatric services for the Sutter Bariatrics Centers located in Auburn, Roseville and Sacramento.
According to Dr. Jenkins, the emotional and physical benefits of achieving a healthy weight are significant. That’s because major weight loss demonstrates a significant decrease in many health risks, including heart disease, hypertension and diabetes. Other benefits include improved, or the absence of, acid reflux symptoms, improved back and joint pain and skin problems associated with weight.
Gastric bypass is most often considered a last resort for people who are more than 100 pounds overweight and who have not been successful in permanently reducing their weight through other methods. The stomach is stapled closed leaving a small stomach pouch to restrict the amount and type of food that can be consumed at one time. The decision to have this procedure must be made in consultation with a qualified surgeon and after very careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks and the lifelong consequences.
Gastric banding is the least invasive and is also the only adjustable and reversible surgical weight loss option. In gastric banding a ring is placed around the upper part of the stomach and then filled with saline. The ring creates a small stomach pouch yet leaves the larger part of the stomach below the band for food storage. The amount of saline in the band controls the opening between the two parts of the stomach, regulating the flow of food. The smaller the opening, the sooner the person feels full from a meal. If a band is too tight the surgeon can reduce the amount of saline to reduce the amount of restriction.
"Both of these surgical operations for weight loss should be viewed as tools that are given to the patient by the surgeon," said Dr. Jenkins. "Proper diet and exercise are crucial to the patient’s success."
Dr. Jenkins recommends that those looking to undergo weight loss surgery should become informed patients and should carefully consider the risks and benefits of the surgery and to know what to expect after the surgery. Patients looking for weight loss surgery options should also consider options that include a package of services such as nutrition counseling, support groups, and personal exercise plans. And, to make the most of the surgery, learn and apply new and healthier habits.
"Surgery, along with additional services will help the patient achieve the best long-term benefit," said Dr. Jenkins. "The goal is to live, better, healthier and longer."