Recent advancements in weight-loss drugs represent an exciting new potential for people struggling with their weight – particularly for those looking for ongoing weight-management strategies.
But for many people, bariatric surgery remains the gold standard approach to sustained weight loss. Built on three decades of remarkable success, bariatric surgery continues to provide a lasting answer for people who have “tried everything,” but just can’t maintain their ideal weight.
“My energy has come back to me. I don’t have much of an appetite anymore. I get out and do all the things I couldn’t do two years ago,” said Chris Hill, who lost more than 200 pounds after undergoing bariatric surgery from the experts at Hoag’s Digestive Health Institute at the end of 2021. “I feel better than I have in many, many years. I just want to continue to get better.”
Advanced, minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques have contributed to the overall increase in safety and efficacy of various bariatric surgery options. And now, more people than ever are eligible to receive this life-changing procedure.
Last fall, after three decades without significant changes, leading surgical groups overhauled their guidelines to enable more people to have surgery before their conditions worsen. So, if you have considered bariatric surgery in the past, now is the time to talk with Hoag.
“Our team offers a whole-person approach to weight loss to ensure each patient has the optimal support to embrace their new lifestyle,” said Adrian Dobrowolsky, M.D., director of Hoag’s Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Program. “Hoag is here to meet the needs of metabolic and bariatric surgery patients by providing multidisciplinary, high-quality, patient-centered care.”
Hoag recently announced that the Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Program, within its Digestive Health Institute, earned accreditation as a Comprehensive Center from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program.
This distinction speaks to the quality of Hoag’s multidisciplinary, patient-centered program, which includes:
- Holistic approach to bariatric care
- Multidisciplinary team of experts
- Minimally invasive surgical techniques
- Support with nutrition, exercise, lifestyle change
- Thorough post-operative follow-up, including ongoing metabolic management
- Nurse navigation and continued partnership throughout the weight-loss journey
In Orange County, more than 20% of adults are obese, increasing their risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer and other health issues. Bariatric surgery has proven to reduce that risk.
“Many patients are unsure if surgery is the right option for them,” said Katherine Blevins, M.D., Ph.D., a fellowship-trained Hoag bariatric surgeon, skilled in the most advanced, minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic techniques. “We work with individuals, conducting a personalized consultation with each patient to thoroughly discuss their condition and options, and determine together the best next step in their weight-loss journey.”
For Hill, the step he took toward regaining control of his health led to many, many literal next steps – and bike rides and hikes. He is relishing life in ways that he could not before. In fact, every day Hill cycles 23 miles a day on vintage beach cruisers that he restores himself.
“I have neighbors stopping me on my ride to ask me how I did it,” said Hill, who is always happy to stop and tell them. “I am an ambassador for Hoag.”
To learn more about Hoag’s Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Program, visit hoag.org/bariatricsurgery.
