New Web Site Provides Comprehensive Information About Bariatric Surgery

DALLAS, TX., Dec. 28, 2007 — The American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) estimates that more than 177,000 Americans with morbid obesity had bariatric surgery in 2006. This represents a 480% increase in the number of procedures performed since _____


Demand for bariatric weight loss surgery, and information about the different procedures that are performed, is growing exponentially. With this in mind, the Center for Obesity Surgery, located at Medical City Dallas Hospital in Dallas, TX, has launched a comprehensive Web site (http://www.ObesitySurgeryDallas.com) intended to educate individuals who may be considering bariatric surgery, and to counter commonly held misconceptions about bariatric surgery.


The new Web site features information about the primary types of bariatric surgery performed by Dr. Victor Gonzalez, who is fellowship trained and has extensive experience with weight loss surgery: Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery; Lap-Band surgery; Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery; and open vs. laparoscopic surgeries.


Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery is the most commonly performed surgical weight loss procedure. The surgery is usually done laparoscopically, and in most cases requires only six small, minimally invasive incisions. Patients who undergo gastric bypass surgeries typically report losing 60% to 80% of their excess weight in 1 to 2 years.


Laparoscopic gastric banding, or Lap-Band surgery, is performed by placing an adjustable band around the patient's upper stomach, creating a tiny stomach pouch. The result is that the patient experiences satisfaction and fullness from a smaller amount of food. Patients who undergo lap-banding typically lose 50% to 60% of their excess weight in 3 to 5 years.


More information about both procedures, including descriptions, advantages, and disadvantages of each, is available at http://www.ObesitySurgeryDallas.com.


An interactive BMI calculator allows visitors to determine their own body mass indexes and risk for obesity. Pre-surgical questions, including questions about whether insurance covers bariatric weight loss surgery, are discussed on the Web site, along with post-surgical concerns such as skin sagging and dumping syndrome. The stories of patients who successfully underwent bariatric surgery also are told.


To learn more about weight loss surgery, Dr. Victor Gonzalez, his comprehensive program, or his informative new Web site, please visit http://www.ObesitySurgeryDallas.com.