Weight loss surgery in El Paso, Texas
We know struggling with your weight can be a lifelong journey, and not everyone gets it — but we do, and we support you. Las Palmas Del Sol Healthcare's bariatric clinics focus on compassionate, comprehensive treatment for the chronic underlying causes of obesity, including genetic factors, health, environment, state-of-mind and learned behavior.
We work tirelessly to get you on track to a healthier lifestyle. Our weight loss doctors cultivate a caring community of support and aftercare that is designed to give you the tools to succeed with long-lasting weight loss.
To make an appointment or learn more about our services, please call (915) 263-6950.
Candidates for weight loss surgery
To be a candidate for bariatric surgery, it helps to understand the definition of "obesity." Obesity is the term for the excessive accumulation of fat that exceeds the healthy limits of your body's skeletal and physical standards. Your body mass index (BMI) score is a good way to see if you fall into the medical definition of obesity. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a BMI score — the measurement of weight against your height — higher than 30 is considered obese. A score over 35 is considered severely obese.
When conventional methods have proven ineffective for treating obesity, weight loss surgery, otherwise known as bariatric surgery, can result in more improved, sustained weight loss and quality of life. We are happy to go over the best available surgery options for your unique needs.
Specific qualifications for bariatric surgery include:
- Body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or
- BMI of 35 or higher plus one or more weight-related health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or sleep apnea.
Bariatric surgery may be an excellent option for you if you have obesity and experience one of the following obesity-related conditions:
- Depression
- Heartburn
- High blood pressure
- Infertility
- Menstrual irregularities
- Osteoarthritis
- Respiratory problems
- Type 2 diabetes
- Urinary stress incontinence
Benefits of bariatric surgery
Weight loss surgery can help you lose weight, but it can also improve your quality of life and even treat or help manage the obesity-related health conditions listed above.
Many of our patients think back on their bariatric surgery day and say it was the beginning of a new phase of their life. It was the day that started a long, but very rewarding, journey to success. The day of surgery is truly life-changing because it is the day you take back control of your weight and your health.
Learn more in this video about the benefits of bariatric surgery.
Considering weight loss surgery?
Are you a candidate for bariatric surgery? You can see if weight loss surgery may be right for you by taking our free online weight loss surgery health risk assessment.
Bariatric surgery procedures we offer
Bariatric surgery should be considered as your last option after all attempts at more conventional weight loss methods, such as regimented diet and exercise. Still, we understand that it is necessary in many situations. When you meet with one of our dedicated weight loss doctors, we examine your overall wellness and determine the best possible pathway to success based on your health needs and potential goals.
Different body types and levels of overall health require different procedures, and at our clinics, we offer adjustable gastric banding, gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgeries. We also use laparoscopic, minimally invasive techniques so that you experience a shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery.
Adjustable gastric banding
Gastric banding, or, lap band surgery, is accomplished by placing a small device in your abdomen that wraps around the top of the stomach. We work with your individual physique to determine the optimal "tightness" so that you are as comfortable as possible. With this procedure, you are able to feel fuller after smaller-than-normal meals.
Combining the physical effects of the surgery with prolonged exercise and commitment to smaller meals, you should be able to progressively lose weight and keep it off. However, it is essential to know that the band will not restrict you from eating larger meals. This means dedication to your health is necessary for the procedure to ultimately be effective.
Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y)
During the Roux-en-Y procedure, a small stomach pouch is created at the top of your stomach. Next, a Y-shaped section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch so that food can bypass the lower stomach. This limits how much food it takes to cause you to feel satiated.
Gastric bypass is generally considered the procedure that brings about the most weight loss, as you may be able to lose about 70 percent or more of your excess weight within two years. Specifically, it is most effective if you need to lose 130 pounds or more, have a BMI score greater than 35 and are experiencing additional health conditions, such as diabetes, sleep apnea or severe acid reflux.
Gastric sleeve
Also known as a "sleeve gastrectomy procedure," gastric sleeve limits the amount of food you can eat. However, unlike gastric banding or bypass surgery, approximately 80 percent of your stomach is removed, leaving behind a "sleeve" of stomach. By doing this, you experience hormonal adjustments and reduced food intake which informs your weight loss success moving forward.
Gastric sleeve is considered a treatment for metabolic syndrome. It is typically the best option if you are experiencing fewer or less severe health complications, have had other abdominal surgeries or have less than 130 pounds to lose.
Bariatric surgery costs and financial assistance
Your insurance company may cover the costs of weight-loss surgery. Our team will work with your insurance provider to show that the procedure is medically necessary. Also, you may need to provide documented evidence that you couldn't lose enough weight with a supervised diet and exercise program. Medicare and some Medicaid programs may cover the costs. It is essential to research your insurance coverage and your expected out-of-pocket costs.
Cash pay is the faster method to get you to surgery without waiting for insurance requirements and approval. Our team works to keep our cash price one of the lowest in the country. As a self-pay patient, you will receive a total cost upfront after your initial consultation with no hidden fees or surprises.
Features of our weight loss program
Our bariatric clinic offers an all-inclusive approach to our bariatric surgery program. The program allows you to embrace all of the changes that come along with undergoing bariatric procedures, ensuring positive long-term results.
Mental health and weight loss surgery
We understand that weight loss surgery is only the beginning of a journey of lifestyle changes following the surgery. Even though having bariatric surgery and losing weight seems easy, there is a lot more to this process. The correct mental approach and support is one of the most important bariatric surgery requirements to ensure a smooth and successful experience. Our providers offer you support to navigate this milestone in your journey to a healthier you.
Nationally-recognized bariatric surgeons
Our program has received recognition for providing high-quality surgical care. These designations recognize our commitment to positive outcomes for you, as well as operating with the best surgical standards. Our accreditations include: