Does Weight-Loss Surgery Make Sense for You?
January 23, 2024
If you’ve tried to reduce your weight using diets, exercise, medications, and other methods without success, weight-loss surgery may be an option. Stelios Rekkas, MD, FACS, Director of the Manatee Weight Loss Center, offers patients surgical options so that they can begin their weight-loss journey.
What is bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a procedure that reduces the size of the stomach to help patients lose weight. Bariatric surgery is typically recommended for patients who are severely obese and have been unable to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.
What are the various types of bariatric surgery you perform?
If you qualify for weight-loss surgery, we can choose which of the following procedures are right for you.
- Lap-Band® System – An adjustable band is used to limit the amount of food your stomach can hold. It’s less invasive and one of the most effective treatment options available.
- Robotic Sleeve Gastrectomy – This procedure reduces the size of the stomach so you feel full with less food, while still absorbing full nutrients. It has a lower complication rate than gastric bypass surgery.
- Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass – Minimally invasive, gastric bypass surgery supports faster recovery and shorter hospital stays.
What weight-loss procedures can be performed robotically?
Robotic surgery gives your surgeon a high level of precision and control. With the da Vinci® Surgical System, we can perform robotic sleeve gastrectomy, robotic gastric bypass, and robotic gastric banding procedures.
The advantages for the patient include:
- Lower risk of anesthesia-related complications
- Shorter hospital stay
- Less pain
- Less scarring
- Quicker recovery
- Lower risk of infection
Why is personalized care so important?
Each patient is unique, and I believe in providing personalized care that aligns with their specific needs and goals. Before recommending any weight-loss procedure, I conduct a comprehensive evaluation and discussion with the patient to understand their medical history, lifestyle, and weight-loss objectives. Based on this information, we collaboratively decide on the most appropriate robotic weight-loss procedure for them. This personalized approach ensures that the surgical plan addresses their individual needs, maximizing the chances of successful weight loss and overall well-being.
Navigating your journey
Our surgical weight-loss program is MBSAQIP-accredited and has received all available distinctions from commercial insurances. We have a dedicated team that works closely with insurance providers to ensure that our patients receive the coverage they deserve for their weight-loss procedures.
We understand that navigating insurance coverage can sometimes be complex, so we provide our patients with the necessary support and guidance throughout the process. Our goal is to make robotic weight-loss procedures accessible to those who can benefit from them, and we work diligently to advocate for our patients' insurance coverage whenever possible.
If any patient has concerns or questions about insurance coverage for robotic weight-loss procedures, we encourage them to reach out to our team. We are here to provide clarity and assistance to ensure a smooth and successful journey towards improved health and well-being.
I also believe in providing comprehensive support throughout the entire surgical journey. From pre-operative education and counseling to post-operative follow-up care, my team and I are dedicated to ensuring that patients feel informed, comfortable and empowered at every step. We are readily available to address any concerns or questions that may arise, offering the necessary guidance and support for a smooth recovery and successful long-term outcomes.
Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if bariatric surgery is right for you.