A Guide to Bariatric Surgery Procedures Available in El Dorado Hills

For many individuals in El Dorado Hills, achieving lasting weight loss through diet and exercise alone can be a challenge. When traditional methods fail to produce sustained results, bariatric surgery in El Dorado Hills may offer a path to improved health and quality of life. At West Coast Joint & Spine Surgery Center, an experienced multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive evaluation, education, and support for patients considering surgical weight-loss options.

Understanding Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery encompasses a range of procedures designed to promote significant weight loss by altering the size or function of the stomach, and in some cases, the small intestine. These changes can help restrict the amount of food you can comfortably eat and may influence hormones that regulate hunger and metabolism. By reducing caloric intake and, in specific procedures, modifying nutrient absorption, bariatric surgery has the potential to improve or resolve obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and joint pain.

Why Consider Bariatric Surgery in El Dorado Hills?

Persistent obesity is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, and joint degeneration. When non-surgical efforts do not lead to significant or durable weight loss, surgical options become an important consideration. At West Coast Joint & Spine Surgery Center, procedures are performed laparoscopically through small incisions, which may lead to quicker recovery times, less postoperative discomfort, and shorter hospital stays (often on an outpatient or 23-hour stay basis).

Available Procedures

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes a portion of the small intestine. By both restricting the volume of food and reducing calorie absorption, some patients report substantial weight loss and improvement in metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes. Studies suggest that this procedure can lead to greater average weight loss than purely restrictive surgeries, though outcomes vary by individual physiology and adherence to dietary guidelines.

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy involves removing approximately 75–80 percent of the stomach, leaving a narrow, banana-shaped sleeve. By limiting stomach capacity and affecting hunger-regulating hormones, many patients experience reduced appetite and moderate malabsorption. Some research indicates that sleeve gastrectomy may offer a balance of effective weight loss with fewer nutritional deficiencies compared to bypass procedures.

Adjustable Gastric Banding

Adjustable gastric banding places a silicone band around the upper stomach to create a small pouch. Tightening or loosening the band adjusts the size of the opening to the rest of the stomach, allowing for personalized control of meal size. While weight loss may be slower compared to other methods, some patients appreciate the reversible nature of the band and the ability to adjust restriction over time. Individual outcomes vary, and band adjustments require regular follow-up.

Who Qualifies for Bariatric Surgery?

Candidates for bariatric surgery at West Coast Joint & Spine typically meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m² or higher, regardless of co-existing conditions
• BMI of 30–34.9 kg/m² in patients with type 2 diabetes or other significant obesity-related health problems
• Inability to achieve substantial, sustained weight loss through non-surgical methods over an extended period

A thorough evaluation by the bariatric team—including surgical assessment, nutritional counseling, and psychological support—helps determine whether surgery is the most appropriate step for each individual.

The Care Pathway in El Dorado Hills

At West Coast Joint & Spine Surgery Center, the bariatric journey typically follows these stages:

1. Initial Consultation: Review of medical history, weight-loss attempts, and health goals. Patients learn about risks, benefits, and lifestyle changes required for success.
2. Multidisciplinary Evaluation: Meetings with surgeons, dietitians, and behavioral health specialists provide a complete picture of readiness for surgery.
3. Preoperative Preparation: “Prehab” exercises strengthen core muscles, while nutrition guidance lays the foundation for postoperative dietary stages.
4. Surgical Procedure: Laparoscopic techniques are used for all three primary operations, aiming for more minor scars and reduced pain.
5. Postoperative Care: Early ambulation and pain-management protocols support recovery. A staged diet progression—from liquids to purees to solid foods—ensures adaptation to the altered gastrointestinal anatomy.
6. Long-Term Follow-Up: Regular visits assess weight-loss progress, nutritional status, and any need for band adjustments. Patients participate in support groups and ongoing lifestyle education to maintain results.

Taking the Next Step

Living with severe obesity can limit activity, strain joints, and affect overall well-being. If you’ve struggled to lose weight through traditional methods, exploring bariatric surgery in El Dorado Hills may open the door to improved health and vitality. Visit our Bariatric Surgery page to learn more about each procedure, meet our surgical team, and access detailed FAQs. Contact West Coast Joint & Spine Surgery Center today to schedule your initial consultation and discover whether surgical weight-loss options align with your goals.

Sources

1. West Coast Joint & Spine Surgery Center. “Bariatric Surgery.” https://westcoastjointandspine.com/Bariatric-Surgery
2. American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. “Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.” https://asmbs.org/for-patients/
3. Mayo Clinic. “Bariatric Surgery.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bariatric-surgery/about/pac-20394267