Our goal is to provide each of our clients with the best Quality Care.
We Focus on Total Health and Wellness.
Our lifestyle approach will assure superior results once you follow our program guidelines.
Our Surgeon and the Center of Excellence program uses the latest state of the art technology for bariatric surgery.
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Dr. Bernie Hanna and his medical team invite you to contact Las Vegas Bariatrics and schedule your personal weight loss consultation.
Fist of all pre and post bariatric surgery we recommend following the diet provided to you by your Doctor or Dietitian.
The keto diet involves slashing carbs (about 20 grams a day) and loading up on fat to get your body to enter into a state of ketosis. While in ketosis, your body breaks down both dietary and stored fat to use for fuel instead of carbohydrates.
Is the keto diet an option?
The diet following bariatric surgery initially focuses on obtaining adequate fluid and protein. This helps the body shed excess fat, but maintain maximum muscle tissue during the rapid weight loss phase. As the body heals, fresh unprocessed vegetables, fruits and whole grains are added. A diet of fresh, whole, unprocessed foods is encouraged. Six small (1/4 cup to 1 cup portions) protein rich meals are encouraged. Vitamin and mineral supplements are required to meet nutritional needs due to the small amount of food consumed.
The keto diet does not work well after bariatric surgery for the following reasons:
1: High fat content does not allow for adequate carbs.
2: This high fat diet may lead to fatty diarrhea and reduced absorption of nutrients because food tends to travel faster through the intestinal tract after bariatric surgery.
3: The keto diet is low in fiber. This increases the risk of constipation, which can be a concern after weight loss surgery. Fiber may also reduce the risk of developing various conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and diverticular disease.
Your Pre Bariatric Surgery Diet is important. Losing weight before surgery helps reduce the amount of fat in and around your liver and abdomen. This may allow you to have a laparoscopy rather than open surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is less invasive, requires much less recovery time, and is easier on your body.
Losing weight prior to surgery not only keeps you safer during the procedure, but it also helps train you for a new way of eating.
Your exact eating plan and pre-op weight loss goal will be determined by your healthcare provider and likely with the help of a registered dietitian.
Medical weight loss is the process of losing weight with the help and guidance of a healthcare professional, typically a doctor. The doctor uses their knowledge and medical experience to help the individual attempting to lose weight to create a realistic plan per each patient’s individual needs.
Bariatric surgery costs may vary depending on the patient’s health coverage or if a patient is paying cash. Our current cash price for Bariatric Surgery is $9995.
Bariatric support groups can be extremely helpful and sometimes crucial to your success post bariatric surgery. It is always helpful to gain information and share experiences with others who have gone through the same procedure. Bariatric support groups can help keep you on track with your weight-loss goals. Join our Las Vegas Bariatrics Group on Facebook for tips and information or contact us with any questions you may have or to schedule a consultation.
VSG Surgery is also called a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. VSG Surgery is a surgical weight-loss procedure. This type of procedure is usually performed laparoscopically. Used by inserting small instruments through multiple small incisions in the upper abdomen.
Vertical sleeve gastrectomy is a technique of weight-loss surgery that involves altering the size of your stomach so you’ll feel fuller faster, and eat less food. This surgery will require dramatic changes to your daily eating habits. If you are interested in VSG surgery, click here to schedule your consultation.
What is a High protein diet?
A High Protein Diet is a diet which 20% or more of the total daily calories comes from protein. Most high protein diets are high in saturated fat and restrict intake of carbs.
A high protein diet can bring quick weight loss because eliminating carbohydrates causes a loss of body fluids. High protein diets cause substances called ketones to be released into the bloodstream. The ketones make dieting easier by lowering appetite.
Always consult your Doctor or Dietitian before starting any new diets or making major changes to your diet.
The calories you burn or use each day is also known as calorie expenditure.
It includes the following three components:
If you provide your body fewer calories than it needs to support these three components of calorie expenditure, you put your body into a caloric deficit which results in weight loss.
What is a Caloric Deficit?
When you consume fewer calories than you burn, you achieve a calorie deficit.
For most people, a calorie deficit of 500 calories per day is sufficient for weight loss and unlikely to significantly affect your hunger or energy levels.
If you provide your body fewer calories than it needs to support these three components of calorie expenditure, you put your body into a calorie deficit. Doing so consistently for long periods results in weight-loss
Type 2 diabetes most often develops in people over age 45, but more and more children, teens, and young adults are affected.
You may be able to manage your diabetes with healthy eating and being active, or your doctor may prescribe insulin, or oral diabetes medicines to help manage your blood sugar to avoid complications. You still need to eat healthy and be active to keep it under control.
Losing weight, eating healthy, or having bariatric surgery can reduce the risks of diabetes.
There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes
Obesity is also thought to trigger changes to the body’s metabolism These changes can cause fat tissue to release fat molecules into the blood, which can affect and change insulin responsive cells.
Weight loss or Bariatric surgery can help to prevent or reverse pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Do you think you are staying hydrated?
Dehydration is a common reason for readmission to the hospital after bariatric surgery.
Are you experiencing any symptoms of dehydration? This is a list of common symptoms:
It is important to stay hydrated before and after Bariatric Surgery. If you are experiencing symptoms of dehydration, contact us or your primary physician for treatment.
What is the gastrointestinal system?
Essentially, it is a tube that extends from the mouth to the anus. It has a similar structure throughout. It is made up of a hollow portion of the tube known as the lumen, a muscular layer in the middle, and a layer of epithelial cells. These layers are responsible for maintaining the mucosal integrity of the tract.
Parts of the gastrointestinal system include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.
The main functions of the gastrointestinal tract are the transportation, digestion, and absorption of food.
Bariatric surgery changes the Gastrointestinal System by creating a smaller stomach pouch. The surgeon then attaches a section of the small intestine directly to the pouch. This allows food to bypass a part of the small intestine, which normally absorbs calories and nutrients. Having a smaller stomach helps you feel fuller sooner and eat less food.
Gastrogastric fistula (GGF), is when a channel forms between the gastric pouch and gastric remnant, allowing nutrients to pass through the ‘old route’ rather than bypassing the duodenum.
Gastrogastric Fistula can be fixed with revision surgery. Revisional Bariatric Surgery or Revision Surgery is a procedure that is performed to reverse or repair a previously performed weight loss surgery. It is needed for patients who have had no success with weight loss or have regained more weight after having weight loss surgery. In addition, it might also be required for those who have experienced some complications such as pouch enlargement, ulcers, or loosening of the lap band after the weight loss surgery.
Reasons to get gastric bypass revision surgery may include
Till a few decades back, Revisional bariatric surgeries have always been risky. But, over the years, new procedures and technology have allowed surgeons to perform the surgeries without any complications. But, it is crucial that the Revisional bariatric surgery should only be performed by an experienced surgeon. According to many studies, the result of bariatric surgeries is directly linked with the experience of the surgeon.
Revision Surgery is a procedure that is performed to reverse or repair a previously performed weight loss surgery. It is needed for patients who have had no success with weight loss or have regained more weight after having weight loss surgery.
It’s very important for a patient in need of revision surgery to choose an experienced surgeon. Doctors who don’t do a lot of these procedures may not use the most up to date surgical techniques and not follow up with the patient as much as essential to post- revision surgery success.
Dr. Bernie Hanna has extensive experience with revision procedures. His experience and reputation sets him apart as one of the leading Bariatric surgeons in The Las Vegas area and has been voted ‘Top Surgeon” by his peers in 2006, 2007 and 2013. Patients from all over the country and internationally go to Las Vegas Bariatrics to be under the care of Dr. Bernie Hanna.
Revisional Bariatric Surgery, or Revision Surgery is a procedure that is performed to reverse or repair a previously performed weight loss surgery. It is needed for patients who have had no success with weight loss or have regained more weight after having weight loss surgery. In addition, it might also be required for those who have experienced some complications such as pouch enlargement, ulcers, or loosening of the lap band after the weight loss surgery.
If you would like to join our bariatric support group to get to know more about our bariatric community visit us on facebook.
What is BMI?
BMI, or body mass index, is a calculation based on your height and weight to place you in one of four categories: underweight, at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese. Your BMI gives an idea of your potential health risks based on your weight.
Bariatric surgery is an option for adults who have clinically severe obesity:
Having surgery to produce weight loss is a serious decision. Anyone thinking about having this surgery should know what it involves. The U.S. National Institutes of Health recommends bariatric surgery for obese people with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40, and for people with BMI 35 and serious coexisting medical conditions such as diabetes. However, new research suggests it could be appropriate for those with a BMI of 35 to 40 with no other coexisting medical conditions or a BMI of 30 to 35 with other related and significant medical conditions.
Dr. Hanna is a highly trained, experienced Las Vegas bariatric surgery provider who has completed many years of academic training and several hands-on internships and residencies. Dr. Hanna’s extensive surgical background allows him to confidently perform sophisticated bariatric surgery procedures in Las Vegas.
Your stomach is a muscular organ. When empty, your stomach is the size of your fist. However, it can stretch to hold as much as four liters of food or more than seventy-five times its empty volume, before returning to its resting size when empty. It stretches to accommodate large amounts of food and then shrinks back to it’s normal size as the food is pushed into the digestive track.
Even after bariatric surgery, the stomach continues to stretch and then contract. Folds of tissue within your stomach, called rugae, expand and contract in response to food. When you overeat, the rugae in your stomach stretches, and with a constant flow of food it never returns to its normal size. This causes your stomach to accommodate larger and larger amounts of food before you feel that sense of ‘fullness.’
A bariatric pouch reset is a tool to get your stomach back to its normal size. This is done by severely reducing your food intake.
HOW DOES A POUCH RESET WORK?
The bariatric pouch reset mimics your immediate post-surgery diet. A normal post gastric bypass diet typically has four to five stages and lasts 8 to 10 weeks. The pouch reset uses similar guidelines but lasts only 8 to 10 days. You are severely restricting your food intake so it’s highly suggested that you do this with the help of your bariatric surgeon and/or dietitian. For examples of a Pouch reset diet visit or blog, or contact us.
When we’re stressed, worried, or frightened, we’re more likely to seek out sugars, fats, and carbs for a quick energy boost. These comfort foods act like a natural tranquilizer that calms us down in times of peril. This is why we turn to stress eating.
When you’re stressed, your body releases a large amount of a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol can make you hungry and this is why stress eating is considered an emotional response.
To break the stress cycle, we must find stress-reducing activities, such as exercise, meditation, and yoga.
Here are some tips to help with stress eating.
1. Eat nutritious foods.
2. Portion meals.
3. Practice mindful eating.
4. Inventory your kitchen.
5. Change your routine.
6. Exercise self-care.
If you have extreme hunger, excessive thirst, or excessive urination, you should see a doctor for a diabetes test. Any of these symptoms can potentially point to diabetes. If you are ready to change your life and lose your excess pounds for good, contact the weight loss surgery Las Vegas offices of Dr. Bernie Hanna today by calling (702) 384-1160 or by clicking here. If you are not a gastric bypass candidate, Dr. Hanna might be able to help you by performing another type of bariatric surgery, such as Lap Band or Gastric Sleeve in Las Vegas. In addition, he performs secondary weight loss surgery and is regarded as a top Las Vegas revision bariatric surgery provider.
The “quarantine 15” is what people are calling the weight gain a majority of Americans are experiencing during this crisis. Research shows that stress alters overall food intake, resulting in either under- or overeating, which may be influenced by stressor severity. Chronic life stress seems to be associated with a greater preference for energy- and nutrient-dense foods, namely those that are high in sugar and fat.
When we’re worried or frightened, we’re more likely to seek out sugars, fats, and carbs for a quick energy boost. These comfort foods act like a natural tranquilizer that calms us down in times of peril.
To break the stress cycle, we must find stress-reducing activities, such as exercise, meditation, and yoga.
Here are some tips to help with stress eating.
1. Eat nutritious foods.
2. Portion meals.
3. Practice mindful eating.
4. Inventory your kitchen.
5. Change your routine.
6. Exercise self-care.
Common causes of hair loss include dramatic weight loss, surgery, hormonal imbalance, high stress, extreme diet change, protein-calorie malnutrition, medications, iron or zinc deficiency, or thyroid issues. After weight loss surgery, you are causing caloric restriction or even malabsorption of really important nutrients that the body needs.
Bariatric hair loss after surgery can be common in men and women. Hair follicles are present in three stages including the Anagen phase, Catagen phase, and Telogen phase.
Anagen is the growth phase.
Catagen is the transition phase.
Teleogen is the dormant or hair loss phase.
Bariatric hair loss is usually diagnosed as Telogen Effluvium, which is a temporary hair loss. The issue is not fully understood, but the hair follicles tend to be forced into the dormant phase which lasts 3-6 months and then falls out. This is usually why many people see hair loss after bariatric surgery.
Bariatric hair loss after surgery can be quite scary and may defer people away from choosing bariatric surgery. But, hair loss is not permanent, and the hair grows back with proper nutrition. Those who undergo bariatric surgery are more likely to experience hair loss than those who have undergone a Lap-Band procedure. It is because in bariatric surgery, the weight loss is quick, and there is a higher chance of nutrient deficiency in the body once the surgery is completed. But, in the Lap-Band procedure, the weight loss is gradual, so people experience less amount of hair fall.
Most people stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days, and get back to normal activities in 3 to 5 weeks.
If the surgery must be “open,” meaning the surgeon has to make a larger cut, healing takes longer.
Eating large meals can cause problems. Many people with obesity are binge eaters. Adapting to eating smaller meals can be a challenge.
Commit to good nutrition . Ask a dietitian to help you create a plan that will get you all the nutrients you need.
Exercise. It helps you keep the weight off, and it’s often easier after weight loss surgery, because losing weight may have helped your joints.
Many weight loss surgery centers offer programs to help people shift to a healthier lifestyle before and after weight loss surgery to ensure your Bariatric Recovery goes well. If you’re considering weight loss surgery in Las Vegas, Contact Las Vegas Bariatrics for a weight loss consultation to get you started on your weight loss journey today!
You want a Protein shake or Meal Replacement that has at least 20 grams of good quality protein with no more than 300 calories, and 15 grams of sugar or less. Bariatric Advantage or Fusion is a great Protein Shake option that is catered to Bariatric needs.
Our High Protein Meal Replacement powder drink mix is fortified with over 20 essential vitamins and minerals.
To buy Fusion Bariatric Products click to visit our Las Vegas Bariatrics Fusion Store so we can assist you in purchasing your desired product(s).
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Patients should be taking some form of bariatric vitamin supplements. Research has proven that all bariatric surgery patients are at risk for deficiencies of vitamins B1, B12, A, C, K, D, as well as iron, zinc, selenium, copper, and folate.
Studies show Bariatric Vitamin Supplements are beneficial after Bariatric Surgery. Making sure that you consume the proper vitamins and minerals is important for maintaining a healthy body. Supplements aid brain function, metabolism, appetite, healing, and many other benefits. You can usually get these nutrients from the foods you eat, but if you’ve had Bariatric Surgery, you may need to take bariatric vitamins or supplements to offset malabsorption and changes in your nutrient intake.
Your doctor can provide nutrient details specific to your surgery. It is important to discuss with your doctor to find out your nutritional needs post bariatric surgery. To buy Vitamin Supplements like; Bariatric Advantage or Fusion Bariatric Products Contact Las Vegas Bariatrics so we can assist you in purchasing your desired product(s).
Dietetics is the study of human nutrition and the regulation of diet. A dietitian alters their patient’s nutrition intake based upon their medical condition and individual needs. Dietician are regulated healthcare professionals licensed to assess, diagnose, and treat nutritional problems.
After learning about a patient’s health history, favorite foods, eating and exercise habits, the Dietician helps the patient to set goals. Follow-up visits often focus on maintenance and monitoring progress. Most dietitians work in the treatment and prevention of diseases related to obesity.
Long-term studies have shown that weight loss surgery causes significant long-term loss of weight, recovery from diabetes, improvement in cardiovascular risk factors, and a reduction in mortality of 23% from 40%. So adding a Dietician can add years and quality to your life.
Medical History is a record of information about a person’s health. A personal medical history may include information about allergies, illnesses, surgeries, immunizations, and results of physical exams and tests. It may also include information about medicines taken and health habits, such as diet and exercise. A family medical history includes health information about a person’s close family members (parents, grandparents, children, brothers, and sisters). This includes their current and past illnesses. A family medical history may show a pattern of certain diseases in a family. Your medical history is important to have before pursuing any medical procedure.
If you are ready to change your life and lose your excess pounds for good, contact the weight loss surgery Las Vegas offices of Dr. Bernie Hanna today by calling (702) 384-1160 or by clicking here.
The CDC recommends practicing Social distancing during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social or physical distancing:
COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet) for a prolonged period. Spread happens when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and droplets from their mouth or nose are launched into the air and land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. The droplets can also be inhaled into the lungs. Recent studies indicate that people who are infected but do not have symptoms likely also play a role in the spread of COVID-19.
Stay connected while staying away. It is very important to stay in touch with friends and family that don’t live in your home. Call, video chat, or stay connected using social media.
We are currently facing challenging times most people may lose sight of weight loss goals and regress on making health conscious decisions due to stress. Some people may be seeking the direction or advice of a certified weight loss professional but feel as if scheduling an appointment maybe be way off into the distant future. With the benefits of bariatric telehealth all hope is not lost for those seeking weight loss treatment or advice.
Modern technology has enabled doctors to consult patients by using HIPAA compliant video-conferencing tools or secured phone conversations. Telemedicine allows health care professionals to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients in remote locations using telecommunications technology.
If you are ready to change your life and lose your excess pounds for good, contact the weight loss surgery Las Vegas offices of Dr. Bernie Hanna today by calling (702) 384-1160 or by clicking here.
Have you found yourself eating more or excessively during the stay at home order?
Bored eating is different than having an increased appetite after exercise or other physical activity. After eating, your hunger levels usually go back to normal but polyphaga doesn’t go away by eating more food. The underlying issues need to be address in order to live a healthy lifestyle.
Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar. Although it affects mostly diabetics, it can happen to anyone.
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid works too quickly. The thyroid is a gland that makes hormones. Your appetite can increase if you have too much thyroid hormone.
Spikes in estrogen and progesterone and decreased serotonin can lead to intense cravings for carbs and fats.
Not getting enough sleep can make it harder for your body to control the levels of hormones that regulate hunger.
When you’re stressed, your body releases a large amount of a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol can make you hungry and this can be considered an emotional response.
A poor diet that consists of unhealthy carbs and fats, such as white bread or fast food, might cause you feel hungry again very soon after eating. This is because these foods lack nutrients
If you have diabetes, your body either cannot produce insulin (type 1) or does not use insulin properly (type 2). Therefore, the glucose stays in your bloodstream longer and is urinated out instead of going into cells. This means that cells don’t have the energy they need to function properly. When this happens, your cells signal that you should continue to eat so they can get the glucose they need.
If you have extreme hunger, excessive thirst, or excessive urination, you should see a doctor for a diabetes test. Any of these symptoms can potentially point to diabetes. If you are ready to change your life and lose your excess pounds for good, contact the weight loss surgery Las Vegas offices of Dr. Bernie Hanna today by calling (702) 384-1160 or by clicking here. If you are not a gastric bypass candidate, Dr. Hanna might be able to help you by performing another type of bariatric surgery, such as Lap Band or Gastric Sleeve in Las Vegas. In addition, he performs secondary weight loss surgery and is regarded as a top Las Vegas revision bariatric surgery provider.
For patients struggling with obesity and weight, hormones often affect their overall health. Excess body fat can cause problems with weight and hormonal issues. Leptin is one of the hormones directly connected to body fat and obesity.
Leptin, a hormone released from the fat cells located in adipose tissues, sends signals to the hypothalamus in the brain. This particular hormone helps regulate and alter long-term food intake and energy expenditure, not just from one meal to the next. The primary design of leptin is to help the body maintain its weight.
If the individual adds body fat, leptin levels will increase. If an individual lowers body fat percentages, the leptin will decrease as well.
Leptin is sometimes called the satiety hormone. It helps inhibit hunger and regulate energy, so the body does not trigger hunger responses when it does not need energy. However, when levels of the hormone fall, which happens when an individual loses weight, the lower levels can trigger huge increases in appetite and food cravings. This, can make weight loss more difficult.
When the body functions properly, excess fat cells will produce leptin. This will trigger the hypothalamus to lower the appetite, which allows the body to dip into the fat stores to feed itself. Unfortunately, when someone is obese, that individual will have too much leptin in their blood. This can cause a lack of sensitivity to the hormone, a condition known as leptin resistance.
If you suspect you or your child has problems with leptin levels, consider asking your doctor the following questions:
Ghrelin is a hormone produced in the gut. It is often termed the hunger hormone, and sometimes called lenomorelin.
It travels through your bloodstream and to your brain, where it tells your brain to become hungry and seek out food.
Ghrelin’s main function is to increase appetite. It makes you consume more food, take in more calories and store fat.
Ghrelin seems to be a hormone that can’t be directly controlled with drugs, diets or supplements.
However, there are a few things you can do to help maintain healthy levels:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness
that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes
COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during
an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an
animal source, but is now spreading from person to person.
The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who
are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet)
through respiratory droplets produced when an infected
person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person
can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has
the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or
possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main
way the virus spreads. Learn what is known about the spread
of newly emerged corona viruses at https://www.cdc.gov/
Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory
illness with symptoms of
• fever
• cough
• shortness of breath
People can help protect themselves from respiratory illness with
everyday preventive actions.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with
unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20
seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at
least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
If you have traveled from an affected area, there may be
restrictions on your movements for up to 2 weeks. If you
develop symptoms during that period (fever, cough, trouble
breathing), seek medical advice. Call the office of your health
care provider before you go, and tell them about your travel and
your symptoms. They will give you instructions on how to get
care without exposing other people to your illness. While sick,
avoid contact with people, don’t go out and delay any travel to
reduce the possibility of spreading illness to others.
Modern technology has enabled doctors to consult patients by using HIPAA compliant video-conferencing tools or secured phone conversations. Telemedicine allows health care professionals to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients in remote locations using telecommunications technology.
With the emergence of the virus causing the disease COVID-19, there is an urgency to expand the use of technology to help people who need routine care, and keep vulnerable beneficiaries and beneficiaries with mild symptoms in their homes while maintaining access to the care they need. Limiting community spread of the virus, as well as limiting the exposure to other patients and staff members will slow viral spread.
The term Metabolic Surgery is used to describe surgical procedures to treat metabolic diseases and conditions like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and type 2 diabetes.
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. These conditions include increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
In 2009 the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) changed its name to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) to promote information on the beneficial effects of surgeries for weight loss in treating metabolic diseases, especially Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).
Weight loss surgery causes weight loss by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold, causing malabsorption of nutrients, or by a combination of both gastric restriction and malabsorption.
WLS procedures have been adapted and improved for over 50 years. While the procedures offered vary in their methods of achieving weight loss, they all place a restriction on the stomach capacity (sometimes including other organs of the digestive system) to digest large amounts of food and absorb nutrients. After surgery the patient will feel full after eating much smaller portions than they have been used to eating.
If you’re considering weight loss surgery in Las Vegas, Contact Las Vegas Bariatrics for a weight loss consultation to get you started on your weight loss journey today!
Keyhole or minimally invasive surgery is a method of carrying out an operation without having to make a large incision. It is also known as laparoscopic surgery when used to operate on the abdomen.
Patients tend to recover earlier from keyhole surgeries because the incisions are usually small. One side effect of ‘open’ surgery – minimised with keyhole surgery – is ‘adhesions’. This is where internal organs stick together and form bands of scar tissue, which can be painful and cause obstruction.
This eventually happens to everyone who tries to lose weight. Even so, most people are surprised when it happens to them because they’re still eating carefully and exercising regularly. The frustrating reality is that even well-planned weight-loss efforts can stall.
During the first few weeks of losing weight, a rapid drop is normal. In part, this is because when you cut calories, the body gets needed energy initially by releasing its stores of glycogen, a type of carbohydrate found in the muscles and liver.
Glycogen is partly made of water, so when glycogen is burned for energy, it releases water, resulting in weight loss that’s mostly water. This effect is temporary, however.
As you lose weight, you lose some muscle along with fat. Muscle helps keep the rate at which you burn calories (metabolism) up. So as you lose weight, your metabolism declines, causing you to burn fewer calories than you did at your heavier weight.
If your efforts to get past a weight-loss plateau aren’t working, talk with your doctor or a dietitian about other tactics to try. Whatever you do, don’t give up and revert to your old eating and exercise habits. That may cause you to regain the weight you’ve lost. Celebrate your success and continue your efforts to maintain your weight loss.
Weight control and keeping a healthy weight is very important to your health. If you are underweight or overweight, or suffer from obesity, you may have a higher risk of certain health problems.
Around two thirds of adults in the U.S. are overweight or suffer from obesity. Achieving a healthy weight can help you control your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. Weight control can also help you prevent weight-related diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and some cancers.
Eating too much or not being physically active enough will make you overweight. To maintain your weight, the calories you eat must equal the energy you burn. To lose weight, you must use more calories than you eat. A weight-control strategy might include
Along with bariatric surgery at Las Vegas Bariatrics we have many options available to assist with weight control.
Patients should be taking some form of bariatric supplements or vitamins. Research has proven that all bariatric surgery patients are at risk for deficiencies of vitamins B1, B12, A, C, K, D, as well as iron, zinc, selenium, copper, and folate.
Studies show Bariatric Supplements are beneficial after Bariatric Surgery. Making sure that you consume the proper vitamins and minerals is important for maintaining a healthy body. Supplements aid brain function, metabolism, appetite, healing, and many other benefits. You can usually get these nutrients from the foods you eat, but if you’ve had Bariatric Surgery, you may need to take bariatric vitamins or supplements to offset malabsorption and changes in your nutrient intake.
Patients who have had bariatric surgery, should ensure they are getting all the nutrients your body needs, which may be tricky with your new, more limited, post-weight loss surgery diet. Bariatric surgery can also result in vitamin malabsorption that then leads to negative conditions that develop as a result of these deficiencies without the aid of bariatric supplements.
Your doctor can provide nutrient details specific to your surgery. It is important to discuss with your doctor to find out your nutritional needs post bariatric surgery. To buy Bariatric Advantage or Fusion Bariatric Products Contact Las Vegas Bariatrics so we can assist you in purchasing your desired product(s).
Gastric Band Removal surgery may be right for you. Many studies have shown that more than half of the gastric bands are removed due to inadequate weight loss or complications after 7-10 years.
The common Lap Band, Gastric Band, or Adjustable Gastric Band complications include:
Food Intolerance: Patients may develop difficulty swallowing, severe nausea and vomiting. Some even throw up multiple times a day.
Heartburn or Reflux: Some patients may develop heartburn or esophagitis after Lap Band surgery.
Band Slippage: This may cause severe pain/nausea and may require emergent surgical revision/removal of the gastric band.
Band Erosion/Port Infection: This is a rare complication. Gastric Band erosion causes long-term port infection in most cases.
Esophageal Dilation: With the restriction from the Gastric Band, the food may be stuck in the esophagus. In the long term, this may cause esophageal dilation.
Inadequate Weight Loss: Even though the Gastric Band had reasonable initial weight loss, weight regain is much more common in Gastric Banding patients than patients who had gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery.
Laparoscopic Gastric Band Removal
Most lap band removal procedures can be done laparoscopically. This is a relatively easy and safe operation depending on existing complications.
The steps of a Gastric Band removal surgery are as follows:
Insert laparoscopic instruments through small incisions. In most cases, the surgeon can use the old incision.
Cut the scar tissue around the band.
Cut the tubing and band.
Pull out the band from around the stomach.
During the initial operation, the upper part of the stomach (fundus) is usually sutured to the part of the stomach above the band to prevent band migration. Some general surgeons tend to leave the adhesions and those sutures in place during the Lap Band removal surgery. However, it is very important to remove those sutures and lyse the adhesions. This will restore the original anatomy of the stomach and make subsequent or later revision surgery much easier.
After the gastric band removal, removal or incision of the perigastric capsule (dense scar tissue around the upper part of the stomach or esophagus) will reduce the chance of obstruction after surgery.
The subcutaneous port is removed
For patients who want to convert to a more effective bariatric procedure, the surgeon may proceed with the sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass surgery following the removal of gastric band or perform a revision three months later.
Lap Band Conversion to Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass
If you have an intolerance and/or complication to the gastric band, such as nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, slippage, or erosion, removal of your band offers immediate symptom relief. However, without converting to another bariatric procedure, many patients regain weight after Lap Band removal.
It’s very important for a patient in need of revision surgery to choose an experienced surgeon. Doctors who don’t do a lot of these procedures may not use the most up to date surgical techniques and not follow up with the patient as much as essential to post- revision surgery success.
Dr. Bernie Hanna has extensive experience with revision procedures. His experience and reputation sets him apart as one of the leading Bariatric surgeons in The Las Vegas area and has been voted ‘Top Surgeon” by his peers in 2006, 2007 and 2013. Patients from all over the country and the world go to Las Vegas Bariatrics to be under the care of Dr. Bernie Hanna.
Change your life with VSG Surgery. VSG Surgery also called a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, is a surgical weight-loss procedure. This type of procedure is usually performed laparoscopically. Used by inserting small instruments through multiple small incisions in the upper abdomen. During sleeve gastrectomy, about 80 percent of the stomach is removed, the remaining stomach is a tube-shaped about the size and shape of a banana.
By limiting the size of your stomach it restricts the amount of food you are able to consume. The procedure also prompts hormonal changes that assist with weight loss. These hormonal changes also help relieve conditions associated with being overweight, such as high blood pressure or heart disease.
Sleeve gastrectomy is done to help you lose excess weight and reduce your risk of life-threatening weight-related health problems, including:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Heart disease
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Obstructive sleep apnea
Type 2 diabetes
Stroke
Infertility
VSG Surgery is typically done only after you’ve tried to lose weight by improving your diet and exercise habits.
In general, VSG surgery or vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery could be an option for you if:
Your body BMI is 40 or higher.
Your BMI is 35 to 39.9, and you have a serious weight-related health problem, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or severe sleep apnea. In some cases, you may qualify for certain types of weight-loss surgery if your BMI is 30 to 34 and you have serious weight-related health problems.
At Las Vegas Bariatrics Dr. Bernie Hanna will perform a thorough pre-surgical consultation to determine whether you are a candidate for Vertical Gastric Sleeve surgery. He will evaluate your BMI, your overall health and any medications you are taking, as well as your weight loss needs and goals. Based on this information, he will tell you whether you are a candidate for surgery and whether this procedure or another weight loss procedure would be your best choice.
Las Vegas Bariatrics offers affordable VSG surgery in Las Vegas NV, USA. Dr. Hanna also performs gastric band removal, gastric bypass and revision weight loss surgery procedures. If you would like to learn more about these treatments and how they compare, contact Dr. Bernie Hanna today by calling (702) 384-1160 or filling out our contact form.
Portion Control does not necessarily mean you have to eat extremely tiny amounts of food. Preparing for or post Bariatric Surgery it is important to eat less. Portion control may seem difficult because we have to retrain our brains into thinking it is enough food. Here are some tips to assist with portion control:
1. Use a smaller plate
2. Don’t double your carbs
3. Give measuring cups a go
4. Be selective with your seconds
5. Don’t pick at leftovers
6. 20-minute rule
7. Check food labels
8. Ask for less
It is important to know that not all Protein Shakes are the same and some may not be appropriate for Bariatric Patients. You want a Protein shake that has at least 20 grams of good quality protein with no more than 300 calories, and 15 grams of sugar or less. Bariatric Advantage or Fusion is a great Protein Shake option that is catered to Bariatric needs.
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Learn about and buy new Bariatric Advantage products and the latest about nutrition for Bariatric patients.
Your Diet is a very important part of medical weight loss Leading up to and after your Bariatric Surgery your Diet is very important. Diet recommendations and restrictions may vary from patient to patient but they generally follow the same approach to ease back into solid foods. Your doctor or dietitian will talk to you about your specific diet restrictions and explain what types of food and how much you can eat at every meal.
Are you suffering from Dumping Syndrome? Dumping Syndrome is a medical condition that develop after Bariatric Surgery. Dumping Syndrome may occur when food, most often sugar, moves too quickly from your stomach into your small bowel. Your Diet after bariatric surgery is very important. Signs and symptoms of Dumping Syndrome include abdominal cramps and diarrhea within 10 to 30 minutes of eating or 1 to 3 hours after eating. Other symptoms may include:
Dumping Syndrome can be prevented by properly changing your Diet after Bariatric Surgery by eating smaller meals and reducing high sugar foods. Severe cases of Dumping Syndrome may need to be treated by medications or surgery. If you experience any of the symptoms of dumping syndrome be sure to contact us at Las Vegas Bariatrics or reach out to your primary doctor to help come up with a plan to treat and prevent future occurrences.
A Nutritionist is an important part to your medical weight loss. A nutritionist someone who can plan or formulate meals for people with special needs, health problems, weight loss needs or a need for more energy. A Nutritionist can play a very important part in the success of your Weight Loss Journey. There are many benefits to following a diet planned out by a Nutritionist. A properly followed diet set by a nutritionist can help reduce life threatening issues caused by obesity. Weight loss allows patients to lead a healthier, happier and longer life. Many of the health problems associated with obesity either improve or go away. These include:
Diabetes
Heart Disease
High Blood Pressure
Respiratory Problems such as sleep apnea, asthma
Orthopedic Problems such as arthritis, back pain, joint pain,
Infertility
High cholesterol
Acid reflux
Depression
Improved quality of life
Long-term studies have shown that weight loss surgery causes significant long-term loss of weight, recovery from diabetes, improvement in cardiovascular risk factors, and a reduction in mortality of 23% from 40%. So adding a Nutritionist can add years and quality to your life.
Lapband Surgery or Gastric banding is a common weight loss surgery procedure that has helped numerous men and women achieve a healthy weight in a safe, controlled manner. Dr. Bernie Hanna is one of the more experienced surgeons in Las Vegas. In order to achieve truly outstanding results, he customizes every procedure and carefully monitors each patient’s progress.The most common alternative to lapband surgery are bariatric surgery procedures such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric band, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. Each surgery has its own advantages.
You may be a candidate for weight loss surgery if:
• You’re an obese adult, especially if you have a weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes.
• You do your research to know the risks and benefits.
• You’re ready to adjust how you eat after the surgery.
• You’re committed to making lifestyle changes to keep the weight off.
• You understand surgery is not a quick fix and will take consistent effort.
You may be a candidate if you are extremely obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30, and with a weight-related condition.
If you’re considering Bariatric surgery in Las Vegas NV, contact us for a weight loss consultation to get you started on your weight loss journey today!
A Bariatric Doctor is a licensed licensed Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) who specializes in medical weight management. Bariatric Doctors may treat overweight and obese patients with diet, nutrition, exercise, behavioral therapy, appropriate medications, or any combination of these treatments. A Bariatric Doctor can also be called a Bariatrician or a Bariatric Surgeon. If you’re looking for a Bariatric Doctor in Las Vegas or anywhere in the US, Dr. Bernie Hanna is the top Bariatric Surgeon.
A Bariatric Surgeon is a doctor who performs bariatric operations to aid in weight loss. A Bariatric Surgeon performs Bariatric surgery is an operation on the stomach and/or intestines that helps patients lose weight who are extremely obese. This surgery is an option for people who cannot lose weight by “traditional methods”, and/or those who suffer from serious health problems related to obesity. The surgery restricts food intake, which promotes weight loss and reduces the risk of a variety of health problems, including type 2 diabetes. Studies suggest that bariatric surgery may even lower death rates for patients with severe obesity. The best results occur when patients follow surgery with healthy eating patterns and regular exercise. These are the most used operations in the United States:
Bernie Hanna is the premiere Bariatric Surgeon in Las Vegas. He the medical director for the MBSAQIP accredited Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence. At Las Vegas Bariatrics we have created an environment that is friendly and service oriented. We are committed to our patients over the long term and follow them indefinitely, which increases your chances of long-term success. Dr. Hanna has extensive experience in several types of bariatric surgery along with a commitment to providing superior and compassionate bariatric care. Dr. Hanna received “Top Surgeon” honors in 2002, 2003, 2011, and achieved the “Top Doctor” award for 2006 and 2007.
The Gastric Sleeve / Sleeve Gastrectomy procedure is a restrictive procedure that by creating a smaller stomach pouch, limits the amount of food that can be eaten at any one time. You feel full sooner and stay full longer. As you eat less food the body will stop storing excess calories and start using its fat supply for energy. In addition by removing a part of the stomach we eliminate a portion of the hunger hormone Grehlin which causes a decrease in appetite. Food passes through the digestive tract in the usual order allowing for normal digestion.
Dr. Bernie Hanna will perform a thorough pre-surgical consultation to determine whether you are a candidate for Gastric Sleeve surgery. He will evaluate your BMI, your overall health and any medications you are taking, as well as your weight loss needs and goals. Based on this information, he will tell you whether you are a candidate for surgery and whether this procedure or another weight loss procedure would be your best choice.
Las Vegas Bariatrics offers affordable Gastric Sleeve surgery in Las Vegas NV, USA. Dr. Hanna also performs Lap-Band, gastric bypass and revision weight loss surgery procedures. If you would like to learn more about the these treatments and how they compare, contact Dr. Bernie Hanna today by calling (702) 384-1160 .
Interested in Bariatric Surgery? A Bariatric Bypass or Gastric Bypass is a laparoscopic procedure using small incisions to divide the stomach into a small upper pouch and a much larger remnant pouch. The small pouch is then reattached to the small intestine, allowing food to bypass a portion of the digestive tract. It is the most involved procedure and the oldest of the three procedures. Bariatric bypass surgery leads to a significant reduction in the functional volume of the stomach, which is accompanied by a change to the physiological and physical response to food.
Gastric bypass surgery limits the amount of food that can be eaten at any one time by reducing the size of the stomach over 90%. A normal stomach can stretch, resulting in a size of over 1000 mL. After surgery, the small pouch may only be 15 mL in size and is usually formed from the part of the stomach that is least likely to stretch.
When the patient ingests a small amount of food, the stomach’s first response is to stretch the stomach pouch. This stretching stimulates nerves that tell the brain that the stomach is full, resulting in the patient having a sense of fullness. The fullness will feel as if a large meal was eaten with just a small amount of food, and the patient will feel full for a longer period of time. In addition, by bypassing a portion of the intestine the body absorbs fewer calories. As less food is eaten, and fewer calories are absorbed, the body will stop storing excess calories and start using its fat supply for energy.
If you are ready to change your life and lose your excess pounds for good, contact the weight loss surgery Las Vegas offices of Dr. Bernie Hanna today by calling (702)384-1160.
The Lap Band surgery or Gastric banding is a common weight loss surgery procedure that has helped numerous men and women achieve a healthy weight in a safe, controlled manner. Dr. Bernie Hanna is one of the more experienced surgeons in Las Vegas. In order to achieve truly outstanding results, he customizes every procedure and carefully monitors each patient’s progress. Explore the paragraphs below to learn more about this weight loss option.
This option for weight loss surgery is minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure that takes about 30 minutes to perform. An adjustable band is wrapped around the upper part of the stomach dividing it into a small upper pouch that holds about ½ cup of food, and a larger lower stomach.
By creating a smaller stomach pouch, it limits the amount of food that one eats at any one time. This allows you to feel full sooner and stay full longer feeling satisfied. The degree of tightness affects how much food you can eat and the length of time it takes for food to leave the stomach which allows you to stay satisfied with a small amount for a longer period of time. As you eat less your body will store less calories and you will start burning fat for energy which increases the weight loss. This procedure is reversible and is the least invasive, safest procedure.
Generally, candidates for this surgical procedure have a body mass index over 40 kg/m2, or are more than 100 pounds over their ideal body weight. It can be performed on a person with a BMI of 35-40 kg/m2 if there are other medical conditions that are weight-related, such as high blood pressure (hypertension) or diabetes.
Bariatric surgery is an operation on the stomach and/or intestines that helps patients lose weight who are extremely obese. This surgery is an option for people who cannot lose weight by “traditional methods”, and/or those who suffer from serious health problems related to obesity. The surgery restricts food intake, which promotes weight loss and reduces the risk of a variety of health problems, including type 2 diabetes. Studies suggest that bariatric surgery may even lower death rates for patients with severe obesity. The best results occur when patients follow surgery with healthy eating patterns and regular exercise.
Many people who have the surgery lose weight quickly, but re-gain some weight later on. As long as diet and exercise recommendations are followed, most of the weight can be kept off. Medical follow ups will be required for the rest of the patient’s life.
Wondering if Weight Loss Surgery is right for you?
When deciding if Weight Loss Surgery is right for you and which Bariatric surgical procedures work for you. Weight loss surgery causes weight loss by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold, causing malabsorption of nutrients, or by a combination of both gastric restriction and malabsorption. Most weight loss surgeries today are performed using minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopic surgery).
The most common bariatric surgery procedures are gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric band, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. Each surgery has its own advantages.
You may be a candidate for weight loss surgery if:
• You’re an obese adult, especially if you have a weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes.
• You do your research to know the risks and benefits.
• You’re ready to adjust how you eat after the surgery.
• You’re committed to making lifestyle changes to keep the weight off.
• You understand surgery is not a quick fix and will take consistent effort.
You may be a candidate if you are extremely obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30, and with a weight-related condition.
If you’re considering weight loss surgery in Las Vegas, Contact Las Vegas Bariatrics for a weight loss consultation to get you started on your weight loss journey today!
Interested in Gastric Bypass? The Gastric Bypass procedure involves creating a small pouch of a stomach and moving part of the small intestine up, effectively “bypassing” part of the intestine. Not only does this limit the amount of food that can be consumed in one sitting, but it also limits the amount of intestine involved in digesting the food. Because only part of the intestine is involved, the body is able to absorb fewer calories from any food that is consumed.
Dr Bernie Hanna is the Top doctor in Las Vegas and the medical director for the MBSAQIP accredited Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence. At Las Vegas Bariatrics we have created an environment that is friendly and service oriented. Our staff is always approachable and available to meet your needs. We focus on quality. We are committed to our patients over the long term and follow them indefinitely, which increases your chances of long-term success. In sticking with the program our patients will experience excellent outcomes over time. Dr. Bernie Hanna has extensive experience in several types of bariatric surgery along with a commitment to providing superior and compassionate bariatric care. Dr Hanna received “Top Surgeon” honors in 2002, 2003, 2011, and achieved the “Top Doctor” award for 2006 and 2007. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Surgeons, a member of The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons, the American Medical Association, the National Medical Association, the Nevada State Medical Association, Clark County Medical Society, the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care and the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons.
Las Vegas Bariatrics is an accredited Bariatric Center of Excellence operating under Dr. Bernie Hanna M.D. With a commitment to long-term success, Las Vegas Bariatrics offers an approachable environment and the expertise to meet all bariatric needs and ensure our patients are equipped for a healthy lifestyle.
