Locate a Bariatric Surgeon
New Orleans, Louisiana
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Location and Contact Details
Ochsner Clinic Foundation
1514 Jefferson Highway
New Orleans, Louisiana 70121
Phone: 504.842.4070
Obesity Surgeons
William S. Richardson, MD
Director, Laparoscopic Surgery
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Types of Weight Loss Surgery Performed
Gastric Bypass with Roux-en-Y: Laparoscopic/Open
The National Institute for Health consensus conference in 1991 established
widely accepted guidelines and indications for the surgical management
of severe obesity and endorsed the gastric bypass with Roux-en-Y as the
most effective means for treating the obese patient. Weight loss surgery
is designed for individuals with a BMI of 40 or greater and whose weight
severely impairs their quality of life. Individuals with a BMI between
35-40 who have known co-morbidities may also be considered for surgery.
There are many factors that determine whether a person would make a good
candidate for bariatric surgery. A reasonable attempt at losing weight
with a non-surgical method must be demonstrated. This may include a physician
assisted program. Some insurance companies will require one to have attempted
such a program as criteria for coverage of a weight loss surgery. Another
factor in determining if someone is a candidate for surgery is their understanding
and commitment to the life-long changes that will be required to make
this a success. It is important that an individual make an informed decision
and have the knowledge to do this. The benefits, risks and complications
will all be explained in depth to enable one to decide whether they are
able to make this commitment. Good results after the surgical procedure
require continued dieting and an exercise plan (see diet and exercise).
It is essential that one understand this concept pre-operatively, and
not have the expectation that the operation will remove personal responsibility
and dedication from the weight loss equation.
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