Bariatric Surgery

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Bariatric Surgery Specialists in Middleburg Heights & North Canton

Experience a dramatic improvement in your health with Best Life Bariatrics and Medical Weight Loss Center. When diet and exercise fail to provide sustainable results, bariatric surgery is a transformative alternative. Optimize your physical and mental well-being with our bariatric surgery centers in Middleburg Heights and North Canton, OH.
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The Importance of Bariatric Surgery

Our bodies are very efficient at holding onto every calorie, and every pound.  They are extremely resistant to weight loss.  Therefore, diet and exercise don’t always provide results for individuals navigating obesity and/or weight-related conditions. We will perform a thorough evaluation and may recommend bariatric surgery. Combined with a balanced lifestyle, bariatric surgery  can help patients not only achieve significant weight loss and keep it off, but improve or resolve many weight related medical conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint and back pain as well as decreasing the risk of cancer.
Bariatric Surgeon Measuring Belly of an Obese Patient

A Personalized Bariatric Surgery Experience

Our surgeon, Dr. Leslie Pristas, dismantles the one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss procedures. Leveraging extensive expertise, we cater to diverse patient needs, with surgery options including:

  • Gastric sleeve

  • Gastric bypass

  • SADI

  • Band removal

  • Duodenal switch

  • Revisional bariatric surgery

  • Foregut surgery

  • Gallbladder surgery

  • GERD surgery

  • Hernia repair

Gastric Sleeve

A sleeve gastrectomy, commonly known as a gastric sleeve, is a minimally invasive yet highly effective bariatric surgery option. This procedure involves removing up to 80% of the stomach, so instead of being a large floppy sack, the stomach is a narrow tube. This not only makes the stomach smaller, to limit the size of meals, it even more importantly effects gut hormones. These hormones regulate appetite, feelings of hunger and fullness and regulate blood sugars among many other effects. As a result, patients experience reduced appetite and substantial weight loss.

Physical Fitness and Exercise Guidance for Overweight Person

Gastric Bypass

The gastric bypass procedure is one of the most popular bariatric surgery methods. It involves making a small stomach pouch, separated away from the rest of the stomach, and then also involves changes in the small intestine. Small intestine is connected to the pouch and then a second connection is made in the small intestine downstream. Similarly, the outcome is to limit the size of meals and effect the gut hormones so that appetite is decreased, blood sugar control is improved and patients can achieve significant weight loss

Single Anastomosis Duodenal-Ileal Bypass (SADI)

Single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass (SADI) can be thought of as a modification of the duodenal switch and combines aspects of both the gastric sleeve and gastric bypass procedures. A sleeve gastrectomy is performed and then small intestine is also modified and connected. However, SADI differs from the gastric bypass and duodenal switch in that it involves a singular intestinal connection

Gastric Band Removal

Gastric banding has been linked to a range of postoperative complications and/or inadequate weight loss results. The good news is that Dr. Pristas is well-versed in gastric banding removal, allowing you to prepare for a more effective bariatric alternative if you choose or to simply relieve symptoms related to the band.

Duodenal Switch

Duodenal switch surgery involves performing a sleeve gastrectomy as well as two intestinal connections with the small bowel.  This can benefit patients with certain medical conditions.
Close Up of a Medical History Form and a Doctor's Stethoscope

Revisional Bariatric Surgery

While bariatric surgery is exceedingly safe and effective, certain situations can arise in the long term whereby a patient can require additional intervention.  Knowing all of your options is extremely important. Not all bariatric surgery doctors employ the same level of compassionate care and expertise as Dr. Pristas. She will ensure you have the proper evaluation and have a thorough discussion so that you can feel comfortable and confident about your choices.  

Foregut Surgery

When weight management is hindered by preexisting conditions that impair upper gastrointestinal function, Best Life Bariatrics and Medical Weight Loss can help you achieve relief. Foregut surgery can be used to target and correct digestive conditions, including motility disorders and chronic acid reflux, improving both your quality of life and your ability to lose weight and keep it off.

Gallbladder Surgery

Anytime someone has significant weight loss, whether from diet and exercise, medication or surgery, there is the risk of developing gallstones and gallbladder symptoms.  The onset of gallbladder disease and recurring gallstones are among the most common side effects. If you are experiencing these issues as a result of accelerated weight loss, our experts at Best Life Bariatrics and Medical Weight Loss Center may recommend gallbladder removal surgery.

Hernia Repair

The more weight our bodies carry, especially around our abdomen, the greater the risk of developing a hernia.  Unfortunately, there is a greater risk of the hernia coming back after a repair if someone stays at a high weight.  Therefore, many surgeons require weight loss before offering hernia repair.  Dr. Pristas and the team at Best Life Bariatric and Medical Weight Loss Center provide prompt and minimally invasive hernia repair procedures after weight loss and in some circumstances, repair can even be done at the time of a bariatric surgery so that a second procedure is not needed.
Hernia Repair in the Bariatric Patient

Conditions Treated With Bariatric Surgery

Beyond just medical weight loss, bariatric procedures are proven to improve or treat several preexisting medical conditions, including:

  • High cholesterol

  • Kidney disease

  • High blood pressure

  • Osteoarthritis

  • High blood sugar

  • Sleep apnea

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • Decrease risk of cancer
  • Heart disease

Bariatric Surgery Qualifications

Excess weight isn’t the only requirement for bariatric surgery. To be eligible for these procedures, we consider your medical history, past weight loss challenges, and subsequent health factors. Patients must also meet the following criteria:
  • BMI of 35 or more
  • BMI of 30 or more with weight related medical conditions

Preparation Process for Bariatric Surgery

Rooted in decades of research and practice, Dr. Pristas is thorough in her approach to bariatric surgery preparation. To ensure patient safety and procedure success, we begin with:
  • Preliminary consultation and medical history review

  • Appropriate bariatric surgery selection and procedure planning

  • Lab work evaluation and medical screening tests

  • Pre-bariatric surgery diet and lifestyle modifications

Preparation Process for Bariatric Surgery

At Best Life Bariatrics and Medical Weight Loss Center, the bariatric surgery process begins the day of your first consultation. Our pre-operative care structure focuses on individualized dietary guidance, educational resources, and lifestyle modifications. These gradual changes serve to shift your mindset and daily routines to encourage a successful and sustainable bariatric surgery experience.

Sustaining Results Through Postoperative Care

Successful bariatric surgery is rooted in effective postoperative care. Dr. Pristas collaborates with our registered dietician, Becky Miles, and experienced nurse practitioner, Erica Lough, to develop postoperative weight management plans. To reinforce the results of bariatric surgery, these plans may include:
  • Tailored recovery guidelines
  • Physical activity recommendations
  • Nutritional guidance
  • Overall lifestyle modifications

Schedule a Bariatric Surgery Consultation

If you’re ready to reclaim your internal wellness and a higher quality of life, our board-certified bariatric surgeon, Dr. Leslie Pristas is here to make it happen. To embark on a journey towards optimized health, contact us today schedule your bariatric surgery consultation today.

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