Choosing Weight Loss Surgery In Dallas Ft. Worth

By drdkim on April 28, 2009 at 9:17 pm

“Which operation is most appropriate for me?” This is seemingly a logical question. We are often told that, “the doctor knows best” and with a broad scope of bariatric knowledge it would seem logical for a weight loss specialist to choose the best operation for you. Lets flashback to 2003. At that time, I was only performing laparoscopic gastric bypass. The band was only recently released in America, and no significant data had yet been accumulated on the band. In that year, I felt firmly convinced that gastric bypass surgery was the best operation that a weight loss surgeon could offer to patients. Now, if we fast forward to 2009, I currently perform Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass, Lap Band , Realize Band, Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Laparoscopic Revision surgery (receiving patients who have had unsuccessful weight loss surgery elsewhere and converting that surgery into a more successful one). In 2009, I still perform a significant amount of gastric bypass surgery, but Lap Band surgery is more popular and occupies more than 50% of the surgeries that I perform. After performimg more than 2000 laparoscopic weight loss surgeries, I feel stongly that in most cases, a patient should decide the operation that is most appropriate for him or her.

Patients are choosing the least invasive way to meet their weight loss goals. This is evidenced by the demographic trends that are occurring in bariatric surgery today. This year, in 2009, it is predicted that Lap Band will overtake gastric bypass in the nation in the sheer number of operations performed in the U.S.
*Marketing facts now reveal that the words “lap band” are Googled (is that a verb?) more often than gastric bypass.

*More lap bands are performed in Dallas/ Ft. Worth than the entire U.S. combined-but I believe the rest of the U.S. is catching up. I believe my practice is mirroring what is going on in the U.S.
*90% of the weight loss surgeries performed in the world consists of Lap Band surgery

By the mere nature that you are on this website is a testament to your dedication for learning about these procedures. Our practice is unique in that, in most cases, I will allow you to choose the operation which is most appropriate for you. Unless I see a medical contraindication, I enjoy a patients participation with surgical selection. I think this is an important first step. My patients are so very successful in many aspects of their lives, other than weight control. They are successful parents, spouses, employees, employers, teachers, coaches, accountants, even doctors….you get the point. My greatest hope and objective is to allow you to gain control of your weight, and in a broader sense, your destiny. I don’t believe this aspect of control can take place if I tell you which operation to have. Likewise, I think it is very important that a patient select a surgeon who can perform all the different types of weight loss surgery and not just one. If a surgeon can only perform one operation, say Lap Band for example, seminars will focus purely on that operation and not provide a non-biased, broad based view of all the operations so that you can truly make an informed decision. As an old saying goes…”If I only sell Ford cars, than Ford becomes the best car out on the street”

I often muse at the entertaining arguments we used to have in the early 2000’s on which was the better operation. At that time, since I performed 100% gastric bypass surgery, I thought this was the best operation. Entire conference rooms full of weight loss surgeons would argue passionately about which was the better operation: Lap Band vs. Gastric Bypass. I think the profession was so divided that eventually it transcended into our patients who also decided to join in this debate, as well. Fortunately for all of us, this debate is over. Conclusively, the data has shown that they are ALL good operations. They become , essentially, “tools” for our patients to use to reach their weight loss goals and in the process, improve their lives. They all work a little differently however. They work at different speeds of weight loss, have different varying degrees of risk, different amounts of follow-up is necessary, and recovery times are different. These are all important factors in the decision making process, so don’t just visit a “Ford Dealer”only.

After more than 2000 surgeries of all types, I truly believe all of these operations are all effective tools. The Lap Band, Realize Band, Gastric Bypass, Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, are all surgical tools. And like tools, instructions have to be followed to achieve the maximal result,safely. At the time of surgery, I am basically creating a mechanism in all cases, that will remind you that you will eat differently. They all limit the amount of solid dense food you eat to about 4 ounces and they all help a patient control their appetite. Essentially, behavioral modification takes place. Because hunger is so readily controlled, my patients feel for the first time that weight loss will be sustainable and long lasting. It won’t become another “yo-yo diet”. My patients start to feel better with even an initial 20 pound weight loss, so they can begin to exercise. When a patients’ feet and knees don’t hurt so much, and breathing is easier, they become more inclined to go for a walk. I find that patients who exercise frequently, also eat better. I often hear… I can’t eat that piece of chocolate cake, I walked this morning for 30 minutes and I worked too hard to get this 70 lbs off!”

After you have reviewed this website, take your time and carefully consider your choices. Then , finally, make an appointment and lets talk about the operation that is most appropriate for you. I applaud your courage to improve your health and life. Though these steps may seem slightly intimidating, I think inaction may be the worst option of all.

David Kim, MD FACS, FASMBS

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