Bariatric & General

Bariatric Surgery

The obesity epidemic in America is increasing rapidly every year. 38% of the population is overweight or obese. Morbid obesity has become the second leading cause of preventable death in America, after smoking. Over 400,000 deaths are associated with obesity each year. Obesity is significantly associated with the development of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, heartburn, cancer, and joint disease.

Due to the association of poor outcomes obesity has with diabetes, the International Diabetes Federation and the American Society for Metabolic Surgery changed their guidelines in 2016 to, now, not only consider bariatric surgery, but recommended it as the treatment for diabetes in the obese population.

Bariatric surgery has continued to lead the way for a complete resolution of multiple medical conditions associated with obesity. Common procedures performed at Avala are the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, laparoscopic gastric bypass, and laparoscopic revisional bariatric surgery, if needed. A simple 1 – 2 hour procedure can result in the resolution of many common medical problems, as well as lead to wonderful weight loss.

The time for change is now, so Why Weight?

General Surgery

General surgery is a specialty requiring a surgeon to know and be responsible for the preoperative, operative, and postoperative management of patients who may fall under a broad spectrum of diseases. General surgery patients may require elective or emergency surgical treatment.

General surgeons have a broad knowledge of anatomy, physiology, epidemiology, immunology and pathology. General surgeons are typically experienced in conditions affecting the alimentary tract, breast, endocrine system, abdomen (and its contents), skin and soft tissues.

• Common General Surgery Procedures:
• Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
• Insertion of Port-A-Caths (including Power Ports)
• Hernia Repairs – Open and laparoscopically
• Mastectomy
• Colon Resection – Open and laparoscopically

It is not unusual for a certified general surgeon to assist in the care for patients with problems in other specialty areas and/or surgical procedures.