Bariatric Surgery (Weight-Loss Surgery): Lafayette

Comprehensive weight-loss surgical care in Lafayette, Louisiana

At Ochsner Lafayette General, we recognize that living at an unhealthy weight is a complex, chronic condition, and we treat it as such. Our comprehensive weight-loss surgery program combines the expertise of highly trained bariatric surgeons with a dedicated team of specialists focused on long-term support and compassionate care.

We are committed to treating every patient with the dignity and respect they deserve. From your first consultation to lifelong follow-up care, we’re here to help you take control of your health and transform your life for the better.

Personalized weight-loss solutions that work

Finding the right weight-loss solution is essential to achieving lasting results. That’s why we offer a full spectrum of bariatric procedures, as well as a non-surgical weight-loss program, to meet your specific health needs and goals.

Our team will work with you to determine the best path forward based on your medical history, lifestyle and long-term success.

How does weight-loss surgery work?

Bariatric surgery promotes weight loss in two key ways:

• Restriction: Reduces the size of your stomach so you feel full with smaller portions.
• Malabsorption: Alters the digestive tract so your body absorbs fewer calories and nutrients. This involves rerouting part of the small intestine.

Whether your procedure involves restriction, malabsorption or both, our team will guide you through every step with expert care and ongoing support.

Your journey starts here

Our goal is to help you achieve safe, sustainable weight loss and improved health. From surgery to recovery and beyond, Ochsner Lafayette General is with you every step of the way. Take the first step towards a healthier life today!

What is gastric sleeve surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is the most common type of weight-loss surgery. This procedure removes a large portion of the stomach, leaving behind a smaller, tube-shaped section that helps patients feel full more quickly, even when eating smaller portions.

How gastric sleeve surgery works

During the procedure, a surgeon uses a stapling device to remove the outer part of the stomach, known as the greater curvature. What remains is a narrow, sleeve-like stomach that continues to carry food into the intestines, which are left unchanged.

Because the new stomach holds less food, patients feel full sooner and consume fewer calories. This often leads to significant and sustained weight loss.

Benefits of gastric sleeve surgery

Many patients choose gastric sleeve surgery because it does not involve rerouting the intestines, as is required in gastric bypass surgery. Additionally, it does not affect how the body absorbs nutrients. However, because patients eat much less food after surgery, they are advised to take daily vitamin supplements and schedule regular follow-ups with their care team.

Gastric sleeve surgery is also preferred over gastric banding for several reasons. It does not require the placement of a plastic band inside the body, and there is no need for frequent adjustments or band maintenance.

Gastric bypass surgery at Ochsner Lafayette General

The surgeons at Ochsner Lafayette General have been performing gastric bypass procedures since 1982, earning a reputation for trusted expertise and advanced surgical care. We began offering this procedure laparoscopically in 1982, and today, more than 99% of our gastric bypass surgeries are performed using this minimally invasive technique.

How gastric bypass surgery works

During the procedure, a surgeon uses a specialized stapling device to create a small pouch at the top of the stomach. This pouch, roughly the size of a thumb, can hold about 15 milliliters of food, smaller than an egg yolk. Because the stomach is reduced so significantly, patients feel full after just a few bites. This reduced capacity helps limit calorie intake and supports long-term weight loss.

Duodenal switch surgery 

The duodenal switch is a complex weight-loss surgery typically recommended for individuals with severe obesity. This procedure has been shown to help patients lose a significant amount of excess weight and improve long-term health outcomes.

Who is a candidate for duodenal switch surgery?

Duodenal switch surgery is generally recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) over 50, although exceptions may apply based on specific health conditions. It is considered one of the most effective bariatric procedures for producing substantial weight loss and improving obesity-related conditions.

How duodenal switch surgery works

Unlike other weight-loss surgeries that create a smaller stomach pouch, the duodenal switch forms a slightly larger pouch. This limits the amount of food a person can eat while also rerouting part of the small intestine, which reduces calorie and nutrient absorption. Together, these changes can help patients lose up to 85% of their excess weight.

Non-Surgical Weight Loss With Gastric Balloon Systems

When surgery isn’t an option, a gastric balloon can be an effective, non-surgical weight-loss solution. This simple, minimally invasive procedure involves placing one or more balloons into the stomach through the mouth. Once in place, the balloons are filled with air or a saline solution, which takes up space in the stomach and helps patients feel full sooner.

Because the stomach holds less food, patients eat smaller portions and feel satisfied more quickly. When combined with a healthy diet and exercise plan, a gastric balloon can support long-term weight loss and promote lasting lifestyle changes.

At Ochsner Lafayette General, we offer two FDA-approved gastric balloon systems: the Obalon Balloon System and the ORBERA Gastric Balloon.

Obalon Balloon System

The Obalon system involves placing three small, air-filled balloons into the stomach over the course of three office visits. These balloons help patients feel full with less food. The balloons remain in place for six months and are most effective when paired with a supervised nutrition and exercise program to support long-term weight management.

ORBERA Gastric Balloon

The ORBERA system uses a soft, silicone balloon inserted into the stomach without surgery. Once in place, it is filled with saline until it reaches about the size of a grapefruit. The balloon remains in the stomach for six months, during which time patients receive coaching on nutrition and lifestyle changes. Even after the balloon is removed, patients continue to receive guidance and support for the rest of the 12-month program.

Revisional bariatric surgery at Ochsner Lafayette General

Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective ways for many people to lose a significant amount of weight. However, some patients may regain weight or not lose as much as expected. If this occurs, our experienced surgeons will carefully evaluate your initial procedure and other contributing factors to determine what may have gone wrong.

In some cases, a second procedure, known as revisional bariatric surgery, may be necessary to correct or adjust the original surgery.

Why patients consider revisional bariatric surgery

There are two common reasons patients seek revisional surgery at Ochsner General & Bariatric Surgery:

• Complications from the initial surgery: Some patients experience serious side effects or problems that impact their daily life.
• Inadequate weight loss: Other patients may not have achieved their weight-loss goals and are looking for an additional procedure to support long-term success.

What to expect during the revisional surgery evaluation

The first step in the revisional surgery process is to contact the Ochsner Lafayette General's bariatric surgery office to schedule an appointment. During your consultation, one of our skilled bariatric surgeons will review your medical history, evaluate your previous surgery and discuss personalized treatment options.

Our goal is to help you get back on track with safe, effective care tailored to your needs.

Medically supervised non-surgical weight-loss program

At Ochsner Lafayette General, our team of bariatric specialists offers a medically supervised weight-loss program for individuals who want to lose weight without surgery. This program is designed to help you lose weight safely, keep it off and make lasting lifestyle changes.

A personalized approach to healthy weight loss

The goal of the program is to support long-term weight loss through healthy eating habits, behavior changes and physical activity. Your plan will be fully customized to match your personal goals and medical needs.

This non-surgical weight-loss program takes place at Ochsner General & Bariatric Surgery, with scheduled visits every Tuesday. During each visit, you’ll work with a multidisciplinary team that includes:

• A registered dietitian
• A behavior change educator
• An exercise specialist

Flexible program options and ongoing support

Participants can choose from three program durations: three months, six months or one year. Throughout the program, you’ll receive continuous support, education and guidance from experienced professionals to help you stay on track and achieve your weight-loss goals.

Learn more about our bariatric offerings in Lafayette.

The right type of surgery differs from patient to patient. Each of the procedures we offer can help patients lose weight and improve their health. Your bariatric surgeon will help determine the most appropriate procedure based on your health and weight-loss goals.

Weight loss results will vary by patient and procedure.

You’ll need to commit to healthy lifestyle changes to maintain long-term weight loss. It’s critical to follow a vitamin regimen, a healthy diet and exercise plan and have consistent follow-up appointments and lab work.