At Providence Little Company of Mary Torrance, we offer both surgical and non-surgical approaches to weight loss to help you improve your health and quality of life.

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure is the gold standard for weight-loss surgery. It works by restricting food intake and minimizing the absorption of calories. Studies show that after five years, nearly three-quarters of Roux-en-Y patients have maintained a 70% loss of their excess weight. Additionally, within one year of surgery, more than 95% of weight-related health problems are relieved, including:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Sleep apnea

Sleeve gastrectomy is considered a restrictive and mildly metabolic operation. Performed laparoscopically, two-thirds of the stomach is cut away and removed, leaving a narrow, banana-shaped stomach. The new, smaller stomach aids in portion control and reduces hunger. Weight loss with the sleeve is gradual, but still occurs at a faster rate than with the adjustable gastric band. Expected excess weight loss is about 60% at year 1. Five-year data suggests that most patients that adhere to the recommended lifestyle will maintain their weight loss.

The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (lap-band) is a purely restrictive procedure. It involves placing a silastic (plastic) band around the top portion of the stomach so that the stomach acts as if it has been reduced in size. The goal is portion control. The band’s tightness around the stomach is adjusted by adding or removing fluid from a balloon on the inside of the band.

While many bariatric patients are successful with their initial weight loss procedure, a small percentage of patients may have less than optimal weight loss, a significant amount of weight regain or complications from the initial bariatric surgery. For safe and successful revisional surgeries, the highest level of expertise is required and available through our program.  

Common revisional surgeries include:

• Removal of lap band and conversion to other procedure such as sleeve or bypass 
• Gastric bypass revision
• Conversion from sleeve to bypass

The Bariatric Wellness Center is proud to achieve comprehensive accreditation from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program®

This accreditation means our center has demonstrated an uncompromising commitment to quality that has earned the confidence, respect, and trust of patients making a lifetime commitment to healthier living.

We are devoted to providing high-quality care that meets the needs of every patient.

The Bariatric Wellness Center is proud to be recognized by Blue Shield of California and Anthem Blue Cross as a Blue Distinction® Center for Bariatric Surgery, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated health care facilities that show a commitment to delivering high quality patient safety and better health outcomes, based on objective measures that were developed with input from the medical community and leading accreditation and quality organizations.

Whether you choose a surgical or non-surgical weight loss program, you’ll receive education, nutritional guidance, counseling and lifelong follow-up support. Our services include:

• Minimally invasive surgery
  • Gastric banding (lap band)
  • Vertical sleeve gastrectomy
  • Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
• Body contouring
• Revisional procedures
• Medically supervised weight management programs
• Personalized exercise programs
• Consultation with registered dieticians
• Counseling with psychologists who specialize in weight loss
• Support groups before and after surgery

Most insurance plans accepted.

Each of the bariatric professionals and specialists on your team understands the challenges of unhealthy weight. We work with you to make sure your weight loss program is comfortable, efficient and tailored to your needs. Our core team includes:

• Bariatric surgical specialists
• Dietitians
• Psychologists
• Registered nurses
• Nurse practitioners
• Physician assistants
• Technicians

You are one step closer on your journey to weight loss. To be prepared for what’s to come, all bariatric surgery patients are required to attend two support groups prior to surgery. Viewing this video series will count as attendance at one support group.

• Exercise Before and After Surgery
• Nutrition Prior to Surgery
• Nutrition Facts Label
• Nutrition After Surgery
• Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation