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Bariatric Surgery

About the Weight Loss Surgery Center at Kern Medical

Kern Medical Weight Loss Center offers comprehensive, patient-focused care led by a multidisciplinary team of obesity experts. Our surgeons, recognized leaders in their field, provide advanced medical and surgical treatments for obesity and related conditions.


What Is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric, or weight loss, surgery involves various procedures designed to address obesity and related metabolic disorders like diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea and fatty liver disease. It is typically recommended when non-surgical approaches have been unsuccessful, and obesity poses significant health risks.

Most of the procedures reduce the stomach size to limit calorie intake and alter the digestive process, helping patients feel full sooner. Alongside surgery, long-term lifestyle and dietary changes are essential to ensure lasting success.

Most bariatric surgeries are performed using minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery, resulting in less pain, fewer complications, and quicker recovery.


Leaders in Bariatric Surgery

Kern Medical surgeons perform weight loss procedures with exceptional outcomes and precision. The surgeons work closely with the patient throughout the weight loss journey to ensure an outstanding result. Our surgeons are board-certified specialists well-trained to manage morbid obesity and to perform complex procedures including revisional bariatric surgery. At Kern Medical Weight Loss Center the surgeons use minimally invasive techniques and utilize an up-to-date technology in the field including robotic surgery.


Becoming a Patient at the Kern Medical Weight Center

Your journey begins with a new patient orientation, where you’ll meet our team of obesity specialists to evaluate your health and suitability for surgery. Candidates for weight loss surgery generally meet these criteria:

  • BMI of 35 or higher
  • BMI of 30-35 with weight-related conditions such as diabetes or heart disease
  • Stable psychological health

In addition to surgeons, your care team may include obesity medicine specialists, psychologists, and registered dietitians.


Surgical Options

Kern Medical offers:

  • Gastric Sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy)
  • Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)
  • Revisional Surgery
  • Body Contouring

Robotic Weight-Loss Surgery

At Kern Medical, our board-certified bariatric surgeons are among Kern County’s most experienced robotic bariatric surgeons.

The da Vinci system usually is utilized to perform both sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass surgeries. Despite the term "robotic," these surgeries are entirely controlled by the surgeon operating the da Vinci instruments through a console.

The system translates the surgeon's hand movements into precise actions in real-time, allowing for enhanced flexibility and control. These instruments mimic human hand movements but offer greater range and precision, enabling surgery through small incisions. Additionally, the system provides a highly magnified, 3D, high-definition view of the surgical area, enhancing visualization.


Benefits of Robotic Weight-Loss Surgery

Robotic-assisted bariatric surgery offers numerous advantages, including:

  • Lower risk of complications related to anesthesia
  • Reduced hospital stay
  • Less postoperative pain
  • Minimal scarring
  • Faster recovery
  • Decreased risk of infection
  • Fewer complications overall

Conditions Treated

Bariatric surgery not only promotes weight loss but also can result in cure to some metabolic disorders and improves related conditions such as:

  • High cholesterol
  • High blood pressure
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Kidney disease

What to Expect Before and After Surgery

Pre-Surgery Preparation

Patients often complete a 3–6 month pre-surgery program to optimize their health and reduce surgical risks. This program includes weight loss goals, psychological preparation, and nutrition education. A preoperative diet may be prescribed to shrink the liver, minimizing complications during surgery.

Post-Surgery Care

Our postoperative program is divided into two phases:

  1. Postoperative Adjustment: Guidance on adapting to surgery-related changes and recovery process, including advancing diet in stages under direct supervision from professionals.
  2. Lifestyle Modification: Support for long-term success through nutrition, exercise, and behavioral strategies.

Comprehensive, Multidisciplinary Care

We collaborate with your treatment team to develop a personalized plan for sustained weight loss and health. Our services include counseling on diet, exercise, and behavior and medical management of related conditions.