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OCC’s epidemiologist is closely monitoring the COVID-19 status and is actively issuing updates as they are available. The Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization are the most trusted sources online. While the CDC has announced new mask protocols for vaccinated individuals, there will be no changes for our office protocols for patients, guests, and staff members as the announcement does not apply to hospitals or medical facilities. Masks are still a requirement for all patients, guests and staff at our facility.
As we reinitiate weight loss surgery, we are constantly adapting and installing new and updated safety measures.
Weight loss surgery is medically necessary.
Bariatric Surgery and the clash of two pandemics.
Major metabolic and bariatric surgery Societies and colleges globally are now calling for the safe resumption of bariatric and metabolic surgery before the COVID-19 pandemic is declared over.
The sooner bariatric surgery can be safely performed, the quicker obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other diseases can be reduced or resolved as they are not only chronic they are also progressive. Obesity is also linked to more than 40 diseases including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and at least 13 different types of cancer.
A recent statement from the ASMBS says “Before COVID-19 began, it was clear that patients with obesity were ‘safer through surgery.’ In the era of COVID-19, ‘safer through surgery’ for patients with obesity may prove to be even more important than before.” Obesity and Metabolic syndrome have been identified as an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes including death among COVID-19 patients.
Use the sliders to determine your Body Mass Index (BMI), and whether or not you should contact OCC to schedule a weight loss surgery consultation.
BMI Categories
| Underweight | < 18.5 |
|---|---|
| Normal weight | 18.5 - 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25 - 29.9 |
| Obesity | BMI of 30 or greater |
Bariatric surgery is an investment – one you are counting on to change your health and your life. A successful procedure is an essential step in a weight loss journey. In some cases, it might be worth taking your surgery to the next level to ensure this critical tool can help you reach your goal. […]
It’s important to get bariatric surgery right the first time as bariatric revision surgeries are more expensive and difficult to perform, and they are normally not covered by insurance. But if your sleeve fails, you can either give up or try again—this time with the best possible doctors. The Obesity Control Center, located just minutes […]
A gastric sleeve procedure is one of the most popular forms of bariatric surgeries performed today. While this type of procedure may provide patients with the best solution to achieving sustained weight loss, it can fail for others. Complications can arise even for the best candidates. If you’re gaining weight, unable to eat solid foods, […]
What is the Double Buttress Technique? The DBT As medical professionals we are taught to frequently question the status quo. I personally am always looking for ways to improve quality, safety and outcomes. This is something we have built into our practice and and to the mentality of our team…
Patients may often feel embarrassed or guilty when there is a sudden weight gain or when a plateau occurs. These feelings and the reactions they cause can impact and/or put health, weight loss, and nutritional status at risk. Patients who regain more than 22 pounds (10 kilograms) from the lowest…
Dyed solution test or air pressure test? Gastric air pressure testing can detect even a very small leakage during surgery. During sleeve gastrectomy surgery it is common practice to perform leakage testing with instillation of a dyed solution in to the stomach through the calibration tube. If a small leakage…
Most people with obesity don’t seek surgical help. Although there is a lot of information regarding obesity, which clearly shows the great health benefits that surgical procedures offer for weight reduction or bariatric, most people with this illness don’t request these services. In our experience not having access to these…
When a weight loss procedure fails it is both personally discouraging and it can create significant health issues. There is absolutely no reason you should settle for this. That’s why Obesity Control Center has developed a proven solution. Here is a personal message on the topic by Dr. Ariel Ortiz,…