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Tired of Yo-Yo Dieting? Feeling Helpless & Out of Control with Your Weight?

If you’re fed up with losing weight only to gain it all back, or if it feels like your weight is out of control no matter what you do, you’re not alone. Obesity isn’t just about how you look—it’s a condition that can seriously impact your health. In fact, around 400,000 Americans die each year from complications linked to obesity. One of the biggest issues tied to obesity is Type 2 diabetes, along with high blood pressure, which can lead to heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes. Conditions like sleep apnea, asthma, chronic back pain, urinary incontinence, and severe acid reflux (GERD) are often made worse by excess weight. The good news? Losing a significant amount of weight can dramatically improve—or even completely eliminate—these health problems.

Why Weight Loss Surgery Might Be Right for You?

When diets, medications, and exercise plans fall short, weight loss surgery could be the game-changer you need. Bariatric surgery isn’t just about losing weight—it’s about regaining control over your health by reducing your body’s ability to take in or absorb food. Typically, candidates for weight loss surgery have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher—or a BMI of 35 if they also have obesity-related health issues. Even if your BMI is below 35, surgery could still be an option if you have serious health issues related to your weight and have tried other methods without success.

What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

  • Imagine your stomach is a big balloon that can stretch a lot. Gastric sleeve surgery turns that big balloon into a small, narrow tube, like a banana
  • The surgeon removes about 85% of your stomach, leaving you with this smaller “banana shaped” stomach
  • With this smaller stomach, you can’t eat as much food, which helps you lose weight
  • The part of your stomach that makes you feel hungry all the time is also taken out,so you won’t feel as hungry as before

Pros (Why It's Good) :

  • Smaller Stomach: You’ll eat less and feel full sooner, like switching from a large dinner plate to a small saucer.
  • Less Hunger: Imagine not having that annoying feeling of constant hunger this surgery helps reduce that.
  • No Foreign Objects: Unlike other surgeries, there’s nothing extra left inside you (like a band or implant).
  • Laparoscopic (Minimally Invasive): It’s done through tiny cuts, so you recover faster, with smaller scars.
  • Improves Health: It can help with diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep problems, like getting a tune up that makes your body run better.

Cons (Things to Consider) :

  • Permanent: Once you cut down the stomach, there’s no going back it’s like cutting down a tree; it’s gone for good.
  • Surgery Risks: As with any operation, there are risks, like leaks or infections, but these are rare.
  • Diet Changes: After surgery, you’ll need to stick to a specific diet, like switching from heavy meals to light snacks.
  • Nutrient Absorption: You might need to take vitamins since your smaller stomach might not absorb everything as before.

Who is This Best For?

BMI of 40+ or 35+ with Health Issues:

If you’re significantly overweight (think about carrying extra heavy luggage everywhere) and have health problems like diabetes, this might be for you .

Process (How It Works) :

MEET YOUR SURGEON You’ll start by meeting your surgeon to talk about your medical history and weight loss goals. Think of this as a planning session before starting a big home renovation. Together, you’ll choose the best surgery option for you.

MEET WITH CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST: You’ll have a chat with a psychologist to see if you’re mentally ready for surgery. This is like checking if you’re prepared to handle a big life change. They’ll also help you come up with strategies to cope with the changes after surgery.

CONSULT REGISTERED DIETITIAN: You’ll meet with a dietitian to look at your eating habits and learn about what you’ll need to eat before and after the surgery. This is like getting a new set of instructions for a different kind of fuel for your body.

Surgery Day:

The surgeon makes small cuts in your belly (think of tiny keyholes).They use special tools to remove most of your stomach, leaving a small tube shaped stomach behind.

The operation takes about 1 2 hours, and you might go home the same day or the next.

Recovery (What to Expect After) :

HOSPITAL STAY: You may stay in the hospital for a night or go home the same day, depending on how you feel.

DIET: Start with liquids, then move to soft foods, like going from soup to mashed potatoes, and eventually back to regular food.

ACTIVITY: You’ll need to take it easy for a few weeks, like after fixing something at home you don’t want to rush and break it again.

FULL RECOVERY: Most people feel back to normal in 4 6 weeks, but you’ll need to get used to eating smaller amounts forever.

EXPECTED WEIGHT LOSS LONG TERM: You can expect to lose about 60% of your extra weight within two years, like shedding a big winter coat you’ve been carrying around.

HEALTH BENEFITS: Along with weight loss, you’ll likely feel better physically and emotionally like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders, both literally and figuratively.

Testimonials

What is Gastric Bypass Surgery?

Think of your digestive system as a road. With gastric bypass , your surgeon creates a shortcut, bypassing most of your stomach and part of your small intestine, so food takes a much shorter route.

Your stomach is divided into a small upper pouch, and the food bypasses the rest of your stomach and part of your intestines, absorbing fewer calories like creating a shortcut around traffic to reach your destination faster with fewer stops.

Pros (Why It’s Good):

  • FASTER WEIGHT LOSS: This surgery leads to quicker weight loss, like taking the express lane compared to other surgeries.
  • REDUCES HUNGER: By rerouting food, your body produces fewer hunger hormones, so you feel less hungry like turning down the volume on constant hunger signals.
  • HELPS with Health Problems: It’s especially good for improving conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, almost like rebooting a system that wasn’t
    working efficiently.

Cons (Things to Consider) :

  • PERMANENT CHANGES: Once the “road” is rerouted, you can’t undo it. It’s like permanently closing off a road with no option to reopen it.
  • MORE COMPLICATED SURGERY: This is a bigger surgery compared to the band or sleeve, with more risks involved, like a major renovation rather than a small repair.
  • VITAMIN DEFICIENCY RISK: Because food skips part of the digestive process, your body absorbs fewer nutrients, so you’ll need to take vitamins forever like skipping some fuel stops on a long trip.

Who is This Best For?

Higher BMI (40+ or 35+ with health issues):

If you need to lose a significant amount of weight and have health conditions like diabetes, this surgery might be a good choice.

Ready for Change? If you’ve tried diets and exercise but need something more, this could be the right step.

Process (How It Works) :

STEP 1: You meet with your surgeon, psychologist, and dietitian to discuss whether bypass is the best choice for you and to prepare for the changes.

STEP 2: The surgeon makes small cuts in your belly and creates a small stomach pouch. Then, they reroute your intestines to bypass the larger stomach, like building a new road that skips part of the highway.

STEP 3: The surgery takes about 2 3 hours, and you ll likely stay in the hospital for 12 days.

Recovery (What to Expect After):

HOSPITAL STAY: You will spend 1-2 days in the hospital to recover and make sure
everything is healing well.

DIET: Start with liquids, then soft foods, like gradually retraining your body to handle
smaller meals.

ACTIVITY: You will need to take it easy for about 4 6 weeks, but most people start
feeling much better after a month.

EXPECTED WEIGHT LOSS – FAST & SIGNIFICANT: Most people lose about 60 80 % of their extra weight within 1-2 years, like hitting the fast track to weight loss.

Testimonials

What is Revision Surgery?

Revision surgery is like a “do over” if your first weight loss surgery didn’t go as planned or if complications arose. It’s like going back to the mechanic for a tune up when the first repair didn’t work quite right.

This can involve fixing, adjusting, or switching to a different type of surgery if the original procedure didn’t meet your needs or caused unexpected complications.
Dr. Mutafyan specializes in a wide range of revision procedures, from modifying gastric bypass to converting lap band surgeries to other forms of bariatric surgery.

Common Types of Revision Surgery Offered:

  • Gastric Bypass Revision Adjusting the pouch, the connection (anastomosis), or even converting to a different procedure if needed.
  • Lap Band to Gastric Bypass or Sleeve Removing the lap band and converting it to either a gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy for better long term results.
  • Sleeve Gastrectomy to Gastric Bypass For patients who haven’t had success with the sleeve alone or have developed complications like severe acid reflux.
  • Gastric Bypass Candy Cane Resection A specialized procedure to remove excess limb after a gastric bypass that can lead to discomfort or ineffective weight loss.
  • Gastric Bypass Distalization Moving the bypass further down the small intestine to increase malabsorption and improve weight loss outcomes.
  • Sleeve Gastrectomy to SIPS/SADI A newer modification to the sleeve that can increase weight loss and improve metabolic conditions.

Pros (Why It’s Good):

FIXES PROBLEMS: If your first surgery didn’t work or caused complications, this is your second chance to get it right. Think of it as a follow up service to get everything back on track.

TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS: The surgeon can adjust what wasn’t working before, much like realigning a machine to improve performance.

IMPROVES RESULTS: You can often achieve better weight loss results after revision surgery, like finally getting the solution you were hoping for. This is especially true when transitioning from procedures like lap band to gastric bypass or sleeve.

ADVANCED TECHNIQUES: Dr. Mutafyan offers advanced surgical options, including robotic assisted surgery, which allows for increased precision, less recovery time, and a lower risk of complications in more complex cases

Cons (Things to Consider) :

MORE COMPLICATED: Since this is a second surgery, it can be more complex than the first, like fixing something that s already been worked on before. Revision surgeries sometimes involve scar tissue and anatomical changes that make the procedure more intricate.

LONGER RECOVERY: Recovery might take a bit longer compared to your first surgery since your body has already undergone one operation.

ADDITIONAL RISKS: Because it s a second surgery, there s a slightly higher risk of complications, which is why it’s crucial to choose a highly experienced surgeon like Dr. Mutafyan , who has an exceptional track record of success with complex revision cases.

Who is This Best For?

Previous Surgery Patients:

If you’ve had weight loss surgery before and didn’ t get the results you expected or experienced complications, revision surgery could help. Whether your original procedure was a gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, or lap band, revision surgery can correct or enhance your initial outcome.

Process (How It Works) :

STEP 1: Meet with Dr. Mutafyan to discuss what didn’t work with your first surgery and what adjustments are needed. A comprehensive review of your history and goals is key to determining the best revision strategy.

STEP 2: The surgery could involve adjusting the previous procedure or switching to a different type of weight loss surgery. It s like redesigning a system to make it work better for you.

STEP 3: Depending on what s being revised, the surgery can take anywhere from a few hours to longer, especially for more complex revisions like distalization or converting lap band to gastric bypass.

Recovery (What to Expect After):

SIMILAR TO FIRST SURGERY: Recovery will depend on the type of revision, but it s generally similar to your original surgery. Due to the nature of it being a second procedure, you may need a bit more healing time compared to your first surgery.

QUICKER WITH ROBOTIC SURGERY: Dr. Mutafyan uses advanced robotic techniques when appropriate, which can result in a quicker recovery and fewer complications.

IMPROVED RESULTS: After revision surgery, you can expect better weight loss results. Whether it s converting from a less effective procedure or fixing complications, this second chance can lead to the outcomes you were hoping for the first time around.

Testimonials

Robotic surgery is revolutionizing weight loss procedures, and Dr. Mutafyan is at the forefront of this cutting-edge technology. With the help of robotic-assisted surgery, Dr. Mutafyan offers precision, safety, and faster recovery times for patients seeking effective, long-lasting weight loss solutions. Imagine achieving your goals with less pain and a quicker return to your everyday life—robotic surgery makes that possible!

What is Robotic Surgery?

Think of robotic surgery like the ultimate assist for your surgeon. While Dr. Mutafyan is in full control, the robotic system provides enhanced precision, control, and 3D visualization, allowing for more accuracy during complex bariatric procedures. It’s like having the best set of tools at your surgeon’s fingertips!

With robotic technology, Dr. Mutafyan can perform a variety of minimally invasive procedures, leading to smaller incisions, reduced post-op pain, and a quicker recovery. That means you can get back to living your life faster—without compromising on results.

Types of Robotic Bariatric Surgeries Offered:

1. Robotic Gastric Sleeve

In this procedure, a large portion of your stomach is removed, leaving behind a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach. With the help of robotic technology, Dr. Mutafyan can perform this procedure with precision, allowing for quicker recovery and improved long-term weight loss outcomes.

2. Robotic Gastric Bypass

This surgery involves dividing the stomach and rerouting the small intestine to limit food intake and reduce calorie absorption. Robotic technology provides enhanced control during this complex procedure, improving accuracy and reducing complications.

3. Robotic Revision Surgeries

If you’ve already undergone bariatric surgery and didn’t get the results you wanted or experienced complications, Dr. Mutafyan offers robotic revision surgeries. From lap band conversions to gastric sleeve or bypass revisions, the use of robotic tools allows for better handling of scar tissue and more delicate adjustments.

Why Choose Robotic Surgery?

  • PRECISION & CONTROL: The robotic system allows for finer movements and enhanced control, making surgeries safer and more effective.
  • MINIMALLY INVASIVE: Smaller incisions mean less pain, less scarring, and quicker recovery times. You can get back to your routine in no time.
  • 3D VISUALIZATION: Robotic systems come with high-definition 3D cameras, giving Dr. Mutafyan a crystal-clear view of the surgical area for greater accuracy.
  • FEWER COMPLICATIONS: The increased precision of robotic surgery reduces the risk of complications, such as infections or blood loss, compared to traditional methods.

What to Expect:

• Consultation:

It all starts with a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Mutafyan, where you’ll discuss your goals, medical history, and the best procedure for you. Whether you’re looking for a first-time bariatric surgery or a revision, Dr. Mutafyan will walk you through how robotic surgery can offer a superior solution.

• Procedure:

On the day of surgery, Dr. Mutafyan will use the robotic system to perform your procedure. The surgery itself typically takes a few hours, and thanks to the minimally invasive approach, your recovery time will be shorter than with traditional surgery.

• Recovery:

Most patients experience less pain and are able to return to their normal activities faster. You’ll receive a customized recovery plan and follow-up appointments to ensure you’re healing properly and seeing the results you want.

Is Robotic Surgery Right for You?

Robotic surgery is ideal for individuals seeking a minimally invasive option for weight loss or those requiring a revision surgery after previous procedures. Whether you’re exploring weight loss surgery for the first time or looking for a solution after a less successful operation, Dr. Mutafyan’s expertise in robotic surgery provides you with the best path to success.

What is Gastric Band Surgery?

  • Imagine your stomach as a big, flexible balloon. A gastric band works by placing an adjustable “belt” around the top part of that balloon.
  • This “belt” creates a small pouch at the top of your stomach, which fills up quickly, making you feel full after eating just a small amount—like tightening your belt after a big meal.
  • The band is adjustable, meaning your doctor can “loosen” or “tighten” it over time to control how much food your stomach can hold.

Pros (Why It's Good) :

  • ADJUSTABLE AND CUSTOMIZABLE: Like wearing an adjustable belt, you can control how tight or loose it is. The band can be fine-tuned to help you lose weight at the right pace.
  • NO CUTTING OR PERMANENT CHANGES: Unlike other surgeries, no part of your stomach is cut out or permanently changed—it’s like adding a belt without altering the rest of your wardrobe.
  • REVERSIBLE: The band can be removed if needed, and your stomach returns to its original size, similar to taking off a belt and returning to how things were before.
  • MINIMALLY INVASIVE (LAPAROSCOPIC): Tiny incisions mean faster healing and smaller scars—like making small, precise fixes to a machine rather than dismantling the whole thing.
  • NO MAL ABSORPTION ISSUES: With some surgeries, your body absorbs fewer nutrients because food is rerouted, like skipping stops on a delivery route. With the gastric band, food follows the normal route, so your body still gets the full nutrition from what you eat.

Cons (Things to Consider) :

  • SLOWER WEIGHT LOSS: Compared to other surgeries, weight loss with the band happens gradually, like taking a long walk instead of a sprint.
  • POTENTIAL FOR COMPLICATIONS: The band may slip or wear out over time, like a worn-out belt that needs adjustment or replacement.
  • REQUIRES REGULAR ADJUSTMENTS: You’ll need to visit the doctor regularly for band adjustments, like going to the tailor to resize a belt for the best fit.

Who is This Best For?

Moderate BMI (30-40):

This is ideal for people who don’t need drastic weight loss but still need help managing portion control.

Prefer a Reversible Option:

If you want the option to undo the surgery in the future or prefer something less permanent, the gastric band is a good choice.

Ready for Change? If you’ve tried diets and exercise but need something more, this could be the right step.

Process (How It Works) :

STEP 1: You meet your surgeon to discuss your weight loss goals, medical history, and whether the band is the right tool for you.

STEP 2: During surgery, the surgeon places a band around the top of your stomach, like tightening a belt around a balloon to make a smaller top portion.

STEP 3: The surgery takes about 30-60 minutes, and you typically go home the same day.

Recovery (What to Expect After) :

HOSPITAL STAY: Usually, it’s an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day.

DIET: You’ll start with liquids and gradually move to solid foods, like learning to eat in small portions to match the size of your new stomach pouch.

ACTIVITY: You can return to normal activities relatively quickly but need to avoid strenuous exercise for a few weeks.

EXPECTED WEIGHT LOSS – GRADUAL PROGRESS: You can expect to lose about 40-50% of your extra weight over 2-3 years, like steadily trimming down over time.

What is Duodenial Switch Surgery?

This surgery is like a two-in-one combo: First, your stomach is reduced in size, just like with the gastric sleeve. Then, your intestines are rerouted, similar to gastric bypass, so you absorb even fewer calories and nutrients—like shrinking your fuel tank and shortening the fuel line at the same time.

It combines restriction (smaller stomach) and malabsorption (shorter intestine path), meaning you eat less and absorb fewer calories—like putting your body into super energy-efficient mode.

Pros (Why It’s Good):

  • BIGGEST WEIGHT LOSS: It’s the most effective surgery for significant weight loss, like trading in a gas guzzler for the most fuel-efficient car available.
  • GREAT FOR SEVERE HEALTH ISSUES: It’s especially helpful if you have serious conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, or severe obesity.
  • LONG-TERM SUCCESS: This surgery has a high success rate for keeping the weight off long-term, like making a permanent lifestyle change that sticks.

Cons (Things to Consider):

  • COMPLICATED SURGERY: This is one of the most complex weight loss surgeries, with two steps involved, like doing both a kitchen and bathroom remodel at the same time.
  • NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES: You’ll need to take vitamins and supplements for life since your body absorbs fewer nutrients—like constantly refueling with supplements.
  • LONGER RECOVERY: Because the surgery is more involved, it takes longer to heal and adjust, like recovering from a major overhaul rather than a minor repair.

Who is This Best For?

• Very High BMI (50+) or Serious Health Conditions::

If you’re dealing with severe obesity or serious health problems, this surgery may be the most effective option.

• Looking for Maximum Weight Loss:

If you need the most powerful weight loss tool available, and are ready for significant changes, this surgery could be for you.

Process (How It Works) :

  • STEP 1: Consult with your surgeon, psychologist, and dietitian to see if this two-part surgery is the right fit for your weight loss journey.
  • STEP 2: The surgery starts by reducing the size of your stomach, like turning it into a small tube (similar to the sleeve). Then, the intestines are rerouted to limit how many calories you absorb, like adding a bypass to the digestive road.
  • STEP 3: The surgery takes 3-4 hours, and you’ll need to stay in the hospital for 2-3 days to recover.

Recovery (What to Expect After):

  • HOSPITAL STAY: Plan for a hospital stay of 2-3 days to ensure everything is healing well.
  • DIET: Start with liquids, gradually move to soft foods, and then back to regular foods, like slowly breaking in a new system.
  • ACTIVITY: Full recovery takes a few months, but you’ll notice weight loss starting right away.
  • EXPECTED WEIGHT LOSS – MAXIMUM WEIGHT LOSS: Most people lose 70-90% of their extra weight within 1-2 years, making it the most powerful option for shedding pounds.

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Thank you for visiting Dr. Mutafyan’s website!

Dr. Mutafyan isn’t just one of LA’s best weight-loss surgeons—he’s your partner in transforming your tomorrow, today. 🎁 As a token of our appreciation, we’d love to send you a FREE Weight Loss Planner/Tracker to help you kickstart your weight-loss journey and track your progress—whether you choose surgery, injections, or even non-medical options like fad diets.