Bariatric surgery consists of a variety of procedures designed to induce loss of weight.

Weight loss is achieved by one of the following methods:

• reducing the size of the stomach by implanting a medical device called the gastric lap band, a procedure called gastric band surgery;
• removal of a portion of the stomach called sleeve gastrectomy or;
• re-routing the small intestines to a small stomach pouch, also known as gastric bypass surgery.

Bariatric surgery truly is life-changing, and it is very natural to have concerns. Anxiety and doubts about whether or not the procedure is really needed is common in people who have done their research and made the decision to go forward with the procedure:

• Is this right for me?
• Have I really considered all the short and long term complications?
• I am fully aware of all the risks?

Weight Loss Information You Can Trust

Psychologically, the idea of a surgical intervention, especially one of a “voluntary” weight-loss surgery is of significant magnitude, therefore any fear or anxiety that may result from it cannot be discounted as abnormal or irrational. Knowledge and objective information are always the best weapons for combating fear. Before you can be comfortable with your decision to undergo bariatric surgery, you should ensure that all your concerns have been addressed by your surgeon. The terminology associated with bariatric procedures may sound intimidating at first. If you are under Dr. Alshkaki’s care, he will go over and demystify any terms or types of procedures that generally fall under weight loss and stomach surgeries.

Your decision to have weight-loss surgery should be based on discussions between you and your doctor. The topics of your of discussions should include:

• Benefits and risks of the various weight control procedures: how does bariatric surgery compare to other types of obesity surgeries?
• Goals and strategies for long-term weight control and weight loss
• Nutritional considerations before and after the surgery

Studies show that weight management procedures such as gastric lap band, gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy may result in notable long-term weight loss, mitigation of cardiovascular and cancer risk factors, type 2 diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), and sleep apnea. As with any weight loss and weight management procedure, long term behavior modification and dietary compliance play an important role in determining the success of the procedure.

Sleeve Gastrectomy Video

Pleaseclick here to read patient testimonials about Dr. Alshkaki’s weight loss and bariatric surgery expertise

Procedures In Our Center

• Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding
• Laparoscopic Sleeve with Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG)
• Laparoscopic sleeve-VBG with fixed nonadjustable Band
• Laparoscopic sleeve-VBG with Adjustable Band
• Laparoscopic Redo Procedures
• Endogastric solutions For Obesity Surgery Stoma fix Device

Speak to a Bariatric Surgery Professional - Dr. Alshkaki

Call 703-888-0731 to make an appointment.

Make an appointment at either the Falls Church, VA or Ashburn, VA offices to speak to Dr. Alshkaki about whether bariatric surgery is right for you. Ghiath Alshkaki, MD, CABS, FRCSI will draw on years of his experience as a specialist in bariatric and advanced laparoscopic surgeries to put you at ease with whatever decision you may arrive at.

An American Board Certified Surgeon, Dr. Alshkaki completed his residency in general surgery at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Oregon as well as yearlong fellowships in the fields of general, bariatric and advanced laparoscopic surgery. He is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland.

Gastric Lap Band Video 

Obalon swallow Tablet (Most recent minimal invasive modality for weight loss)

Plan for Weight Loss and Success

Upon completing your initial consultation with Dr. Alshkaki, you will begin your preparations for bariatric surgery. Listed below is a detailed sequence of events:

Tests and Records
Dr. Alshkaki will give you a list of tests that you will need to take. Your primary care physician will assist you in completing the tests, so ensure to provide him with a copy of the list. Dr. Alshkaki will also give you a folder where you will keep all your records and which you will bring to every office visit.

Upon completion of tests and forms, you will have to fax or bring everything to the office. Without all of the tests being completed and sent to the office, we cannot submit anything to your insurance company.

Follow-up Consultation
Our office will call you to set up your second appointment with Dr. Alshkaki to review your completed tests, and explain what your next steps will be. At that time you will also be notified of the progress of our submissions to your insurance company. Dr. Alshkaki will use this time to explain what to expect at the hospital, during and after surgery care.

Orientation
Having a mental picture of the space where the procedure is to take place will help in reducing your anxiety in the days before the surgery. You can call 703-888-0731 to schedule attendance of a preoperative orientation class at George Washington University Hospital.

Before the Surgery
Until your surgery you will continue to receive phone calls from the office regarding surgery date, insurance needs, and details for surgery day preparation.

After the Surgery
Postoperatively you will be expected to have in office follow-up with Dr. Alshkaki one week after the surgery. During this appointment the doctor will do a physical exam. Dr. Alshkaki will also speak to you about after-surgery diet and care. The date for your next appointment will also be set at this time.

Nutrition
It is a good practice to have regular meetings with you dietitian, because as we have discussed earlier, it is very important to maintain good eating habits to ensure long-term success of the procedure.

First time bariatric patient visit forms (click here to download)

Always remember: if you have any questions regarding anything pertaining to the status of your upcoming bariatric surgery, please do not hesitate to call the office.

Join us for our free seminar held monthly on the 3rd Saturday 10:00 am-12 noon.

Call 703-888-0731 to reserve your spot and get additional information.

Send us an email to participate in a free seminar and support group and to schedule an appointment with our physician , our office staff will contact you with in 48hr to confirm your registration for the next meeting .

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