James Parrish, M.D.

What Is Bariatric Surgery?

Embarking on a journey towards a healthier lifestyle can be very exciting, and also a bit complicated. Dr. James Parrish understands how difficult weight loss can be, particularly when you’ve tried just about everything to lose weight. That’s why he offers customized, comprehensive treatment plans designed to help you meet your individual needs. Dr. Parrish, our experienced bariatric surgeon, will work with you to find the procedure that offers you the best chance to ensure a successful, long-lasting outcome. Our goal is to help you lead a longer, happier, healthier life with a slimmer physique and a reduced risk of succumbing to serious health conditions that can be brought on by obesity. Our weight loss treatment programs are based on a solid foundation of support, from pre-treatment to your follow-up care. We are here to assist you every step of the way!

IS BARIATRIC SURGERY RIGHT FOR ME?

Deciding to undergo bariatric surgery is an important decision and is a commitment to your health. We know this decision can be difficult, and we are always proud to see patients seeking to create a better life for themselves and their families. We hope you are proud of yourself, too! Moving in this direction is the beginning of a life-changing experience that involves a major change in diet and lifestyle. Choosing to have bariatric surgery is the first step in a journey that can ultimately improve your quality of life. With changes to the candidacy requirements in recent years, more people than ever before are eligible to better themselves through one of these procedures. Below are some important factors to help determine if weight loss surgery might be right for you. View a list of our In-Network Insurance. If you have additional questions, or if you would like to schedule a consultation to help determine your eligibility for one of these procedures, please contact us today.

WHAT IS MY BMI?

Many of us are a little overweight, which can usually be solved with a change in diet and exercise. However, those who are considered obese have a much more difficult time losing weight. To be considered obese, you must have a BMI of 30 or higher. You can calculate your BMI by entering your height and weight into our BMI calculator. Patients whose BMI is over 35 are considered severely obese, and those who are over a BMI of 40 are morbidly obese, which generally translates to about 100 pounds over the ideal weight for your height. Once a person reaches severe obesity, it is extremely difficult to lose weight and keep it off. Typically, only about 5% of severely obese individuals are able to maintain significant weight loss in the long term. Weight loss surgery is recognized by The National Institutes of Health (NIH) as the only effective form of long-term weight loss for severely or morbidly obese patients. If you feel one of these procedures might be right for you, please contact us today to schedule a consultation.

BMI Calculator

What does your BMI mean?

BMI < 20under weight
BMI 20-24.9healthy weight
BMI 25-29.9over weight
BMI 30-34.9obesity
BMI 35-39.9severe obesity
BMI 40-49.9morbid obesity
BMI > 50super morbid obesity

SURGERY BENEFITS

Decrease Your Risk for Diabetes
Reduce Blood Pressure
Lower Bad Cholesterol
Improve Sleep Apnea
Minimize Major Medical Problems

Post-Surgery Lifestyle

Bariatric surgery is an incredible way for overweight individuals to regain their lives, but the commitment to a new life doesn’t end after surgery. During and after surgical recovery, staying on top of a regular healthy diet and exercise program is vitally important. Without this crucial maintenance, patients may end up regaining the weight they were finally able to lose through bariatric surgery. We understand that changing your lifestyle is an extremely difficult thing to do, so Dr. James Parrish and his knowledgeable and supportive staff are here to help you along the way. We offer nutrition programs to assist you with maintaining your new diet, and support groups to help you stay knowledgeable and motivated while sharing stories of success and struggles with others who understand what you are going through.

Resources

Patient form
Before and After
Free Informational Seminars
CareCredit®
United Medical Credit
The “Don’t Weight” New Year Challenge. “Don’t Weight” New Year Challenge is a rebate program that works by providing you (the patient) up to a $1,000 mail-in rebate from Obalon and a $500 instant rebate from your physician with a total possible rebate of $1,500 for one (1) treatment with the Obalon Balloon System by your treating physician.
Nutrition Programs: Depending on the type of bariatric surgery you choose, you will need to take specific nutritional supplements during the recovery period. Our experienced weight loss surgeon, Dr. Parrish, will advise you on which supplements are right for you. During recovery and beyond, you will also have access to dietary counseling and nutritional programs that will help you stay healthy with well-balanced meal planning and guidance from our staff. With these nutrition programs, you can learn how to prepare healthy meals for yourself and your family, as well as how to make healthy choices when dining out at restaurants. Success starts with a healthy diet!
Support Groups: Our support groups meet every third Thursday of the month at 6:00 pm in the Women’s Hospital (Cabrini Hospital) on the first floor. These groups are intended to be informational, but they are also a great way to stay motivated. You will get a chance to meet other individuals who are going through or have been through the same struggles as you. You can get a chance to hear their stories, and we encourage you to share some of your own, as well!
For additional information please visit AlexandriaBariatricSurgery.com

Mid Louisiana Surgical Specialists

Weight Loss

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