Bariatric Surgery

Minimally Invasive Weight-Loss Surgery

Bariatric Surgery is a group of weight-loss surgeries for people experiencing serious health problems as a consequence of their weight.  These surgeries involve making changes to the digestive system to either limit how much a person can eat, reduce the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, or both.  Bariatric surgery is a tool that makes it easier for an individual to lose excess weight; however, successful outcomes require the individual to commit to life-long lifestyle changes.  Bariatric surgery is typically performed when other medical treatments and lifestyle changes, such as weight loss programs and medications, have been insufficient. 

Bariatric surgery allows individuals undergoing the procedure to reclaim their health.  Not only does it result in weight-loss, it also alleviates symptoms of other conditions caused by excess weight such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, heart disease, sleep apnea and hypertension.  While the decision to undergo bariatric surgery is not to be taken lightly, Dr. Victoria Konovalova, bariatric surgeon, ensures all her patients feel comfortable and confident in their decision. Dr. Konovalova, along with her multidisciplinary team of experts, provides all patients with the proper education and support before, during and after the procedure to maximize the benefits of surgery.

Who should have Bariatric Surgery?

The decision to undergo bariatric surgery is typically preceded by medical management of morbid obesity. This may include physical, dietary and pharmacologic attempts at weight loss with the goal of lowering a patient’s BMI.  However, for individuals with a BMI greater than 35, a weight-loss journey can be incredibly challenging.  These individuals would benefit from weight-loss surgeries offered by the Oroville Hospital Bariatric Surgery Department.

Appropriate candidates for weight-loss surgery:

• BMI of 35 or more with one of the following comorbidities: Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Degenerative Joint Disease and Coronary Artery Disease
• BMI of 40 or more
• Have failed non-surgical management of morbid obesity

Additionally, candidates should be ready to commit to other lifestyle changes. This is why weight-loss surgery is combined with a weight management program. Through the weight management program, patients work with a registered dietician to learn how to track their caloric intake while meeting their nutritional needs. Patients are also expected to include regular exercise in their daily life.  

Bariatric Surgery Treats:

• Morbid Obesity
• Diabetes Mellitus II
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Hypertension
• Fatty Liver Disease
• Degenerative Joint Disease
• Coronary Artery Disease

Services Offered:

 Gastric Bypass

Gastric Bypass is a weight-loss surgery that changes the size of your stomach and the length of your small intestine that comes in contact with the food you eat. During this type of procedure, part of the stomach is separated from the rest of the stomach and closed off with staples to create a smaller pouch. The smaller stomach (pouch) helps restrict the amount of food you can eat at one time. The small intestine is then cut below the duodenum and reattached to the new stomach pouch, leaving a shortened path for food to travel through. As a result, some of the food that is eaten is expelled as waste and not absorbed as energy. The remaining pouch of the stomach and duodenum are also reattached to the small intestine further down to drain the stomach, biliary and pacreatic enzymes, and fluids.

Dr. Konovalova is able to perform this surgery laparoscopically, which involves inserting small instruments through multiple small incisions in the upper abdomen. This is a minimally invasive surgery, allowing patients to:

• Return home sooner
• Experience less pain
• Experience minimal scarring

Sleeve Gastrectomy

In a sleeve gastrectomy surgery, about 80% of the stomach is removed.  The reduced size of the stomach prompts weight-loss by restricting how much food a person can eat.  Additionally, many hormonal changes influencing appetite and glucose metabolism occur, further contributing to weight-loss.  Like gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy is performed laparoscopically, meaning it is a minimally invasive procedure.

Bariatric Revision Surgery

When a person must undergo bariatric surgery for a second time, it is called bariatric revision surgery.  This may be necessary for a number of reasons, including:

• Less than optimal weight-loss
• Weight regain
• Ulcers
• Pouch enlargement

Dr. Konovalova works in collaboration with patients to determine whether revision surgery is right for them and explains what they could expect from a revision.

Foregut & Anti-Reflux Surgery

Foregut surgery refers to surgeries of the upper gastrointestinal tract, which is comprised of the esophagus and stomach.  Dr. Konovalova offers minimally invasive options to treat a number of conditions affecting the foregut and causing acid reflux.   Foregut and Anti-Reflux surgeries can treat:

• Various cancers of the esophagus, stomach and small intestine
• Acid reflux and heartburn
• Stomach disorders such as gastroparesis
• Swallowing disorders

Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch

Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS) is a two-step procedure intended to result in major weight-loss. BPD/DS combines a sleeve gastrectomy and a second step to connect the duodenum, the first portion of the small intestine, to the end of the small intestine. By bypassing a large part of the small intestine, the amount of nutrients the body absorbs is greatly reduced.  A BPD/DS results in more weight-loss than a gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, which is why this procedure is typically recommended for patients with a BMI over 50.

Pre- and Post- Procedure Education and Support

Before the procedure, patients receive counseling on what to expect from bariatric surgery, how to prepare, the lifestyle changes they will commit to, and what they can do to achieve the best results. Once an individual has undergone bariatric surgery, the focus of the care team shifts to providing support and motivating the patient to follow their diet and exercise regimen in order to have successful long-term outcomes.

All patients are required to undergo 4-6 months of pre-op weight management classes, obtain psychiatric and medical clearance, as well as possible additional pre-op consultations depending on their specific medical comorbidities.

Victoria Konovalova, DO
Bariatric Surgery
Dove's Landing Multispecialty Practice
2450 Oro Dam Blvd.
(530)712-2171