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Bariatric Procedures

Gastric Sleeve

During this laparoscopic technique, a thin vertical sleeve of stomach is created using a stapling device, and the rest of the stomach is removed.

This minimally invasive procedure limits the amount of food you can eat and helps you feel full sooner. It allows for normal digestion and absorption. Food consumed passes through the digestive tract in the usual order, allowing it to be fully absorbed in the body.

About our process

Qualifying for bariatric surgery includes a process you participate in with our staff. Your health insurance company may require certain steps, but at Stanly Surgical Weight Loss Center, you can expect to do the following:

Attend an Information Seminar

Stanly Surgical Weight Loss Center holds monthly information seminars for individuals interested in gastric banding. These seminars are held on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in Stanly Regional’s Family & Education Center.

You’ll learn about:

  • The health risks of morbid obesity
  • Gastric sleeves, health benefits and risks of surgery
  • In-depth overview of the qualification process

If you are interested in taking the next step, our staff will schedule your first appointment immediately following the seminar. Register for our next seminar here.

Attend an Initial Appointment at Stanly Surgical Weight Loss Center

You will meet with our nurse practitioner, Patti Shoe at your first visit to discuss your health condition and decide together if bariatric surgery is the best choice for you. Be prepared to tell her your complete medical history by:

  • Writing down a history of your weight loss attempts such as weight loss programs, medication, and gym memberships.
  • Bringing any medications that you currently are taking.
  • Bringing the names and telephone and fax numbers of any doctors you are currently under the care of or have seen previously (to transfer any medical information, such as medical history or results of medical tests).
  • Asking questions and sharing concerns.
  • Fully answering all questions honestly—our staff is not there to judge you… but to provide care to you.

Participate in Medical Tests

Ms. Shoe may order a series of medical tests. These medicals tests are used to diagnose any undetected health conditions, assess whether bariatric surgery is appropriate for you, and ensure that you are properly cared for during surgery. Commonly performed tests include blood tests and upper GI. Psychological and nutritional evaluations are also required.

The psychological evaluation is performed by a behavioral health professional to determine:

  • Your understanding of the risks of bariatric surgery
  • If you have a current substance abuse issue or a history of substance abuse
  • If you have an emotional health condition
  • Your ability to handle stress
  • Your social and family history

After you have completed the initial appointment, nutrition and psychological evaluations, you will be scheduled an appointment with Dr. Mallico.

Participate in Nutrition Counseling

Stanly Surgical Weight Loss Center will provide you with counseling to guide you through lifestyle changes. Dietary counseling generally is performed by Vicky Kottyan, a registered dietitian on staff at Stanly Regional Medical Center. She will teach you about healthy food choices and good practices, such as measuring portions and keeping a food journal.

Attend Workshops

After surgery, patients are encouraged to attend our workshops regularly. This is a great opportunity to see the successes and challenges that most bariatric surgery patients face.

The following is a list of topics covered at our workshops:

  • Post-Op Nutrition—Carbohydrates/Protein
  • Navigating realizemysuccess.com and Other General Topics of Interest
  • Fitness After Gastric Banding
  • Protein Party—Bariatric Advantage
  • Gastric Band Adjustments—How to Know When It’s Time.
  • Stress Management
  • What’s On Your Mind? Q&A Session
  • Surgery 101
  • Support Systems Sessions are held at our office located at 923 North Second Street, Suite 205 in Albemarle unless noted otherwise. Registration is required by calling (704) 982-0648 or 877-414-6515 or register for our workshops.