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Deron Ludwig, M.D.
Erik Simchuk, M.D.
North Valley Surgical Associates
251 Cohasset Road, Suite 310
Chico, CA 95926
Phone: 530-891-1651
Fax: 530-891-1644
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Patient Testimonials
"The incredible combination of staff and program with Dr. Ludwig is enabling me to make my dreams come true: from singing solo with a Celtic dance troupe, to horseback riding, to simply being able to walk without planning each resting point along the block. Theirs is NOT "Cut and Run Surgery". It is a carefully planned program of nutritional seminars, psychological counseling, monthly support group, and most importantly, exercise, as part of physical therapy with an incredible guy named Mike Oswalt. It is my responsibility to take advantage of all they recommended, and it is working!"
Colleen
"I would recommend the bariatric surgery to anybody who is looking into it. I have nothing but the utmost respect and confidence in Dr. Ludwig, his staff and Enloe Medical Center. You could not ask for a better team of caring professionals."
Patty
North Valley Surgical Associates Weight-loss Surgery —
Are You a Candidate?
At North Valley Surgical Associates, we offer high-quality bariatric surgery procedures using the most advanced techniques and technology offered today. Dr. Deron Ludwig and Dr. Erik Simchuk work together with our highly trained medical staff to help individuals suffering from morbid obesity realize a healthier and happier life through weight-loss surgery. Before patients can undergo any bariatric procedure at our practice, they must meet with our surgeons in an initial consultation to find out whether weight-loss surgery is the most suitable option for them. Patients will be introduced to our Successful Solutions weight management program, which offers support and other services to help them adjust to their new, healthy lifestyles. Our surgeons take the time to educate prospective patients on the details of our bariatric procedures and address any questions or concerns they may have. Patients must also undergo extensive medical and psychological screening prior to surgery. We have provided some information to help you determine whether bariatric surgery is right for you; however, the ultimate decision rests with our bariatric surgeon.
Is Bariatric Surgery Right for You?
If you have thought about undergoing a bariatric procedure such as gastric bypass or LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band surgery to reach your weight-loss goals, we can help determine which procedure is best suited to you. Bariatric surgeries are serious procedures that can greatly impact the rest of your life. Certain conditions must be met in order to be considered a good candidate for weight-loss surgery.
Your answers to the following questions will help you to make a preliminary determination as to whether bariatric surgery might be right for you:
Do you have a body mass index of 40 or higher, or a body mass index of 35 and suffer from one obesity related medical illness?
Candidates for bariatric surgery must have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or have a BMI of 35 and be diagnosed as having one obesity related medical illness such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sleep apnea or others to be considered candidates for weight loss surgery. Male candidates will often be at least 100 pounds overweight, while female candidates will often be 80 pounds overweight.
Do you suffer from type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, or another weight-related medical condition?
Excess weight can contribute to the development of more than 30 serious, progressive health problems such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, cancer, gallbladder disease, and much more. These co-morbidities can further aggravate weight-related health problems. For more information about the health conditions related to obesity, please contact our practice today.
Do you have realistic expectations for what bariatric surgery can accomplish?
Candidates for weight-loss surgery must have detailed knowledge about the procedure, including how it is performed and what it can accomplish. Bariatric surgery candidates must also understand the risks that are involved with such a complicated procedure. Our knowledgeable surgeons and staff are dedicated to providing comprehensive information to patients in order to help them make educated decisions about this life-changing operation. They will make sure patients maintain realistic expectations for what the procedure can accomplish so that every patient can enjoy the most successful results possible.
Can you make a lifelong commitment to the long-term lifestyle changes and follow-up care you must undertake following surgery?
Bariatric surgery is not a miracle operation; instead, it is a stepping stone to help obese patients achieve a healthier weight and lifestyle. Patients must understand that their weight-loss goals cannot be achieved without significant behavioral and lifestyle changes and follow-up appointments that are part of our Successful Solutions weight management program. Patients must remain committed to their goals after surgery for the most successful results.
If you have answered “yes” to all five of the questions above, we may recommend bariatric surgery for your weight-loss needs. During an initial consultation, Doctors Ludwig and Simchuk will determine whether you are a good candidate for surgery, as well as help you decide which bariatric procedure can deliver the most successful results in your case. Please contact North Valley Surgical Associates today to schedule a consultation with our trusted surgeons.
Determine Your Body Mass Index
Your body mass index, or BMI, is a measure of how much body fat an individual is carrying on his or her body based on the individual's height and weight. BMI calculations are a reliable way to determine whether you are considered obese. Your weight status is determined by the following:
- BMI < 18.5: Underweight
- BMI 18.5 - 25.0: Normal
- BMI 25.0 - 30.0: Overweight
- BMI 30.0 - 40.0: Obese
- BMI > 40: Morbidly Obese
Individuals with a BMI of higher than 30 should explore their weight-loss options to reduce the risk of developing serious health conditions related to morbid obesity. Individuals with a BMI that is higher than 40 may be suitable candidates for bariatric surgery.
Making the Choice for Bariatric Surgery
If you are interested in bariatric surgery, please schedule an initial consultation for at North Valley Surgical Associates today. Our bariatric surgeons can help you determine which weight-loss procedure is the best for your needs.
If you make the choice to proceed with this life-transforming procedure, here are some documents which will be useful:
- Financing Information
- Recommended Doctors for the Psychiatric Evaluation
- Local Lodging and Accomodations