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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
"The past 2 years have been an incredible journey. I just had my 2 year checkup, and everything is going great. This surgery has been such a life changing experience, enabling me to lose over 100 pounds, and putting my health into balance, and been given an excellent education on nutrition. Not to forget to mention that I have such energy, am more self-confident, and am enjoying doing all the things I have wanted to do in my life that I couldn't do before bariatric bypass surgery. I feel like I have been "born again", and have been given another chance to live a good life. We are so blessed to have Dr. Deron Ludwig and his new associate, Dr. Simchuk in our city of Chico. May you consider all they have to offer."
Nell
At North Valley Surgical Associates, we strive to provide our patients with not only a successful weight-loss experience, but also with a healthier and happier outlook on life. Dr. Deron Ludwig and Dr. Erik Simchuk are compassionate surgeons who are experienced in using the most advanced weight-loss surgery tools and techniques, including laparoscopic gastric bypass and the LAP-BAND® System. Patients who are good candidates for bariatric surgery can also take advantage of our Successful Solutions weight-loss program, which provides medical, psychological, and behavioral support so patients can experience the most successful results and the quickest recovery possible.
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a procedure that alters the path food takes in the digestive tract, effectively preventing the body from absorbing a large amount of calories. The procedure involves stapling off a section of the lower stomach to reduce its size and ability to absorb calories. Then, the small intestine is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion of the intestine is connected to the stomach to allow bile and pancreatic fluid to enter the stomach for digestion. The upper portion is reconnected to a lower area of the smaller intestine, creating a Y-like shape. The procedure takes approximately four hours and is performed laparoscopically for a quick recovery time with very little scarring.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Laparoscopic gastric bypass is a relatively safe procedure that allows individuals suffering from obesity and related health problems to have a new, healthier lease on life. The most important benefit of laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery is dramatic weight loss. Patients lose an average of 10 pounds each month after undergoing gastric bypass surgery. With the help of our Successful Solutions weight-loss program, patients can lose more than 75 percent of their excess body weight within one year of their operation. Patients can also enjoy increased mobility and a drastic reduction in their risk for developing serious health conditions that are associated with morbid obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, high cholesterol, and cancer. In addition, because the procedure is performed laparoscopically, patients can benefit from a shorter recovery time and minimal visible scarring. To learn more about laparoscopic gastric bypass, or to schedule a consultation at our practice, please contact Dr. Ludwig and Dr. Simchuk today.
LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band
The gastric LAP-BAND® System is a relatively safe and effective weight-loss procedure that works by limiting the amount of food an individual can consume. An adjustable band is used to create a smaller stomach chamber that holds significantly less food, causing the patient to get fuller faster. This forces the patient to reduce the amount of calories consumed, resulting in loss of weight. The LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band is inserted into the abdominal area laparoscopically and moved into place before it is clasped into position around the stomach. The band can be adjusted at any time to suit the needs of the patient.
Benefits of LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band
Bariatric surgery using the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band is one of the most popular bariatric surgery procedures because it is a successful and relatively safe way to lose excess weight. In addition, the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band procedure is effective at reducing the risk for developing serious health conditions that are associated with morbid obesity, such as stroke, sleep apnea, liver disease, acid reflux disease, asthma, and much more. The LAP-BAND® System is also adjustable, allowing it to be customized to the unique needs of each patient. Plus, because the stomach and intestines stay intact, the procedure can be reversed without issue if necessary. Patients also experience short recovery times because the procedure is done laparoscopically. Contact our practice to schedule a consultation for bariatric surgery using the LAP-BAND® System.
In addition to our high-quality gastric bypass and LAP-BAND® System procedures, we also offer revisional bariatric surgery to our patients. Revisional bariatric surgery may be necessary for those who have undergone prior weight-loss operations that have failed and caused them to regain their weight, or for those who suffered complications from their primary weight-loss procedure. Our experienced surgeons have undergone extensive training to correct these issues and deliver the most favorable results. They can determine why the patient failed to lose weight and suggest the most appropriate corrective procedure during a consultation. Please contact our practice to learn more about revisional bariatric surgery or to schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons.
Experience Life-changing Results with Bariatric Surgery
Dr. Ludwig and Dr. Simchuk are committed to helping each and every one of their patients live healthier, longer lives through weight-loss surgery. Please contact our practice today to learn more about how you can benefit from bariatric surgery or to schedule a consultation.
If you make the choice to proceed with this life-transforming procedure, here are some documents which will be useful: