Extended Medical Listings

Desert Surgical & Bariatric Specialists

Advanced Laparoscopic Weight-Loss Specialist Utilizing Minimally Invasive Techniques

By Ellen Paris

There are an estimated 40 million Americans living with obesity. Their risk for life-threatening diseases — including; diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, gallbladder disease, and some forms of cancer — are high. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a part of the National Institutes of Health under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 280,000 adult deaths annually in the United States are attributed to obesity. In addition, obesity makes daily living a chore for many. Simple things like walking, climbing stairs, and even getting in and out of a car take major effort.

Dr. Awad is a board-certified, fellowshiptrained minimally invasive surgeon specializing in bariatric surgery. Dr. Awad believes bariatric surgery is the chance to help people stop suffering from weight and begin living the life they are supposed to lead. “A leading cause of preventable death, obesity, needs to be treated as a chronic health condition. Bariatric surgery provides patients sustainable weight loss resulting in greater quality of life and improvements in obesity-related medical problems,” observes Dr. Awad.

Dr. Awad treats obesity with minimally invasive surgical procedures that are the latest and safest available. He practices these options with sympathy and compassion to those living with obesity. Dr. Awad’s top-rated schooling, advanced training and surgical experience provide patients with the best possible outcomes. He attended UCLA for his undergraduate degree. His education continued at the University of California, Irvine, for surgical Residency and medical school at Temple University in Philadelphia, a well-respected institution. His advanced training included working with renowned surgeons in the field of bariatric surgery. He earned a fellowship at the University of Florida, where he spent a year performing a wide scope of advanced and minimally invasive surgical procedures with a strong emphasis in bariatric surgery.

His expertise is providing patients with laparoscopic weight-loss surgery options, including Roux-en-Y Gastric bypass, adjustable gastric banding, as well as the sleeve gastrectomy. Dr. Awad also performs single-incision laparoscopic weight-loss surgery, which produces more cosmetic and discreet surgical scars.

Dr. Awad’s advanced training allows him to perform these complex surgical procedures via minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. This provides minimal operative trauma and results in numerous other benefits such as decreased post-surgical pain, as well as decreased length of hospital stay of one to two days and a quick return to starting a new life. Reduced hospital stays are a major advantage with Dr. Awad. In addition, he is the first surgeon in the Coachella Valley to offer incisionless surgical techniques for other surgical ailments.

Dr. Awad considers weight-loss surgery to be one of the most benefi cial and rewarding operations a surgeon can perform. “The possibility of helping patients to cure or signifi cantly improve their obesity-related medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or sleep apnea, as well as adding years to their longevity is tremendously fulfilling,” he says.

Debra Defreif recently had Dr. Awad perform the Rouxen-Y gastric bypass. She couldn’t be happier with the patient care she received from Dr. Awad and his staff and the results. “He is a wonderful doctor with a gentle and caring bedside manner. That was the kind of care I received from beginning to end. Everyone he works with is well trained at all they do, both medically and in patient care. There was hardly any pain, and I have already achieved a significant amount of weight loss in only a brief period of time,” explains Debra. Besides the weight loss, Debra has reduced her blood-pressure medicine and been able to stop taking her diabetes medication. She has achieved results above the national weight-loss averages.

Dr. Awad believes a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach is crucial to ensuring the best possible care, outcome, and long-term weight loss for bariatric patients. He and his team work closely with a variety of specialties, including cardiology, endocrinology, plastic surgery, family medicine, pulmonology, sleep medicine, and personal training. Dr. Awad offers lifelong care, realizing that obesity is a chronic condition and that surgery is a tool in the larger armamentarium of comprehensive treatments. Dr. Awad and his multidisciplinary team provide the very highest level of care with specialists to assist in every aspect of the weight-loss journey. This provides the patient with a set of tools and personal guidance for a lifetime of success. All his surgeries are performed at a Center of Excellence facility. Dr. Awad’s designated team of specialists includes a bariatric coordinator, dietician, and nursing professionals all specially trained to meet the needs of the post-surgical bariatric patient.

Patients find Dr. Awad an exceptionally skilled and gifted surgeon with a passion for progressive and cutting-edge surgical options. He is a member of several medical organizations including the American Society of Metabolic & Bariatric Surgeons and Society of the American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. Patient Laurie Rokkee had adjustable gastric banding in December. She has lost 40 pounds. “For me, Dr. Awad is the best-listening doctor I have ever seen in any specialty. I truly believe he does this first and foremost to make a difference in people’s lives.”

His greatest satisfaction comes from watching his patients’ lives transform as they start discovering a whole new world and the possibilities life offers with the benefits of surgical weight loss. He makes sure his patients are motivated, eating healthy, changing undesired patterns, exercising, and more than anything, enjoying life. He not only pushes others to reach for higher goals, but also continues to expand his diverse credentials and experience.

Ramy A. Awad, M.D.
555 Tachevah Dr., Ste. 1W-201
Palm Springs, CA 92262
1-760-866-0011
FAX: 1-760-866-0012
www.DesertBariatrics.com