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Bobby Bhasker-Rao, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery Specialist
The Desert Communities Expert in Surgical Options Promoting Weight Loss Living a healthy and active life is an aspiration most of us share. However, for those who are clinically or severely obese, this goal may seem unattainable. But it’s not! In fact, Dr. Bobby Bhasker-Rao (“Dr. Bobby”), an expert in laparoscopic bariatric surgery, has helped hundreds of overweight individuals who felt defeated by their excess weight to live normal, healthy, and active lives. Though relatively young, Dr. Bobby’s practice is impressively established, and it is considered to be one of the best in the nation. He has performed more than 500 bariatric surgeries on men, women, and adolescents of all ages — from 75 to more than 200 pounds overweight, and each patient speaks praises about his approach to weight loss. “We’re in this together,” says Dr. Bobby, who with a team of compassionate and dedicated experts (which includes dieticians, exercise physiologists, and nurses), have created a friendly and all-encompassing process for those who desire to improve their quality of life.
The three-phase process allows patients to prepare, plan, and equip themselves with the tools needed to proceed onto a healthier lifestyle. As stated by former patient Frank Johnson, “The surgery saved my life. It was a tool that I used, and without the surgery, I know I would still be struggling. Now I am thriving; and, thankfully Dr. Bobby continues to help me each step of the way.” Weight loss for many is a battle that seems endless. Frank, like so many people, tried everything; Fen-Phen, Atkins, a personal trainer, Jenny Craig, NutriSystem, Slim Fast, and the list goes on. “Finally I just realized that I needed help, and that I couldn’t do it by myself,” Frank explains. Thanks to Dr. Bobby and his team, you don’t have to either. Today, bariatric surgery is considered the standard of care for clinically severe obesity, endorsed and highly recommended by leading healthcare institutes and professionals. The first step is to get informed.
What is Bariatric Surgery and why opt for it?
“Bariatric Surgery” is a generalized term used for the surgical treatment of weight loss. It includes surgical procedures that shrink the size of the stomach thereby restricting ones caloric intake by curbing hunger. According to the National Institute of Health, obesity is a chronic disease that unfortunately responds poorly to nonsurgical methods such as diet, exercise, and medications. Furthermore, obesity is the leading cause of many health problems, such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and cancer. With surgery, these obesity-related diseases significantly improve or completely resolve.
’Dr. Bobby’s consultation is comprehensive. It includes an extensive informative seminar and workshop. His ideal patient is well informed and well prepared prior to surgery. In addition, since support is essential, Dr. Bobby encourages all pre-surgery patients to attend at least one support group session, where those who have had the surgery share their experience and progress with those who are preparing for the surgery.
After the initial consultation and informational sessions, the next step is surgery. The surgery takes approximately two hours, followed by a one- or two-day hospital stay. Most of Dr. Bobby’s patients find that pain is minimal. During the first month after surgery, patients work their way up from a liquid diet to soft foods, and then gradually to regular foods. Dr. Bobby and his team provide each patient with a health-conscious and reasonable diet plan. Results are noticeable within the first month, where on average a patient loses approximately 30 pounds of their excess weight. After five months, the patient will discover that they have already lost 50 percent of their excess body weight, and after one year, most patients lose almost all excess weight.
The gain is greater than the sacrifice.
The weight-loss process is one that requires commitment. Thankfully, Dr. Bobby is committed too. Throughout the entire process, he is patient and accessible to all his patients. Former patient Jaqui Mejia doesn’t appear to have ever suffered from obesity. A petite woman at 5 feet, Jaqui lost 140 pounds after working with Dr. Bobby and his team. She was 256 pounds before surgery, and she wore a size 26. Now, Jaqui is 118 pounds and wears a size 2. What brings her the most joy is that she now can live without limitations. Her children, who once couldn’t even clasp their hands when hugging her, can now do so. “I was an emotional eater and a yo-yo dieter. I tried everything. Finally, I decided to take control of my life; and with Dr. Bobby’s help, I now have my life back. I suffered from sleep apnea and high blood pressure. Dr. Bobby truly saved my life. When I was overweight, I had no energy, and now my energy is through the roof!
I am more social and active than I’ve ever been. I’m happy; and I know if I didn’t make this choice, I’d still be suffering,” says Jaqui. It’s evident that the surgery is life transforming. Dr. Bobby guides each patient on the course to healthy living and assists them with the transition.
In addition to the elimination of other life-threatening conditions, other benefits of going through Dr. Bobby’s surgical program are things many take for granted: improved body image, freedom from food obsession, the ability to participate in activities with loved ones (such as riding a roller coaster), a greater level of comfort, and a greater value for life.
When attending one of Dr. Bobby’s support groups, one will discover that the testimonies speak volumes. The face of the obese is varying; it extends beyond age, gender, and ethnicity. They all confess that the surgery is not the magic solution, but it is an extremely helpful and beneficial step in losing weight. Throughout each step, they acknowledge that Dr. Bobby was present to equip them with essential support and weight-loss tools. One of the leading Bariatric surgeons across the country, Dr. Bobby with his compassionate team, truly understands the plight incorporated with weight-loss. Upon the wall in his office is a sign that reads “I was cut out to be thin, but I was sewn up wrong. Then Dr. Bobby sewed me up right!” He gets it!
Bobby Bhasker-Rao, M.D., F.A.C.S. Advanced Laparoscopic & Bariatric Surgery Specialist Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery 1100 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 206 Palm Springs, CA 92262 (760) 778-5220 • Fax: (760) 778-5221
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