In today’s weight- and body-conscious society, the quest to achieve and maintain the perfect BMI (body mass index) can feel endless. For individuals who are super or morbidly obese — a segment of the population that continues to grow worldwide — the issue often extends beyond aesthetics, encompassing urgent health concerns. Bariatrics, the branch of medicine dedicated to the study and treatment of obesity, offers a range of interventions.
“Being obese or morbidly obese isn’t a character flaw. It’s a problem related to chemistry and biology,” says Dr. Ramy Awad, a bariatric surgery specialist practicing in Palm Springs. Bariatric surgery — specifically, robotic bariatric surgery — has evolved from being seen as a last resort and become a more commonly considered treatment option.
The primary goal of bariatric surgery is significant and sustained weight loss, which can be a life-changing outcome for many. Patients often lose 50 percent or more of their excess weight after surgery. While improved self-esteem and mobility are benefits, the greatest impact is in reducing or resolving co-morbidities such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
Today, there are four primary types of bariatric surgery. These range from gastric bypass and its mini version to the increasingly popular, less invasive gastric sleeve. Although lap or gastric band surgery was once widely performed, its popularity has waned as newer options like the duodenal switch (SADIS) procedure have emerged.
“Surgery remains the standard of care for anyone who is obese or morbidly obese,” says Rancho Mirage–based bariatric surgery specialist Dr. Bobby Bhasker-Rao, referencing numerous studies on the subject. Advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques and robotic systems have improved the patient experience, reducing post-operative discomfort, shortening hospital stays, and accelerating recovery times.
At Desert Regional Medical Center, the newly introduced da Vinci 5 (DV5) robotic surgery system represents a step forward in technology. The DV5 — reportedly the first of its kind in Riverside County — provides haptic feedback, giving surgeons a sense of touch that enhances their precision and safety in the operating room.
In addition to surgical options, newer weight-loss medications are reshaping the conversation. Bhasker-Rao notes that drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, which are based on the semaglutide compound, have garnered attention for their ability to help patients manage weight. While these medications alone cannot replicate the results of surgery, they may play a complementary role, particularly in combination therapies. “If you want an ideal outcome, a combination of therapies is best,” Bahsker-Rao suggests, predicting that such approaches will become more prevalent.
Bariatric surgery is not a decision to be taken lightly, but for many, it offers an effective and safe way to achieve long-term, sustainable weight loss while addressing related medical conditions. For those considering their options, consultation with medical professionals can provide clarity and guidance.
“Back in the day, being extremely overweight or obese was just something you had to live with,” Awad says. Now, with effective surgeries and anti-obesity medications, healthcare providers have more tools to guide patients on their journey.
