New Weight Loss Surgery Options Close to Home
Meet Your Surgeon
Dr. Santosh Swaminathan is a board- certified, fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon specializing in minimally invasive and robotic techniques. He graduated from JIPMER, one of the top 5 medical schools in India, and completed his general surgery residency at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury, CT, along with a research fellowship at the University of Connecticut in Farmington, CT. Dr. Swaminathan further honed his expertise with a fellowship in minimally invasive bariatric surgery at Jefferson Health – Abington.
He offers comprehensive weight management services, including laparoscopic and robotic-assisted metabolic and bariatric procedures. Dr. Swaminathan also provides care for patients with a history of bariatric surgery, offering revisional surgery when needed.
Transcript
Hello everyone, I am Dr. Santosh Swaminathan, a fellowship-trained metabolic and bariatric surgeon with Self Regional Healthcare. Metabolic and bariatric surgery is the only long-term proven weight loss option that not only helps reduce but also sometimes eliminate the symptoms of diabetes, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, and other major health problems. In addition, it also helps reduce the long-term risk of cancer and its complications. We are now accepting patients who are interested in bariatric surgery as well as patients who have had prior bariatric surgery who want to have a follow-up at our Greenwood location located at 160 Academy Avenue. We look forward to seeing you and helping you in the best way we can. Thank you.
Which Surgery Seems Right for You?
Gastric Bypass Surgery: Roux-en-Y (RYGB)
The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) involves reducing the size of the stomach by dividing and stapling it to create a small pouch, approximately the size of an egg. A section of the small intestine is then connected to this new, smaller stomach, allowing food to bypass a portion of the digestive tract. This smaller stomach pouch helps you feel full and satisfied after consuming only a small amount of food. The procedure bypasses roughly one-third of the intestinal tract, leaving the remaining two-thirds to absorb nutrients. This process, known as malabsorption, aids in significant weight loss and helps with long-term weight maintenance.
Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy: “The Sleeve“
Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, commonly known as “The Sleeve,” involves removing approximately 70-80% of the stomach by stapling and reshaping it into a smaller, sleeve-like form. This new stomach allows food to pass through while significantly reducing its capacity. The portion of the stomach that is removed contains the hormone ghrelin, which is responsible for signaling hunger to the brain, resulting in patients often experiencing reduced appetite. This procedure is irreversible, providing restriction without causing malabsorption.
Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve (SADI-S)
The SADI-S procedure combines the benefits of a restrictive sleeve gastrectomy with the malabsorptive effects of the Roux-en-Y bypass. This surgery starts with the creation of a sleeve gastrectomy, which is then connected to a single loop of the small intestine. By rerouting and by passing part of the intestine, the SADI-S procedure enhances weight loss through both restriction and malabsorption.
Duodenal Switch: “DS”
The Duodenal Switch (DS) is a procedure similar to the SADI, starting with a sleeve gastrectomy. In this surgery, the duodenum is cut and reconnected further down the small intestine to create a bypass. Unlike the SADI, the DS involves two points of intestinal reconnection, making it a longer and more complex operation with increased risks. During the procedure, the surgeon removes about 80% of the stomach, similar to the gastric sleeve. It also bypasses a portion of the small intestine, like the gastric bypass. However, instead of connecting the small stomach directly to the small intestine as in gastric bypass, the DS connects the stomach to the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine.
Revision Surgery:
Our surgeon also offers revision surgeries for patients experiencing complications from previous bariatric procedures. However, not all patients qualify for revision surgery, and coverage varies depending on the insurance provider. This procedure requires a thorough discussion with your surgeon and is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Click the image to download the Services Brochure
Click the image to download the Surgical Guidebook
Click the image to download the Nutrition Guidebook
Why Surgery?
Indications for surgery
- BMI > 40 or 100lbs or more over their ideal body weight
- BMI of 35-40 with high-risk co-morbidities
- BMI of 30-35 with high-risk co-morbidities – newest indication but not accepted by all insurances
- Documented failure with medical or conventional weight loss programs
- No uncontrolled endocrine cause of obesity
- Absence of substance abuse
- No uncontrolled psychological condition
- Educated about the surgery and the risks of planned surgery
- Willing to be dedicated to a complete lifestyle change
- Commits to a lifetime of follow-up
- Has a support system in place
Request More Information
160 Academy Avenue, Greenwood, S.C. 29646
Office: (864) 725-4911
Fax: (864) 223-4026
Hours of Service
Business office hours:
Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Contact Us
For more information regarding a referral or to make an appointment, please call (864) 725-4911.
Location
Bariatric Services is conveniently located at 160 Academy Avenue, Greenwood, South Carolina.