Journey to a brighter tomorrow
Weight loss surgery provides you with the opportunity to enhance your quality of life. Get started today and experience all the possibilities that our comprehensive weight loss program can offer.
The Power You Need To Lose Weight
We understand bariatric surgery may seem scary, and some may view it as a “quick fix” solution to a behavioral problem. However, losing weight is not always as simple as eating less. Our dedicated providers recognize the difficulty of losing weight on your own and will support you along every step of this journey to an even better you. Along with surgery, we offer dietary guidance, counseling, sleep testing, and ongoing support to ensure that you reach and maintain your weight loss goals.
About Us
Our Ventura, California practice is staffed by highly experienced providers from many specialties. Dr. Billy is joined by sleep specialists, dietitians, psychologists, bariatric educators, and talented staff of nurse practitioners. Each member of our team is eager to offer you the support you deserve to support you in this journey.
OUR STAFF
Helmuth Billy
M.D.
Andrew Binder
M.D.,F.C.C.P.,F.A.A.S.M.
Michele Biederman
R.D.
Heather Gibson
Ph.D.
our surgical procedures
When you work with us, we will provide you with preoperative evaluations, dietary guidance, and much more. Dr. Billy will work with you every step of the way to understand your personal needs and get you the results you want.
Gastric Bypass
During this procedure, Dr. Billy creates a small stomach pouch to restrict the amount of food your body can hold, causing you to feel full sooner, eat less, and lose weight. The second part of the surgery involves creating a “bypass” of part of the small intestine so that fewer calories are absorbed during digestion.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
During this procedure, two-thirds of the stomach is removed causing you to feel full more quickly. This leads to a decreased appetite and weight loss. Unlike gastric bypass surgery, sleeve gastrectomy leaves the intestine intact. Thus, you will lose weight more slowly than with a gastric bypass and can continue to lose weight for up to 2-3 years after the procedure.
Revision Surgery
We offer several revision surgery options, including gastric sleeve surgery after a lap band procedure and other methods. Like our other surgical options, revision surgery is accompanied by comprehensive support, including dietary guidance, sleep testing, and ongoing care to ensure you meet your weight loss goals.
“I am in great shape and great health, because on August 16, 2006, I began my journey with Dr. Billy, as my surgeon and head coach. Dr. Billy is a highly skilled, renowned surgeon. Equally important, however, is that he and his staff are also completely committed to aftercare and the long term success of every patient. Dr. Billy’s practice is built around arming us, as patients with all the tools we need to succeed for the long-term. It is obvious that Dr. B loves what he does and is great at it. He is both passionate and compassionate and has keen listening skills.”
— Gloria Samuels
How much weight can I expect to lose after surgery?
The amount of weight loss you can expect will depend on your particular surgery and specific case. For example, patients who undergo surgery have been shown to lose an average of 60 pounds for up to 15 years so long as they maintain proper eating habits.
Is surgery covered by my insurance?
If a weight loss surgery is deemed medically necessary, your insurance should cover the cost. However, we encourage our patients to speak with our Insurance and Billing Specialist, Heather Jacobsen to get a better understanding of their coverage.
What are the weight loss resources available to me?
We offer four monthly Support Groups, and one newly-post-op education class all supervised by a Bariatric Certified Dietician who is uniquely qualified in bariatric education and nutrition. We also feature quarterly guest speakers who present on bariatric or health-related topics. Please look at the support group schedule to find a convenient time and location to attend.
Will I regain my weight after surgery?
Regaining weight after surgery is a common fear among our patients. Our providers make every effort to ensure that patients maintain their weight loss results. We offer support through counseling, dietary guidance, and regular checkups. Dr. Billy provides his patients with 24/7 access to speak to him over the phone should they have any questions or concerns.