About Commonwealth Surgical Associates

Bariatric team group photo

At Commonwealth Surgical Associates, our bariatric surgery program offers a comprehensive clinical approach to surgical weight loss management for morbid obesity. We also offer years of expertise in general surgery for complex hernia procedures, esophageal, and intestinal surgeries.

Our goal is to offer high-quality care in a patient-centered setting.

For more information about our bariatric surgery options, please contact our office at office at (804)533-0220.

A healthier you

Are you a candidate for bariatric surgery? Determine if you qualify with our online assessment.

Bariatric (weight loss) surgery

Bariatric surgery is the general term for a variety of weight loss surgical procedures. These procedures are tools, not cures, to help treat weight-related health problems. In other words, weight loss surgery is intended not only to decrease your weight but also to improve your overall health. To do this, the transformative journey requires work and commitment. A comprehensive program, such as the ones we provide, should include nutritional counseling, support and a follow-up plan to best accomplish weight loss after surgery. We’re here to help.

Nutrition is incredibly important, both before and after your procedure. Review our nutrition guide to learn more about what to expect.

Results can be lifesaving

Obesity is a major health issue that contributes to the development of many life-threatening or disabling health conditions. Following bariatric surgery, patients are typically able to lower dosages or even discontinue medications associated with elevated blood sugar and/or high blood pressure. Among the other benefits are improved incidences of acid reflux and lowering cholesterol. Ultimately, the heart and lungs are working less hard and that means an improvement in quality of life.

Weight loss procedures can reduce the risk of obesity-related conditions, such as:

  • Asthma
  • Arthritis
  • Certain cancers, such as endometrial, breast, prostate and colon cancers
  • Diabetes
  • Dyslipidemia (abnormal concentrations of lipids in the blood)
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Heart disease
  • Hypertension
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Respiratory problems
  • Sleep Apnea

Weight loss procedures:

Gastric bypass

The Roux en-Y gastric bypass – also referred to as simply “gastric bypass” – is the most common and successful type of malabsorptive surgery. With a malabsorptive procedure, there is a restriction in food intake and the amount of calories and nutrients the body absorbs.

During gastric bypass, a smaller stomach pouch is created and the small intestine is attached to the pouch to allow food to bypass the lower stomach and part of the small intestine. It is both non-reversible and non-adjustable. Long-term success depends on adhering to new rules for eating.

Advantages of gastric bypass include:

  • Average weight loss is generally higher than with gastric banding or sleeve surgeries
  • Weight loss is generally maintained the longest in comparison to other weight loss procedures

Gastric sleeve

The vertical sleeve gastrectomy, also referred to as the “gastric sleeve,” is a form of restrictive weight loss surgery in which approximately 85 percent of the stomach is removed. The remaining stomach is about the size of a banana.

Advantages of gastric sleeve include:

  • No postoperative adjustments are required
  • Patients may lose an average of 55 percent of their excess weight
  • It may help resolve high blood pressure and obstructive sleep apnea
  • It may help improve Type 2 diabetes and hyperlipidemia

Medical weight management program

A medical weight management program is a medically supervised plan for patients with obesity. Our program allows patients to have a collaborative relationship with a healthcare provider and supportive resources in their weight loss journey. Our program also helps patients adapt to lifestyle changes that may help them lose excess weight safely and keep weight off long-term.

This program can be used as an alterative to surgery or in conjunction with surgery. The initial consultation thoroughly assesses the patient’s overall health and discusses specific goals. Patients may also be prescribed anti-obesity medication therapies if they are candidates and deemed appropriate for use. Throughout the program, patients will consistently engage with a dietician to ensure nutrition plans fit their needs. We also provide comprehensive care through collaboration with key care partners, including behavioral health, physical therapy/exercise and support groups.

Weight loss and weight management can improve risk factors for diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease and other metabolic processes. It also aids in the improvement of mobility, sleep and energy.

Benefits of our program

  • Care providers who specialize in weight management
  • Lifestyle coaching
  • Personalized support
  • Anti-obesity medication prescription management
  • Overall assistance in the improvement of quality of life

Our team hosts monthly Bariatric Community Support Group meetings at Chippenham Hospital and John Randolph Medical Center. We invite all who are curious about weight loss surgery and seeking more information, those who are on their journey towards having weight loss surgery, and patients who have had weight loss surgery and seeking ongoing support. Attendees will meet some of Dr. Datta’s team and enjoy guest speaker presentations. To learn more, please call our clinic at (804) 533-0220.

Patient Success

patient testimonial by Tonya Jackson-Smith

Tonya Jackson-Smith

Lost 98% of excess body weight
Type of surgery: Roux en-Y gastric bypass

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patient testimonial by Sarah Martinez

Sarah Martinez

Lost 75% of excess body weight
Type of surgery: gastric sleeve

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