Life-changing weight loss

Watch our on-demand webinar to see if surgery is right for you. 

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Once you've watched the webinar, schedule your consultation or call 310-303-5613.

Bariatric Wellness Center

Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance
4101 Torrance Blvd, 1st Floor, Torrance, CA 90503
1986.6 miles away
310-303-5613
310-303-5613
Mon - Fri: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Bariatric Wellness Center

Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance
Mon - Fri: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Am I a Candidate? Services Trusted Bariatrics Team Support Group Library Cooking Demonstrations
Am I a Candidate?

More energy. Better health. Greater well-being. There’s so much to gain from losing the weight. We can help you achieve it. The Bariatric Wellness Centers at both San Pedro and Torrance offer comprehensive surgical and non-surgical weight loss programs tailored to your personal health, goals and preferences. Our positive approach to weight loss is holistic, which means that we provide ongoing physical, nutritional, emotional and spiritual support to help you realize the health gains you deserve. 

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines, you may be a candidate for bariatric surgery if at least one of these applies to you:

  • You weigh 100 or more pounds over ideal body weight
  • Your body mass index (BMI) is greater than 40, or greater than 35 if you also have a serious weight-related health condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension or sleep apnea 
  • You have weight-related problems and restrictions in mobility, work and performance of family responsibilities
  • Calculate BMI
Ready to take the next step? 
  1. Access our on-demand webinar.
  2. After you watch the webinar, check your insurance plan to ensure your policy covers weight loss surgery at Providence hospitals. While many insurance plans cover weight loss surgery, it’s important to understand your benefits – and how to receive them. 
  3. Get more information: Fill out the form and we will email you our welcome packet and follow up with a phone call to discuss next steps.
  4. For questions, contact us at 310-303-5613.

At Providence Little Company of Mary Torrance, we offer both surgical and non-surgical approaches to weight loss to help you improve your health and quality of life.

Bariatric procedures

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure is the gold standard for weight-loss surgery. It works by restricting food intake and minimizing the absorption of calories. Studies show that after five years, nearly three-quarters of Roux-en-Y patients have maintained a 70% loss of their excess weight. Additionally, within one year of surgery, more than 95% of weight-related health problems are relieved, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep apnea.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy is considered a restrictive and mildly metabolic operation. Performed laparoscopically, two-thirds of the stomach is cut away and removed, leaving a narrow, banana-shaped stomach. The new, smaller stomach aids in portion control and reduces hunger. Weight loss with the sleeve is gradual, but still occurs at a faster rate than with the adjustable gastric band. Expected excess weight loss is about 60% at year 1. Five-year data suggests that most patients that adhere to the recommended lifestyle will maintain their weight loss.

Laparoscopic Adjustable Band

The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (lap-band) is a purely restrictive procedure. It involves placing a silastic (plastic) band around the top portion of the stomach so that the stomach acts as if it has been reduced in size. The goal is portion control. The band’s tightness around the stomach is adjusted by adding or removing fluid from a balloon on the inside of the band.

Revisions

While many bariatric patients are successful with their initial weight loss procedure, a small percentage of patients may have less than optimal weight loss, a significant amount of weight regain or complications from the initial bariatric surgery. For safe and successful revisional surgeries, the highest level of expertise is required and available through our program.  

Common revisional surgeries include:

  • Removal of lap band and conversion to other procedure such as sleeve or bypass 
  • Gastric bypass revision
  • Conversion from sleeve to bypass

Additional Services

Whether you choose a surgical or non-surgical weight loss program, you’ll receive education, nutritional guidance, counseling and lifelong follow-up support. Additional services include:

  • Body contouring
  • Medically supervised weight management programs
  • Personalized exercise programs
  • Consultation with registered dieticians
  • Counseling with psychologists who specialize in weight loss
  • Support groups before and after surgery

Each of the bariatric professionals and specialists on your team understands the challenges of unhealthy weight. We work with you to make sure your weight loss program is comfortable, efficient and tailored to your needs. Our core team includes:

  • Bariatric surgical specialists
  • Dietitians
  • Psychologists
  • Registered nurses
  • Nurse practitioners
  • Physician assistants
  • Technicians

You are one step closer on your journey to weight loss. To be prepared for what’s to come, all bariatric surgery patients are required to attend two support groups prior to surgery. Viewing this video series will count as attendance at one support group.

Upcoming classes and events
  • Sheet Pan Tofu Demo
     
  • Moroccan Inspired Chicken and Chickpea Stew
     
  • Lentil Quinoa Soup
     
  • Egg Muffin Cups
     

Find a Doctor

At Providence, you'll have access to a vast network of dedicated and compassionate providers who offer personalized care by focusing on treatment, prevention and health education.

Female doctor wearing mask, doctors in background

Recognition

American College of Surgeons - Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) Accredited Bariatric Surgery Center

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Blue Distinction Center - Bariatric Surgery

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Distinction Center - Bariatric Surgery

Access the on-demand webinar

Watch our on-demand webinar to see if weight loss surgery is right for you.

Access Webinar

If you’ve already watched the on-demand webinar, call us at 310-303-5613 or complete the online form to schedule your consultation.

Learn about Injectable Weight Loss Medications

GLP-1 medications are a new, innovative class of injectable weight loss drugs. Explore how their criteria and results compare to the benefits of bariatric surgery.

This will help you start a conversation about medical weight loss with your primary care doctor. They can refer you to a medical weight loss expert – like a bariatrician or bariatric surgeon – for guidance on which option might be the best choice for you.

Group of Diverse Women Walking Outdoors Smiling

You could be eligible for GLP-1s if you meet one of the following criteria:

  • Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 30 or higher.
  • Your BMI is 27 or higher and you have other medical conditions like arthritis, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and/or sleep apnea.

By comparison, you qualify for bariatric surgery if:

  • Your BMI is 40 or higher.
  • Or your BMI is 35 or higher and you have other medical conditions like arthritis, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and/or sleep apnea.

GLP-1s can be more accessible to patients who don’t qualify for bariatric surgery but still want a substantial weight loss solution.

However, on average, GLP-1s were tested on a population with lower BMIs. For example, they haven’t been tested on those with a BMI of over 45. So, if your BMI is 40 or higher, and you’re potentially considering the use of a GLP-1, it might not lower your risk of certain conditions – like heart disease or cancer – the same way as bariatric surgery.

GLP-1s help you lose weight gradually over time. You can expect moderate weight loss of 5-15% of your body weight overall. Once you reach your goal weight, you must keep taking the medication to maintain it.

With bariatric surgery, you’ll see weight loss more quickly in a larger amount. On average, patients lose 60% or more of their excessive weight after bariatric surgery.

Keep in mind that other factors, like lifestyle changes and eating habits, can affect how quickly you lose weight – no matter which weight loss option you choose.

If you’re considering medical weight loss, keep in mind that it could be a lifelong commitment.

Once you reach your goal weight with a GLP-1 medication, you need to keep taking it to maintain that weight. You also need regular monitoring from your physician.

It’s important to note that GLP-1s haven't been evaluated for long-term use. All studies have been for short-term use, so doctors don't currently know how long a patient is able to stay on a GLP-1.

Bariatric surgery is the only medical weight loss treatment that has been evaluated for long-term use and is proven to help sustain weight loss. The results of bariatric surgery are long-lasting, especially if you make the necessary lifestyle changes. This surgery also requires pre- and post-surgical care.

You’ll need to check with your insurance company. Some plans might cover GLP-1 medications but require prior authorization.

Bariatric surgery is generally covered by insurance if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Patient Testimonials and Resources

Journeys in bariatric surgery: Ashley's story
Learn how bariatric surgery changes Ashley's life with the help and support from the Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance Bariatric Wellness Center.
Journeys in bariatric surgery: Cristianne's story
Cristianne lost 80 pounds with help and support from the Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance Bariatric Wellness Center.
Watch video: Journeys in bariatric surgery: Claudia's story
Claudia lost 151 pounds with help and support from the Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance Bariatric Wellness Center.
Journeys in bariatric surgery: Jessica’s story
Jessica reached her weight loss goals with help and support from the Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance Bariatric Wellness Center.
Read More Success Stories

Frequently Asked Questions

In addition to improving the overall quality of your health, losing excess weight could help you sleep better, have more energy and a more positive outlook.

It may also prevent or improve some obesity-related conditions, including:

  • Asthma
  • Cancer
  • Depression
  • Heart and lung disease
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Liver disease
  • Migraines
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Joint pain
  • Type 2 diabetes

Requirements may differ based on your health condition and insurance rules.

You might be a candidate for weight loss surgery if:

  • You have a body mass index (BMI) over 40 or a BMI of 35-40 with obesity-related conditions like Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea or high cholesterol.
  • You have no endocrine causes of obesity.
  • Your risk for surgery is acceptable.
  • You understand the surgery and its risks.
  • You have no drug or alcohol problems.
  • You have no uncontrolled psychological conditions.
  • You have been unsuccessful with other attempts at medical weight loss through diets or other lifestyle options.

You might not be a candidate if:

  • You have a current drug or alcohol problem.
  • You use tobacco or nicotine products.
  • You have uncontrolled psychological conditions.
  • You plan to become pregnant in the next 18 months.
  • Your surgeon determines that you’re not healthy enough for surgery.

After surgery, you’ll spend one or two nights in the hospital. You’ll meet for regular check-ins with your care team at least every 12 weeks for the first year.

Then, we recommend following up with the team each year, or more often if needed.

After you watch the weight loss surgery webinar, it’s best to reach out to your insurance provider and see if you’re covered.

Access the webinar.

After you verify your weight loss surgery benefits, call our clinic at the number above to discuss your next steps. If you’re ready to move forward, we can schedule your initial visits to determine if surgery is right for you.

If you don’t have weight loss surgery insurance benefits, you do have the option to self-finance your procedure and pay for treatment with cash or a credit card.

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