Advanced Weight-Loss Program

All responsible medical professionals encourage overweight patients to make safe and sensible lifestyle changes to lose excess weight, thereby reducing the significant health risks associated with obesity.

We are proud to have a bariatric surgery leader, Dr. Erin Cummins, at Central Surgical Associates. Dr. Cummins is the only bariatric surgeon that holds a Center Of Excellence certification in the Jackson, Mississippi area. She serves as the director for Baptist Nutrition and Bariatric Center and is also associated with Central Mississippi Medical Center and Transformations at River Oaks.

The centers include comprehensive weight management, metabolic and bariatric surgery. She performs several types of laparoscopic bariatric procedures including Roux-en-Y Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Banding. Dr. Cummins has a rare level of skill that allows her to perform this surgery with a minimally invasive technique. With no large incisions, you will begin losing weight faster and can start enjoying your new life sooner.

Gastric Bypass Roux-en-Y (roo en why) This procedure is a combination or restriction and mal-absorption. The stomach is stapled to create a small stomach pouch, which is then separated competely from the remainder of the stomach and is connected to the small intestine. Food enters the pouch and exits directly into the intestine, thus bypassing caloric absorption. Patients who undergo this surgery generally experience greater weight loss.

Gastric Banding (Lap-Band ®) This procedure is restrictive only. A silastic band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach, creating a small pouch. When the pouch is filled, the patient feels full. Food then exits the pouch and travels through the remainder of the digestive system. The Lap-Band ® can be adjusted to speed or slow weight loss and is considered less invasive than the Roux-en-Y or gastric sleeve. Patients who undergo this surgery can expect a slower, more gradual weight loss.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy This is also a restrictive procedure. The stomach is partially removed, leaving a small tubular stomach, which provides for faster weight loss than with the Lap Band ®, but slower than with the Roux-en-Y. The advantage to this choice is that there is no foreign body involved and generally requires less follow up.

Contact Central Surgical Associates at (601) 944-1781 to discuss these procedures if you think they might be right for you.