Nichole's Story
Nichole’s Synopsis
Nichole would walk to her car after a grueling 8-hour workday feeling defeated. Her knees throbbed. Her legs ached. At 5’4” tall and weighing 253 pounds, she knew her weight was holding her back. And she decided to take the first step in her weight loss journey when she came in to see Dr. Khalili.
Walking into the Center, she was determined to change her inner narrative that she was a “fat, lazy person”, but she didn’t know how to start. Our team of experienced and dedicated healthcare professionals knew that making a healthy change in her life required a concentrated focus on Nichole, the person, not her weight. We give our patients comprehensive support by collaborating with our nurse practitioners, dieticians and medical consultant physicians to set up the lifestyle changes necessary for success.
The decision to have weight loss surgery should not be taken lightly. Our team at the Center takes a holistic approach to health and wellness. Nichole’s obesity wasn’t just a number on a scale – it had multiple health problems associated with it. She had a fatty liver, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and was pre-diabetic. Along with these physical symptoms came mental health challenges associated with depression and feeling helpless.
When Nichole found herself sitting across Dr. Khalili, she knew that she found a world leading expert on obesity who would help her take control of her life and health. Soon thereafter, through the highest-quality care for a minimally invasive bariatric surgery, she was back on her feet with a renewed optimism about her personal and professional life. “Being skinny was just a perk for Nichole – it was a “gift” she got with undergoing bariatric surgery that changed her life.”
If Nichole’s struggles sound familiar to you, we would love to hear from you. Come meet our team and learn more about bariatric surgery options. The countless stories we hear on a daily basis remind us that Nichole’s experience is not just isolated to a few people.
Come learn how we can help you and begin your weight loss journey today.
The best in bariatric surgery. Take your first step in overcoming obesity at Khalili Center.
Proven Clinical Results
With over 8,000 successful outcomes, the Khalili Center is dedicated to providing exceptional patient care. With a team of bariatric surgeons, nurses, gastroenterologists, registered dieticians, and psychologists, we provide a comprehensive bariatric program that is tailored to meet each individual’s needs and expectations. That is the Khalili Difference.
World renowned surgeons at the Center offer you the safest, most successful bariatric surgery experience using innovative and minimally invasive techniques.
OUR BARIATRIC SURGERY PATIENTS SEE SIGNIFICANT RESULTS
Choosing the Best Program for your Weight Loss Surgery
After performing thousands of bariatric surgeries and contributing substantial research and literature to the broader medical community, the Center offers the most innovative and effective bariatric surgeries.
Dr. Theodore M. Khalili,
Founder and Director of Khalili Center
Dr. Khalili has performed more than 8,000 bariatric and advanced laparoscopic surgeries — including the nation’s first robotic-assisted gastric bypass in 2002. He is an expert in revisional bariatric surgery. His reputation among the best-in-class surgeons has allowed him to develop new technologies to combat obesity.
He is a pioneer in the field of minimally invasive bariatric surgery in California. Dr. Khalili started the Weight Loss Surgery Program at Cedars Sinai Medical Center, and until June 2010 served as the Director. He has trained many surgeons who have gone on to lead bariatric programs all over the country. He is the author of numerous academic papers and presentations on a variety of subjects, published and spoken all around the world.
Systematic and methodical, Dr. Khalili makes educated and informed decisions based on his extensive knowledge and experience. His patient-centric approach allows him to build close relationships with his patients that resemble a true partnership. The five-star level of care is the standard of excellence at the Center. When patients walk through the Center’s doors, they see Dr. Khalili’s vision come to life.
Why Us?
The Khalili Center’s patient-centered roots gives both the physician and patient a unique opportunity to collaboratively work on creating the best, most supportive action plan to optimize long-term success. There are no shortcuts at our Center – our priority will always be the patient.
Having started the Weight Loss Surgery Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and serving as its Director for over 10 years, Dr. Khalili is a well known authority in bariatric surgery. Over the decades, Dr. Khalili has trained many bariatric surgeons and published over 90 research articles.
Dr. Khalili has performed over 8,000 bariatric cases and is an expert in revisional bariatric surgery. His level of expertise and precision has taught him to focus on the long-term success of each patient. His staff reflects that vision – with us, you are a patient for life. From the initial consultation to a personalized and structured post-operative follow-up plan, you will always have the support of the Center.
Across the country
FACT: About 40% of Americans Struggle with Obesity
Obesity is a serious medical condition that affects approximately 40% of the population in the United States and is becoming increasingly common in other parts of the world. Despite the far-reaching problem of obesity – it’s often misunderstood and mismanaged.
Patients often go on for years ignoring the debilitating effects of obesity and struggle to lose weight and keep it off. Every day, we see patients confronting this battle and asking our team at the Center what can be done. With our comprehensive approach to weight loss, we understand that there is no single operation, diet or medication that can by itself offer a permanent cure. We have proven that surgery followed by a personalized action plan consisting of post-operative care and moderate lifestyle changes will lead to excellent long term results.
Start today.
A note from
Dr. Khalili, Surgeon & Founder of Khalili Center
My name is Dr. Theodore Khalili, surgeon and founder of Khalili Center. I founded the Center because I have dedicated my life-long professional work to patient care. My approach to patient-centric partnerships and service-oriented facilities offer a comprehensive and holistic approach to bariatric treatment – all in one place.
I believe that patient care does not end right after surgery – it’s only the beginning. I founded the Center to give patients access to a supportive community that guides them through each step of the weight loss journey. We work with a team of registered dieticians, psychologists and general doctors to create tailored, best-in-class care available.
I have performed over 8,000 bariatric surgeries throughout my career, and I have seen how these life-changing procedures can give patients the hope they never thought they would have. After surgery, patients have expressed that they are able to live their lives in a way they never thought was possible – whether it be running around with their kids, training for a marathon, scuba diving, or something as simple as crossing their legs. We’re here to celebrate all the successes – the big and the small.
Many patients during the consultation phase express varying levels of skepticism. They have explored diets or medications often to no effect. Sometimes, they may have even considered surgery, but decided against it because of invasive, outdated techniques.
If that describes you, we understand because we see people every day who feel the way you do. But at the Center, we are leading with innovative surgical techniques that result in thousands of successful minimally invasive bariatric procedures.
The Center is only a call away. I have devoted my career to changing patients’ lives through bariatric surgery, and I cannot wait to assist you through yours!
I will always be happy to speak with you.
Theodore Khalili, MD, FACS
Surgeon and founder, Khalili Center
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, is an operation to help induce significant weight loss by making changes to your digestive system.
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass is one of the most common weight loss surgeries in the United States. Gastric bypass surgery enables you to feel full while eating much less. By separating the stomach into two unequal compartments, gastric bypass surgery dramatically restricts the amount of food you can or want to eat. In addition, calories are not normally absorbed. Weight loss from gastric bypass surgery is from dual effects – you both eat and absorb less food. After a gastric bypass, you’ll still love the taste of food and socializing around the dinner table, but you’ll feel adequately satisfied after a smaller meal. Unlike a diet, these small meals will not make you feel hungry or deprived. Furthermore, the weight loss from a gastric bypass might bring total or partial relief from weight related health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes or sleep apnea.
Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery
A sleeve gastrectomy is a laparoscopic procedure that creates a narrow tube called a “sleeve” that empties food out of the bottom of the stomach into the small intestine the same way it did before surgery. Your new, smaller stomach does not produce the same appetite-increasing hormones as a regular stomach, and your appetite will be greatly reduced. Without the intestinal re-routing typically performed in gastric bypass surgery, sleeve gastrectomy is a less complex procedure that affects hormones in the gut that can help you feel less hungry. Because you will not be able to eat as much after a sleeve gastrectomy, you will lose a significant amount of weight. You might also enjoy relief from conditions related to obesity — diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea. As your body begins to take on a new shape, the world will start to look different as well. Our patients find this makes it much easier to embrace a lifelong commitment to exercise and good decisions about their wellness.
LAP-BAND® Surgery
A LAP-BAND® is a device that your surgeon will place around the top part of the stomach. This adjustable device creates a two-compartment stomach where a person eats enough food only to fill the top part of the stomach. Over time, the food passes through into the remainder of the stomach and digestion occurs normally. This procedure is considered by many to be the least invasive surgery for weight loss. The upper pouch will be able to hold only about half a cup of food and you will feel full fast and you’ll feel satisfied longer. Over time, you’ll lose weight — our goal is between 1 to 2 pounds a week. As you follow your normal activities and add some exercise, you create a calorie deficit — burning more calories than you are consuming. The result is weight loss.
Revisional Procedures
While generally successful, weight loss operations occasionally require revisions. Revisions are often necessary as a result of either device-related problems or unsatisfactory weight loss. In addition, they may be performed because of complications of weight loss surgery. One frequent example is unrelenting heartburn after sleeve gastrectomy. In addition, several surgeries that are no longer commonly performed (jejunoileal bypass or the stapled gastroplasty), are associated with many anatomic and nutritional complications. Patients who underwent these procedures frequently require revisional surgery. The outcome of most revisional operations is favorable when performed by an experienced bariatric surgeon—and when patients are appropriately selected for such procedures. Dr. Khalili is one of the leading authorities on revisional bariatric surgery.
TAKE THE STEP TO A HEALTHY LIFE
Choose the most experienced bariatric surgeon who will support you for the rest of your life, providing best-in-class care.
Our approach is calibrated to give each patient the maximum support needed for long-term success.
Dr. Khalili has performed thousands of surgeries over many decades of extensive research and practice. The Center’s comprehensive approach is designed to guide you through a healthy weight loss process by including a team of psychologists, gastroenterologists, registered dieticians and support groups. We are here to help you through every step of your weight loss journey.
At Khalili Center, we believe that the best medical outcomes are born from a true collaboration between patient and doctor. Every patient’s situation is unique, and we recognize that the right plan will take careful consideration of the patient’s specific healthcare needs, goals and expectations.
Hear From Our Patients
Take your first step to a healthy life
Are You Looking for a Solution to Obesity?
We offer a proven surgical solution to obesity. Our mission is to educate the world about obesity. Take the first step of your weight loss journey today.
If you would like a free insurance check, please contact us here.
trusted by doctors
Medical professionals with obesity come to us for surgery
If you would like to speak to any of our patients about their experiences with obesity surgery, please contact us.