Bariatrics
Bariatric Surgery – A Choice
For 97 million Americans – more than one third of the adult population – being overweight or obese is a problem they face every day. But for a portion of these, five to 10 million people, the problem is much more serious. Their weight is a serious impediment to their health, their activities, and literally every aspect of their lives.
For these individuals, bariatric surgery offers an alternative that may help them regain a quality of life and health they have not been able to reach through diets and other weight-loss treatment programs.
The bariatric surgical procedure performed at Saint Francis Hospital is the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is a major procedure restricting the size of the stomach and reducing the functional length of the small bowel. A small pouch is created at the upper part of the stomach allowing approximately 40 to 50 cc of food during meals. Solid food stays in the gastric pouch for a long time giving a feeling of fullness with a small amount of food. Eating less food thus reduces caloric intake and causes weight loss.
Working with a Team of Professionals
While cosmetic changes that result from bariatric surgery may motivate some patients, the decision to have bariatric surgery is much more complex than just the desire to be thinner. It involves working closely with a team of healthcare professionals to determine whether you are a good candidate for the surgery, and a committing to a life-long change in lifestyle.
Leading the bariatric program at Saint Francis are experienced surgeons who have researched hundreds of programs and evidence-based procedures to determine the safest, most effective treatments for Saint Francis patients. Saint Francis is devoted to quality patient care, with an emphasis on maintaining the dignity of every patient. The hospital has state-of-the art medical equipment especially designed to meet the special needs of the bariatric patient.
As recommended by the National Institutes of Health, the bariatric team consists of:
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Professional staff fully trained in bariatric medicine |
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Dignified, supportive hospital care |
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Internal medicine or specialty consultations as required |
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Psychological evaluation and/or support |
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Nutritional and exercise guidance |
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Anesthesia professionals trained and accomplished in bariatric surgery |
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Life-long follow-up program and support group system |
Bariatric surgery candidates must meet National Institutes of Health guidelines:
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Patients should be well-informed and motivated to participate in treatment,
lifestyle and behavioral changes, and long-term follow-up. |
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Morbid obesity has severely impaired the health, quality of life, and daily
activities of the patient. |
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Patients must be 100 pounds over ideal calculated weight or have body mass
index (BMI)* of 40 or above, or a BMI of 35-40 with other health problems
associated with obesity, such as sleep apnea, back pain, high blood pressure,
diabetes, and depression. |
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A history of unsuccessful results from other weight-loss programs has been
experienced by the patient. |
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Patient should be free of mental and physical indications that may potentially
prevent a successful surgical outcome and beneficial lifestyle change. |
*BMI is a weight and height calculation that measures body fat and health risks that are associated with being overweight.
Quality Care for a Life-long Decision
Many people live with morbid obesity for years, trying fad diets, weight-management programs, and experiencing “yo-yo” weight gain and loss. Bariatric surgery is an alternative that may help these people find a quality of life that was previously unattainable for them.
The choice for bariatric surgery is not an isolated, single decision. It is a life-long decision that includes evaluation and counseling with a multidisciplinary team of professionals, skilled and state-of-the-art surgery, lasting partnerships with experts, comprehensive follow-up, and group support.
The physicians performing bariatric surgery at Saint Francis Hospital will help you evaluate the disease and develop a plan of care and follow-up. An appointment for individual evaluation is always necessary to plan appropriate care.
Call (918) 481-4801 or visit www.surgassoc.com for more information or to request an appointment.