You’ve lost and gained a thousand pounds in your lifetime. You’ve tried dozens of diets, diet aids and exercise programs.
You are among the six million Americans with clinically severe obesity, a life-threatening condition that, left untreated, will lead to serious disability and early death.
Yes, this is a strong statement. But clinically severe obesity is a dangerous health problem. Fortunately, it is not one that you must endure alone. The Weight Loss Surgery Center at St. Mary’s Medical Center offers the only proven, successful method to help men and women with clinically severe obesity lose weight and keep it off.
If you are serious about your desire to lose weight and gain a healthy lifestyle, we will help you, step by step, with counseling, surgical intervention, nutritional guidance, and ongoing support.
What is Clinically Severe Obesity?
Clinically severe obesity, or “morbid obesity”, is a disease in which the body stores excessive amounts of fat, and is significantly overweight (approximately 100 pounds overweight). A person is said to be morbidly obese when his or her body mass index (BMI) is greater than 40. (BMI is a formula based on a person’s weight and height).
The precise causes of clinically severe obesity are not fully understood, although recent research indicates there may be a genetic link in as many as half the people who suffer from it.
Clinically severe obesity is, in and of itself, a dangerous condition. Moreover, it is associated with many other serious health conditions, including high blood pressure (a leading cause of stroke), heart disease, diabetes, and increased rates of cancer.
This serious medical condition requires a medically proven approach to treatment.
Weight Loss Surgery and Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Bariatric Surgery, the medical term for weight loss surgery, is a recognized sub- specialty of the field of General Surgery. Weight loss surgery is only considered for those individuals who are morbidly obese. Weight loss surgery is not a cosmetic procedure, and does not involve the removal of fatty tissue by suctioning (liposuction).
Rather, it is a procedure that permanently reduces the size of the gastric reservoir, and bypasses a short segment of intestine. The reduced gastric reservoir decreases the amount of food that can be eaten and the bypass makes it uncomfortable to eat sweets.
At The Weight Loss Surgery Center at St. Mary’s Medical Center, board-certified surgeons employ the technique known as laparoscopic gastric bypass. In this minimally invasive procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision in the abdomen through which instruments are inserted in order to complete the bypass of the gastric reservoir. Because it is minimally invasive, patients are discharged sooner and recover more quickly, with less discomfort and fewer post-surgical complications.
Are You a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?
Weight loss surgery is a serious surgical procedure and requires an extreme change in lifestyle, eating and nutritional habits. Because of the lifelong change it will require, St. Mary’s Medical Center requires an in-depth evaluation prior to considering any patient for weight loss surgery. This evaluation includes a thorough medical history and examination, as well as an evaluation of lifestyle and motivation.
Generally, patients who are good candidates for the procedure are those who:
Have a body mass index of 40 or more*
Have made numerous unsuccessful attempts to lose weight and keep it off
Have a strong personal desire to lose weight and improve health
Fully understand and are prepared for the important changes that will result from surgery
* Patients whose BMI is in the range of 35-40 are often considered for this procedure when they have certain accompanying health risk factors.
Our Dedicated Staff Will Support You Every Step of the Way
Studies have shown that individuals with clinically severe obesity experience discrimination and disrespect – even from well-meaning healthcare professionals who, themselves, do not fully understand the causes of this medical condition.
If you have experienced such attitudes in the past, do not let them keep you from seeking help. At The Weight Loss Surgery Center at St. Mary’s Medical Center, our experienced staff of health professionals understands the distress and anxiety you feel.
In addition to surgical intervention, our program includes thorough and ongoing nutritional, emotional, and lifestyle support.
All patients of The Weight Loss Surgery Center:
Are under the care of a board-certified surgeon skilled in gastric bypass surgery
Work with a bariatric nurse specialist who coordinates their ongoing plan of care
Work closely with a dietitian experienced in the nutritional needs of people undergoing weight loss surgery
Receive psycho-emotional counseling as necessary before and after the surgical procedure
Receive intensive education, as well as individual and group support
Weight Loss Surgery is Covered by Most Insurance Plans
Weight loss surgery is covered by most health insurance plans, including the Blue Cross/Blue Shield plan (patients must meet established criteria). The financial counselors at St. Mary’s will help you to determine if your insurance plan covers this procedure, and will also assist you in obtaining any pre-certifications that are required.
For More Information
For more information on the services of The Weight Loss Surgery Center at St. Mary’s Medical Center, call 304-399-4903 or 1-800-9St-Mary.
