Bariatrics

Bariatrics

Weight loss surgery works. Weight loss surgery changes people's lives.

It is estimated that more than 300,000 people per year die in the United States of causes directly attributable to obesity.

The St. Agnes Hospital gastric bypass program is unique in its approach to the care of the morbidly obese patient. Our multidisciplinary team approach enables us to meet the needs of our patients on many different levels, providing outstanding patient care.

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure has been performed more than any other weight loss procedure in the United States for more than 20 years. It is the same procedure that Carnie Wilson and Al Roker underwent, and is known by the common name of "gastric bypass." St. Agnes also performs LAP-BAND surgery for those who need an alternative to Roux-en-Y.

Patients who are considered morbidly obese have a significantly higher chance of the following (as compared to people who are not overweight):

Premature death—morbidly obese people have a 300-500 percent greater chance of dying before the age of 76
Medical problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease
Certain types of cancers, such as colon, breast and uterine
Premature degenerative arthritis and joint pain, causing limited mobility and activity
Sleep apnea and pulmonary hypertension (which leads to heart failure)

The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) has named St. Agnes’ program a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence. The ASMBS center of excellence designation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of favorable outcomes in bariatric surgery. To earn the center of excellence designation, St. Agnes underwent a series of site inspections, during which all aspects of the program’s surgical processes were closely examined and data on health outcomes was collected.

By definition, surgeons who work at an ASMBS center of excellence practice only top-quality care. At St. Agnes, bariatric surgeons demonstrate this willingness to take the extra step with a multidisciplinary team approach that enables St. Agnes to meet the needs of its patients on many different levels, providing outstanding patient care.

For more information about weight loss surgery, call 866-690-WELL (9355).