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| BAPTIST HEALTH has been designated a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery. |
Obesity is one of America's most serious epidemics. During the past 20 years there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States. In 1995, obesity prevalence in each of the 50 states was less than 20 percent. By 2005, only 4 states had obesity prevalence rates less than 20 percent, while 17 states had prevalence rates equal to or greater than 25 percent. That translates to 64 percent of U.S. adults being overweight or obese.
Click Here to use the free, online Body Mass Index Calculator.
Being overweight increases health risks for:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone
within a joint)
- Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels
of triglycerides)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Coronary heart disease
- Stroke
- Gallbladder disease
- Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
- Some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
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Weight-Loss Surgery: Is It for You?
For most people, a combination of diet and exercise is the best way to lose weight. However, if you've tried everything and still can't shed excess pounds or keep them off, you may want to consider weight-loss surgery.
Surgery is an aid to dieting and assists individuals in altering
their eating habits by restricting food intake or limiting absorption
of ingested food. These procedures assist a patient in reducing
food and caloric intake. Each procedure is associated with medical
risks and vary in the anticipated chance of success in losing weight.
What Surgical Options Are Available?
Weight-loss surgery is also called bariatric or gastrointestinal surgery. The treatment is an important health option for some people with severe obesity-those who are 100 pounds more than their ideal weight. Your doctor may also recommend the operation if you suffer from a weight-related health problem, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure, degenerative joint disease or obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
Click Here for more information on Bariatric (Gastric Bypass) surgical options.
What are the risks?
Surgical weight loss isn't for everyone. The treatment is most risky for men who are extremely obese and for patients older than age 55. Talk to your doctor if you think you may need surgery to lose weight. Together, you can decide if it's the right solution.
Click Here for more information on the benefits and risks of Bariatric surgery.
Support is Essential
Most bariatric surgeons agree: ongoing support after surgery leads to the greatest level of success. Support groups give you a great opportunity to discuss personal or professional issues that arise from surgery or from a history of obesity.
Click Here for more information on Bariatric Support Groups.
What we Offer
Lauren Hil, RN Program Manager for Bariatrics, state, "Quality, commitment and a steadfast desire to provide the best, most up-to-date care possible for the bariatric patient is what led us to our Bariatric Center of Excellence designation."
Our program offers a serious commitment to extending the highest level of care available for Bariatric Surgery, ongoing support and follow-up care by physicians and staff members and a team of specialists who strive to make patient's experience successful.
