|
|
|
Home » Services » Bariatric Surgery Bariatric SurgeryWhat is Bariatric Surgery?Bariatric surgery is another term for weight loss surgery. Intended to facilitate weight loss by altering normal digestive function, bariatric surgery is performed on morbidly obese patients who often have weight-related illnesses. There are several types of bariatric surgery procedures:
For more information about bariatric surgery, visit our Health Library. Bariatric Services
Synergy Bariatrics currently offers restrictive and combination bariatric surgeries, performed at Sisters Hospital by Dr. Caruana, Dr. James P. Viglianco and Dr. Dang Tuan Pham. Roux En Y Gastric BypassA combination type of bariatric surgery, gastric bypass interrupts the nervous and hormonal stimulation of appetite and seems to affect the use of body fat stores for energy. In this permanent procedure, the stomach is divided into a golf ball sized pouch, which is re-routed to a subsequent portion of the small intestine. The bypassed portion of the stomach and small intestine remain in place, but never receive food again. Weight is lost for two reasons: calories are restricted by pouch size and malabsorption of nutrients occurs. Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric BandingCommonly referred to as lap band surgery, this restrictive and reversible procedure places a hollow, silicone ring, or band, around the main portion of the stomach. The band creates a small passageway between the uppermost part and the rest of the stomach, thus restricting the amount of food that be comfortably eaten. The degree of stomach restriction is controlled by the amount of fluid in the band. This is adjusted by injecting fluid via a component called a port that is surgically secured just under the skin of the stomach wall. One of two devices may be used in restricting the stomach: the LAP-BAND® System or the REALIZE™ Adjustable Gastric Band. Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve GastrectomyVertical sleeve gastrectomy is a purely restrictive and irreversible procedure in which approximately 85% of the stomach is cut and removed, creating a slim banana or tubular shaped stomach. Although normal functions of the stomach are preserved, weight is lost because the amount of calories that can be digested is drastically reduced. And patients feel fuller faster because the newly-created tubular shape creates resistance to volumes of food. Why Catholic Health?Bariatric Surgery Center of ExcellenceThe bariatric program at Sisters Hospital has earned recognition nationwide:
Nutrition and Wellness SupportPart of the bariatric program, nutrition counseling begins at Synergy Bariatrics and continues at Sisters Hospital. Each patient undergoing a bariatric procedure meets with Karen A. Stawiasz, a registered nurse and bariatric coordinator at Sisters Hospital. As a medical professional and an associate member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, Karen recognizes the unique needs of the bariatric patient. Under Karen’s guidance, personnel provide prompt responses and make themselves available for patients’ needs and questions. Massages are also available to treat muscle stiffness and pain. Before their discharge, patients are counseled regarding diet and exercise to encourage weight loss while maintaining optimum health. Information is also provided about wound care, follow-up appointments and special care instructions. State-of-the-Art Bariatric WingThe Bariatric Wing at Sisters Hospital is located on 3 West and is designed specifically to accommodate our patients seeking weight loss surgery. Patient SatisfactionOur patients are consistently satisfied with the care and service they receive at Sisters of Charity Hospital. In September 2008, Synergy Bariatrics surveyed 100 patients. Most agreed that:
Coverage for Canadian PatientsSynergy Bariatrics has been named a preferred provider by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in Canada. Our services will now be covered by OHIP for Ontario patients undergoing bariatric surgery at Sisters Hospital. More InformationFor more information about Catholic Health’s bariatric services, contact HealthConnection at (716) 447-6205 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday - Friday. Or visit Synergy Bariatrics online at www.synergybariatrics.com. |