The Surgical Process
Review a "60 Minutes" news story on
Bypass Surgery:
"Gastric bypass surgery has long been an effective weapon in the battle against obesity, but could it also force type 2 diabetes into almost instant remission? If so, why aren't more people eligible for the operation? Lesley Stahl went looking for answers. "
View the segment: "The
Bypass Effect: Stopping Diabetes?"
Bariatric surgery is a medically proven way
to treat obesity and has helped many people live a more fulfilling,
active and healthier life. But it is part of an entire process
of change. The Little Company of Mary Bariatric Surgery Center
is committed to high standards of quality for its surgical
procedures as well as the complete lifestyle assistance that must
accompany them. This section prepares you for weight loss
surgery and explains the different surgical options available at our
center.
WHY DOES BARIATRIC SURGERY WORK?
Many patients who are morbidly obese have tried to lose weight through diet change and exercise. But some patients are different, and even major lifestyle changes haven't worked. Bariatric surgery can be particularly effective because it decreases the amount of food a patient can intake or reduces the amount the body can absorb or metabolize. The result of these procedures and continued support is that, over time, patients can lose up to 50-60% of their excess body weight over 3-5 years from Lap-Band�(r) gastric banding surgery and up to 60-80% over one year with gastric bypass surgery.
CHOOSING A TRUSTED PROGRAM
Bariatric surgery is safe and effective when performed by experienced weight loss surgeons. Dr. Gerald Cahill is the Medical Director of the Midwest Bariatric Institute and the Little Company of Mary Bariatric Surgery Center. He has performed more than 800 successful weight loss surgeries with no surgical mortality, a safety record that is critical with these high-risk procedures. Dr. Cahill has extensive experience and special interest in weight loss surgery and advanced laparoscopic surgery.
The Little Company of Mary Bariatric Surgery Center has been certified a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS). The ASBS Center of Excellence designation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of favorable outcomes in bariatric surgery.
Our team has years of experience and specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques. But we offer more than surgical support alone. Together with a complete program including nutritional, exercise, and psychological support along with monthly groups and metabolic evaluation, the Little Company of Mary Bariatric Surgery Center uses a complete range of treatment for lasting weight loss success. The bariatric team includes surgeons, internists, pulmonologists, psychologists, nurses and dietitians who are trained and experienced in the care of surgical weight loss patients.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A BARIATRIC PROGRAM
Is your bariatric surgeon board-certified?
Yes. Dr Gerald Cahill is board-certified in general and colon-rectal surgery and has successfully performed more than
800 weight loss surgeries. The American College of Surgeons recommends that surgeons practicing bariatric surgery are
certified within five years after completion of an accredited residency program in general surgery. This gives them an
understanding of morbid obesity as a disease and an intimate knowledge of the various diseases and conditions that are
worsened by obesity. It also helps develop their skills in patient education and selection and strengthens their
commitment to long-term patient management and follow-up. Click here to learn more about Dr. Cahill.
Is your surgeon an expert in laparoscopic techniques?
Yes. We offer the Lap-Band�(r) gastric banding system and the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, both of which are
done minimally invasively. Click here to learn more about the surgical procedures.
Does your bariatric program strictly adhere to rules for patient selection?
Yes. Before any surgery is considered, our experts evaluate each patient and make determinations for surgery based on their weight, health, diet,
history of attempted weight loss, commitment and psychological factors as determined by the American Society of Bariatric Surgery. All patients must go through this multidisciplinary approach. Click to learn more about Who is a Candidate?
Is your facility and staff dedicated to bariatric care?
Yes. The Little Company of Mary Bariatric Surgery Center is a dedicated institute devoted to the treatment of obesity,
staffed by experts who specialize in the procedures used to help you fight it. Click here to learn more about our team.
Will you work with me to gain insurance approval?
Yes. Insurance companies realize the health concerns and complications of obesity, and many provide coverage for
weight-loss surgery. We'll work with you and your insurance company to determine your coverage, or if you're
not covered, we'll help you find the financing you'll need. Click here to learn more.
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