Obesity

The number of overweight Americans currently stands at record levels. This increase in obesity in turn has created a population experiencing significant medical issues triggered or made worse by obesity like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and others.

More than 34 percent of Americans are currently considered clinically or morbidly obese, making obesity the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Morbid obesity is a very complex medical disease with serious economic, social and psychological impacts. It is also the cause of a number of medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea and joint disease.                         Surgical treatment of morbid obesity has been shown to be an effective tool to help people with morbid obesity achieve and maintain a healthier weight.  In patients in whom all other forms of weight loss methods have failed surgery has been shown to provide the longest period of sustained weight loss and maintenance.

 Surgical Weight Loss

The Weight Loss Surgery clinic has partnered with Jonesboro Surgical Associates to offer the Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding and the Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy to treat morbid obesity.

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAP-BAND) induces weight loss by shrinking the capacity of the stomach which reduces the amount of food that can be consumed. This procedure is performed using a laparoscopic technique (through small incisions with a camera rather than a large open incision). A silicone band is fastened around the upper stomach to create a new, small stomach pouch that limits the amount of food you eat. Patients experience earlier sensation of fullness and are satisfied with smaller amounts of food. It also creates a small outlet that slows the emptying of food which helps you feel full longer. About six weeks after the band is placed, you will need a "fill" or "adjustment." This procedure is done as an outpatient, so there is no need to plan for a hospital stay.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy is a restrictive only procedure. It is restrictive in the sense that it limits the amount of food the stomach can hold. Two thirds of the stomach is removed leaving a tube shaped liked the "sleeve of a shirt". The portion of the stomach that is removed is the portion that makes the hormone Ghrelin. Ghrelin controls the appetite; by lowering the levels of this hormone feelings of hunger are also decreased. This procedure is performed laparoscopically, requiring a 1-2 day hospital stay.

St. Bernards and Dr. William McAlexander of Jonesboro Surgical Associates offer continuous support and education before, during and after either surgery. To ensure a successful, comfortable experience for our surgical weight loss patients, we have invested in state-of-the-art surgical equipment and instrumentation in the operating room, and you will recover in specially designed bariatric suites with comfortably sized beds and furniture.

Are you a candidate for surgery?

Only your doctor can say for sure. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines individuals 100 pounds over their ideal weight, or having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater as "morbidly obese." Even if you have a BMI of 35 to 40, you may still be a candidate if you have significant medical complications from your obesity such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or lung problems or sleep apnea.

Ask your physician for more information on the surgical procedures to treat obesity at The Weight Loss Surgery Clinic at St. Bernards, or directly contact us by phone at at 870.207.7345 or email us at wlsclinic@sbrmc.org

Jonesboro Surgical Associates and The Weight Loss Surgery Clinic offer free informational seminars on weight loss surgery options. Check the "event" section for dates or visit stbernards.info to sign up online.