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Services

Bariatric Program

Community Memorial Hospital, along with Zane Prewitt, MD, and Advanced Healthcare, is committed to helping patients determine if bariatric surgery is right for them. "For certain patients, bariatric surgery is definitely the best option," said Dr. Prewitt. "It isn't a short-cut or 'cheating.' It is a way for them to finally take control and take a step toward improving their health and their lives."

Bariatric surgery is used to treat patients who are considered obese. Obesity specifically refers to an excess amount of body fat and is more than a cosmetic problem; it is a health problem.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is used to assess obesity health risks. Obesity is defined as a BMI of 30, severe obesity is associated with a BMI of 35 and morbid obesity with a BMI of 40 or higher. Patients with a BMI greater than 40, or a BMI over 35 with other related life-threatening conditions, may be candidates for bariatric surgery. Take a moment to Find your BMI.

Providing the keys for successful weight loss

"It is important to remember that surgery is one step in the road to weight loss," said Barb Taggart, a Registered Dietitian at Community Memorial and Coordinator for the Bariatric Program. "Diet, exercise and behavior modification are essential components for success. Surgery alone is not the cure."

To meet all the needs of the patient, comprehensive services have been designed to evaluate, treat and monitor patients in the bariatric program. Components of the program include:

• Diet - Each patient meets individually with a registered dietitian prior to surgery, as well as several times after surgery. The goal for these sessions is to help re-educate the patient regarding healthy eating, as well as to discuss the specific restrictions surgery will make necessary. In general, the gastric bypass diet is high in protein and fluid and low in fat, calories and sugar. Necessary vitamins and minerals are provided as supplements. People who follow the recommended advice can expect to lose 50 to 80 percent of their excess body weight.
• Exercise - Exercise is an important part of each patient's lifestyle following surgery. Experts are available to help the patient design an exercise program that meets his or her needs, restrictions and preferences.
• Behavior Modification - The success of the surgery is also dependent on the patient's ability to change engrained behaviors. Pre-surgical evaluations will help determine if the patient is prepared for the procedure. Post-surgery counseling is also available to help with issues such as stress management, substituting other behaviors in place of eating and the development of healthy relationships.
• Support - A support group of patients who have had bariatric surgery at Community Memorial meets monthly at the hospital. The group provides education and guidance, as well as support and encouragement.

Providing options to meet the needs of patients

Two separate surgical options are available for patients considering bariatric surgery. Both options are single components in a comprehensive program designed by a team of specialists. Your team will help you determine which procedure is best for you. Surgeries are performed by Dr. Zane Prewitt, who is a member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgery.

Prior to either surgery, the patient is given instructions regarding eating and drinking, as well as exercise and behavior modification. When combined, these lifestyle changes will allow the patient to reach the goal of a healthy weight.

Roux-en-Y Surgery

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass practices by two principles - restriction and mal-absorption. The procedure reduces the size of the stomach. The original size, 1 quart (the size of a melon) is changed to 1 ounce (about the size of an egg). Eventually the stomach pouch will stretch until it can hold 4 to 8 ounces, or 1/2 to 1 cup, at a time. This restricts the amount a patient can eat. In addition, the size of the opening between the stomach and the small intestine is reduced to roughly 1/2 inch wide, slowing the rate at which food is emptied from the stomach into the small intestine. Finally, the small intestine is surgically divided and reconnected to the new, smaller stomach pouch. By dividing and reconnecting the small intestine, the length of intestine that is available to absorb nutrition is reduced. This creates mal-absorption, decreasing the amount of calories absorbed.

Lap Band

The Lap Band, or gastric band, is placed around the patient's stomach laprascopically. It does not alter the normal anatomy. The band can be adjusted to allow more or less food to pass using a saline solution injected through a port just beneath the patient's skin.

Real success for real people

To appreciate the life-changing difference bariatric surgery can make, read about Debby Smith and Jenifer Dewsenberry, two patients who took command of their lives - and are living happier, healthier lives as a result.

For more information

To learn more about bariatric surgery or to schedule a surgical consultation with Dr. Prewitt, call Careconnection at 262.251.1001.