As one of the first facilities in El Paso of its kind, Providence Regional Bariatric Center is staffed by a team of medical professionals trained in the surgical intervention of obesity, as well as lifestyle modification and nutritional programs.
How does Bariatric Surgery work?
Bariatric Surgery is a gastric bypass surgical procedure designed to decrease the size of the stomach then creating a "short cut" between the small stomach and the intestine. Done successfully, this procedure will reduce food intake, decrease hunger and promote long-term weight loss. As a result, your food program after the surgery will:
- Limit food choices and amounts
- Over time, your diet may be gradually advanced as tolerated to a soft, low-fat diet and a more "normal" eating pattern
- Limit calories while providing adequate nutrition to preserve muscle mass and prevent nutrient deficiencies
- The diet helps promote food tolerance, long-term weight maintenance, and optimal health
- A registered dietician and the bariatric coordinator will meet with you to explain your diet.
- Choosing a surgical option for the treatment of morbid obesity is a life-long commitment. Your dietary intake, exercise, and medications often require permanent modification. Your surgeon and the healthcare team at Providence Regional Bariatric Center will assist you in reaching your success. As each case is different and must be independently evaluated and managed, actual weight loss will vary.
Who qualifies for this surgery?
Pre-determination evaluations include a medical and dietary history assessment, a fitness status assessment, and a psychological readiness assessment. Some examples of criteria that must be met include:
- Morbid obesity – overweight by 100 pounds or more – with associated medical conditions such as hypertension, sleep apnea, diabetes, and others
- Failure of previously attempted medical weight loss programs, such as changes in diet, exercise and drug therapy
- Limitations to performing activities of daily living, including family and work functions
- Understanding of the procedure, risks of surgery and effects after surgery, including dietary and exercise commitments
- Once evaluated, some patients will not be candidates for the surgery
How do I know if I’m morbidly obese?
A Body Mass Index (BMI) of greater than 40. The BMI is a standardized method for comparing patients of different heights and weights, and scoring them to figure the relationship of their weight to their height.
What can patients expect from this program?
Each patient will receive individualized treatment tailored to his or her specific needs.
Bariatric team consists of a:
- Bariatric Nurse Coordinator
- Anesthesiologist
- Registered Dietician
- Nursing Staff
- Psychologist
- Surgeon
Why is weight loss important?
Clinically morbid obesity is a disease that has serious health consequences, including:
- Increased mortality rate
- Increased cardiac dysfunction
- Increased pulmonary (respiration) problems, also known as hypoventilation syndrome
- Increased endocrine (gland) disorders
- Increased risk of obstetric, orthopedic and dermatologic complications
- Increased risk of digestive diseases
- Increased risk of high blood pressure and diabetes
- Increased risk of psychological disorders (depression)
Is Bariatric Surgery considered cosmetic surgery?
No, Bariatric Surgery is not considered cosmetic surgery. It is recognized as a sub-interest in the field of general surgery and is recognized by the National Institutes of Health Consensus Conference of 1991.
Surgery for severe obesity can be an effective way of achieving sustained weight loss. However, as with any treatment for obesiy, the results are highly dependent on the motivation and behavior changes made by the patient.
Will my insurance cover the costs?
Your health insurance may cover the expenses of Bariatric Surgery if certain criteria are met. To facilitate the insurance approval process, patients need to provide records from your primary care physician, especially those related to obesity and its co-morbidities. If reimbursement with your insurance company is denied, we are available to discuss other options.
How do I start?
Patients may be referred to the Providence Regional Bariatric Center by their physicians, but walk-ins are also welcome.
Call the Providence Regional Bariatric Center at 577-6000 to schedule an appointment with the Bariatric Coordinator and find out more about Bariatric Surgical Intervention for Obesity.
For individuals struggling with obesity, Providence Regional Bariatric Center offers advanced Bariatric technology and individualized treatment alternatives specifically designed to promote long-term weight management.
Call us today to find out more about this life-changing medical program at 577-6000.