St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center

The ramifications of being overweight can bring social discrimination as well as increase
the risk of Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, gall bladder, diabetes, asthma and other diseases. St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center offers a bariatric surgery program to help those who are morbidly obese.

Bariatrics is the area of medicine that deals with prevention, control and treatment of obesity. Morbid obesity is defined as being overweight by 80 pounds or more. Severe obesity is a chronic condition, which is difficult to treat through diet and exercise alone. For some, it is more than battling just a few extra pounds; it could be a matter of life or death. Obesity not only increases mortality rate but also escalates the risk of other major health problems.

An astounding 67% of American adults are afflicted and that number is steadily rising – and rapidly affecting the younger population. In our fast-paced, multitasking 21st century world, maintaining proper nutrition can be very difficult. Even for those who do eat well and exercise, plenty of other factors - stress, genetics, etc. - can keep the pounds from coming off. At its most severe, obesity becomes a chronic condition. That means it just does not go away, regardless of diet and exercise. Severe chronic obesity is more than battling just a few extra pounds; it can be a matter of life or death.

For people suffering from long-term severe chronic obesity who have run out of non-surgical options, bariatric surgery could offer hope. Although bariatric surgery has proven effective, it is not without risks. Anyone considering surgery should be well informed of the risks involved. Patients must also participate in therapy and follow-up after surgery. They must demonstrate that they clearly understand how their lives can change following surgery.

There are two types of weight-loss surgery commonly performed at St. Catherine's: gastric bypass, and gastric banding. These surgeries typically result in dramatic weight loss. Gastric bypass involves sealing off most of the stomach to reduce and control the amount of food a person can ingest. The small intestine is rearranged to reduce the amount of calories absorbed by the body. Gastric Banding or “Lap Band” involves a synthetic device that is placed at the top part of the stomach, creating a smaller compartment which restricts the amount of food a person can ingest per meal. The food passes through a narrow channel and empties into the larger stomach compartment and gets digested in the normal way.

Potential weight-loss surgery candidates are morbidly obese people who are determined to safeguard their future and eradicate their struggle with this lifelong, life-threatening weight problem. However, successful results depend on knowledge, personal motivation and behavior.
The Medical Center offers ongoing education and support for those who have undergone surgery or are planning surgery in the future. St. Catherine’s supportive staff of health care professionals, including board certified bariatric surgeons, and a registered nutritionist, are dedicated to provide patients with the help needed to reach their long term weight goals.

Bariatric Program

The Bariatric Program at St. Catherine of Siena was established to provide a comprehensive weight loss center, offering the essential elements for individuals seeking long term successful weight loss.