Good Samaritan Medical Center Bariatric Surgery
Why Choose Weight Loss Surgery at Good Samaritan Medical Center?
Restore your health and regain confidence with a proven long-term weight-loss solution. The weight loss surgery team at Good Samaritan Medical Center is ready to guide you on your journey to a healthier and more active life.
If you’re 100 pounds or more overweight you may be a candidate for medical weight-loss. The reasons are more than cosmetic. People who are more than 30 percent over their ideal weight often experience serious medical problems, such as heart disease and diabetes, and may be at increased risk for certain cancers.
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Find a Bariatric Surgeon
Find a bariatric surgeon dedicated to helping you achieve your weight loss goals. Explore our specialists and take the first step today. -
Online Bariatric Seminar
Struggling with obesity? Explore medical weight loss solutions. Join our online seminar for info on benefits, candidacy, surgery options, and more. Sign up now!
Weight Loss Management Program at Good Samaritan Medical Center
The program offers exceptional care with doctors and nurses specially trained in all aspects of bariatric care. Here are a few more reasons to choose Good Samaritan Medical Center for your weight-loss surgery
Our bariatric surgeons have many years’ experience in performing surgical weight loss surgery.
Eduardo Parra-Davila, MD, FACS, FASCRS
Bariatric, Colorectal & General Surgery
Good Samaritan Medical Center’s Bariatric and Weight Loss program is recognized by BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION with a Blue Distinction® Centers for Bariatric Surgery designation, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.
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For more information on our Bariatric Surgeons click here.
Abraham Betancourt, MD
Bariatric & General Surgery
Good Samaritan Medical Center’s Bariatric and Weight Loss program is accredited as a Comprehensive Center by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®), a joint Quality Program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
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From seminar to surgery to postoperative therapy, our dedicated staff coordinates your care, making your journey toward better health an easier one.
Our experienced surgeons and caring staff are here to help you reach your goal of a healthy and more active life. At Good Samaritan Medical Center’s Weight Loss program, bariatric nurses will be with you through every step of your weight-loss journey. Our commitment to your health doesn’t end after you walk out our door, you’ll receive a personalized plan to ensure your continued success through education, support and a variety of exercise programs.
Benefits of Weight-Loss Surgery
Surgery can be a scary prospect, but it’s important to remember that the benefits of weight loss typically outweigh the risks associated with surgery. Weight-loss surgery has benefits beyond weight loss as well, which may include:
- Long-term remission or reversal of type 2 diabetes*
- Improved mobility and increased energy
- Lowered risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke
- Reduced or eliminated joint pain
- Improved mood and feelings of wellbeing
- Increased self-esteem and confidence
*A study by the National Institutes of Health found that 10 to 15 years after having weight-loss surgery, obese patients were less likely to develop — and more likely to recover from — type 2 diabetes and other heart disease risk factors. These patients also showed an almost 25 percent reduction in early death, compared with obese patients who didn't have the procedure.
Robotic-Assisted Bariatric Surgery with da Vinci® Xi
The da Vinci Xi system lets our surgeons perform gastric bypass (also called Roux-en-Y) and sleeve gastrectomy bariatric procedures using minimally invasive techniques. Patients may have a shorter length of stay after surgery when their doctor uses the precise capabilities of the da Vinci system. Here’s how robotic-assisted surgery works:
- Your surgeon makes a few small incisions and uses a 3D high-definition camera for a clear, magnified view of the surgical area.
- Using the camera, the surgeon guides the tiny instruments to perform the procedure.
- Every hand movement of the surgeon is translated by the da Vinci system in real-time, bending and rotating the instruments so he or she can operate on the digestive system.
We Are with You on Your Weight Loss Journey
Meet Caroline, who faced challenges with her weight and found it difficult to navigate stairs without becoming breathless. After attempting numerous diets in the past, she discovered Good Samaritan Medical Center’s Weight Loss Surgery program, which transformed her life.
Lose the bad stuff that comes with the weight, too
Depression, high blood pressure and risk of diabetes are some of the most common health issues associated with obesity. Infertility, sleep apnea and osteoarthritis could also complicate your health as well. Surgical weight loss may reduce your weight, but it can also potentially treat these symptoms or future health risks.
Weight loss surgery is generally designed for those with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 40, or equal to or greater than 35 with serious co-morbidities. Weight loss surgery is considered safe, but like many types of surgery, it does have risks. Consult with your physician about the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery.
Learn more about the Good Samaritan Medical Center’s Surgical Weight Loss Program. Contact our Bariatric Clinical Program Coordinator via email [email protected] for more information on the procedure.
Weight Loss Surgery FAQ
The cost for the procedure will vary depending upon where the procedure is performed, how long you stay in the facility and other factors. Your doctor or the program coordinator will be able to give you an estimate of the total cost.
It is anticipated that patients will feel little or no discomfort from the procedure. To date, the only noted side effects have been short-term sore throat, swollen tongue and lip pain from the insertion of the instruments into the mouth.
Typically patients return to normal activity within a few days of their procedure. Your doctor will give you specific instructions. In addition, patients are asked to follow a post bariatric surgery diet and exercise plan, similar to the regimen prescribed following the initial bypass surgery. In addition, follow-up appointments with your doctor and regular visits with bariatric support staff will be required.
Typically, patients stay less than 23 hours. You may be discharged the same day if the procedure was done early in the morning, or you may stay overnight. Your surgeon will make the determination following your procedure.
Some insurance policies do cover bariatric surgery. It depends on your employer, your group coverage, and if your insurance has a rider for bariatric surgery. Your insurance can be verified over the phone with your insurance provider.
As with gastric bypass surgery, coverage will vary depending upon the insurance provider. A specialist in your physician’s office will discuss your plan with you. In the event insurance will not cover the procedure, financing options may be available. Check with your surgeon’s office for information on possible financing programs as well as potential tax advantages for any expenses you may incur.
This procedure is one of the first of many potential applications for incisionless surgery. Incisionless surgery is considered the next wave in minimally invasive procedures and, in addition to obesity, it has generated interest among physicians in areas such as GERD, GI cancer and NOTES (Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery).
A number of studies suggest that patients regain weight due to the gradual enlargement of the surgically altered small stomach pouch and stoma, the connection between the stomach and small intestine. When the Roux-en-Y procedure is performed, the stomach and stoma are made very small, which slows the passage of food and creates a feeling of fullness after just a small volume of food is eaten. It is believed that when the stomach pouch and stoma gradually enlarge, the feeling of fullness is no longer present, patients can eat larger meals, and weight gain occurs.
It is too soon to estimate the likely procedure success rate. However, to date, the procedure has been well tolerated and the first few patients have experienced weight loss within the first 4 weeks and a reduction in food volume capacity.
The qualifications for bariatric surgery are based largely on a calculation called your Body Mass Index or BMI. This is a calculation based on your height and weight.
You may be a candidate for weight loss surgery if:
- Your BMI is 40 or greater with or without co-morbidities (medical conditions)
- Your BMI is 35 or greater with co-morbidities (medical conditions)
- Regardless of your BMI, bariatric surgery should be reserved for those who have tried non-surgical methods of weight-loss and have been unsuccessful.