Providing Comprehensive Information About Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric Surgery

The American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) estimates that more than 177,000 Americans with morbid obesity had bariatric surgery in 2006. This represents a 480% increase in the number of procedures performed since 2000.

Demand for bariatric weight loss surgery, and information about the different procedures that are performed, is growing exponentially. With this in mind, the Little Company of Mary Bariatric Surgery Center, located near Chicago in Evergreen Park, Illinois, has launched a comprehensive Web site in conjunction with the Midwest Bariatric Institute intended to educate individuals who may be considering bariatric surgery, and to counter commonly held misconceptions about bariatric surgery.

The new Web site features information about the primary types of bariatric surgery performed by Dr. Gerald Cahill, who has more than 15 years of experience with weight loss surgery: Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery; Lap-Band surgery; and open vs. laparoscopic surgeries.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery is the most commonly performed surgical weight loss procedure. The surgery is usually done laparoscopically, and in most cases requires only six small, minimally invasive incisions. Patients who undergo gastric bypass surgeries typically report losing 60% to 80% of their excess weight in 1 to 2 years.

Laparoscopic gastric banding, or Lap-Band surgery, is performed by placing an adjustable band around the patient's upper stomach, creating a tiny stomach pouch. The result is that the patient experiences satisfaction and fullness from a smaller amount of food. Patients who undergo lap-banding typically lose 50% to 60% of their excess weight in 3 to 5 years.

The Little Company of Mary Bariatric Surgery Center and Midwest Bariatric Institute's Web site also features information about the digestive system, obesity, body mass index (BMI), the surgical process, and life after surgery. An interactive BMI calculator allows visitors to determine their own body mass indexes and risk for obesity. Pre-surgical questions, including questions about whether insurance covers bariatric weight loss surgery, are discussed on the Web site, along with post-surgical concerns such as skin sagging and dumping syndrome. The stories of nine patients who successfully underwent bariatric surgery also are told.

The publication of its new Web site is consistent with the Little Company of Mary Bariatric Surgery Center's mission to provide excellent, personalized care for patients requesting weight loss surgery. After completing a rigorous certification process, the Little Company of Mary Bariatric Surgery Center was recently named a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery.