The Bariatric Surgery Program at University Hospitals was formed in March 1998. UH was named a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) in 2006. The ASBS Center of Excellence designation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of favorable outcomes in bariatric surgery.
The Bariatric Surgery Program enables morbidly obese patients to find a lasting solution to their weight loss challenges and associated health problems. UH surgeons perform the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, which is endorsed by the National Institutes of Health as one of the most effective surgical procedures for morbid obesity. UH’s Bariatric Surgery Program also offers laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, Gastric Sleeve Resections and a Lap Band program.
Roux-en-y gastric bypass Effective Surgical Solution
The surgeon staples the upper portion of the stomach to create a small pouch about the size of a thumb, reducing the stomach’s capacity from about 50 ounces to just one or two ounces. That pouch is connected to the small intestine to maintain the digestion process.
Results of gastric bypass surgery are usually dramatic. Patients can lose up to 100 pounds in the first year. More importantly, they can keep that weight off. Gastric bypass is the most popular form of bariatric surgery performed. Since 1998, more than 950 patients have undergone gastric bypass surgery with our Program.
LAP-BAND® System
The LAP-BAND System places an inflatable band around the upper part of the stomach. This creates a smaller stomach pouch, which restricts the amount of food that can be consumed at one time and increases digestion time.
During the first year after surgery, weight loss with the gastric bypass is greater than with the LAP-BAND System. Results are closer after five years, with LAP-BAND patients averaging 55% weight loss while gastric bypass patients average 59%.1
Gastric Sleeve Resections
The Gastric Sleeve Resection is often the first step of a two-stage bypass operation where the stomach is reduced to the shape of a tube instead of a stomach sack. This procedure is usually performed on super-obese or high-risk patients. Sleeve resections allow the patient to reach a safe weight so the more radical bypass can then be offered.
A Comprehensive Program Approach
Surgery is only one component of our Program’s comprehensive approach to helping patients overcome obesity -- a process that involves a total lifestyle modification. The Program includes an extensive pre-operative evaluation and long term follow-up by the medical team.
Unparalleled Care
In addition to the physicians, the Bariatric Surgery Program’s staff includes program coordinators, a registered dietician, physical therapist, mental health clinical nurse specialist and medical/surgical nursing staff.
Additional medical services in areas such as cardiology, pulmonology, endocrinology, gastroenterology and plastic surgery, are available through specialists from University Hospitals.
The Bariatric Surgery Program at University Hospitals has recently been designated as a Bariatric Center of Excellence and can assist Medicare patients.