Franciscan Health offers a variety of weight loss programs and services.
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Weight Loss Surgery
While exercise and healthy eating are good for long-range health, some people need more help to lose the extra weight. For patients who have been unable to lose weight, weight loss surgery is a step towards better health and a longer life.
Search our physician directory for help finding a bariatric surgeon or weight loss specialist who is right for you
Welcome to Franciscan Health
Weight Loss Surgery
Highly Skilled, Advanced Weight Loss Surgery
Franciscan Health offers surgical options for individuals who have been unsuccessful losing weight with other methods and have a BMI of 40 or more or a BMI of 35 with a co-morbid condition. Our experienced surgeons offer:
Franciscan Health offers adjustable gastric band surgery to help patients who are suffering from severe obesity. Adjustable laparoscopic bands are considered to be much less invasive than gastric bypass surgery. Obesity can cause a host of health problems such diabetes, sleep disorders, heart disease and cancer. For patients who have been unable to lose 100 pounds or more on their own, gastric bypass surgery at Franciscan Health is a step towards better health and a longer life. After weight loss surgery, a person's body changes dramatically. Body contouring or body sculpting can help tighten up after major weight loss following bariatric surgery. Franciscan Health specializes in reconstructive body contouring. When excessive weight gain begins to affect overall health, it is time to talk to your doctor about medical weight loss options. Franciscan Health offers the latest, most advanced weight loss surgeries including gastric sleeve surgery. The Bioenteric Intragastric Balloon (BIB) occupies space in the stomach. The balloon is placed into the stomach through the mouth, using a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure. Once in place, the balloon is filled with salt water (saline) to allow it to expand into a spherical shape which helps the patient feel full. The balloon may remain in the stomach for up to six months and then must be removed.
Conditions for weight loss surgery include:
- BMI of 40 or more
- BMI of 35 with a co-morbid condition such as diabetes, hypertension, etc.
The decision to have weight loss surgery should come with careful consideration. By providing information and answering questions, your surgeon will work with you to determine what type of bariatric surgery is best for you.
What makes weight loss surgery at Franciscan Health different?
In addition to providing advanced bariatric surgery procedures and board-certified bariatric surgeons, Franciscan Health weight loss services feature a highly skilled staff, including:
- Registered nurses with additional training in bariatric populations
- Registered dietitians who focus on diet for bariatric surgery patients and people wanting to lose weight in our medical program
- Behavioral counselors and psychologists
- Insurance/financial counselors
These professionals work with you to customize an individual pre-surgery and post-surgery program that will give you the knowledge and support you need to succeed at your weight loss goals. That support, together with our mission of “continuing Christ’s ministry in our Franciscan tradition,” ensures every patient is treated holistically–body, mind and spirit.
How do I know if my bariatric surgery will be successful?
Bariatric surgery is a tool to lose weight. However, you can help increase your chances for a successful surgery by:
- Not smoking or drinking alcohol prior to or following surgery
- Drinking water and avoiding caffeine
- Beginning an exercise program, if you are able, before surgery
- Joining a support group to receive the encouragement you’ll need after surgery
Following your surgeon’s and bariatric physician’s recommendations will help you continue to lose weight healthfully and address any issues that may arise.
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