About our Weight Loss Surgery Program

If you're considering weight loss surgery, consider Saint Francis Healthcare for Surgical Weight Loss.

Our experienced, multi-disciplinary team consists of a highly trained weight loss surgeon, nurse practitioner, medical assistants, patient advocates and dietitians. We have helped more than 7,500 individuals in their journey to a healthier life. We provide sensitive and comfortable environment to help ensure long-term success.

Our Center for Surgical Weight Loss has been recognized as the following:

• Accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), a joint program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS)
• UnitedHealth Premium Specialty Center Designation for Bariatric Surgery
• CIGNA Quality Designation for Gastric Bypass
• Blue Cross/Blue Shield Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery Excellence

The Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery

• Restore your health
• Regain your confidence
• Realize your weight loss goals
• Really enjoy your life

Our patients also describe to us an improved quality of life and the ability to participate in activities that were too difficult prior to their weight loss.

How to monitor and protect heart health by Dr. Robert Wegner, Bariatric Surgeon.

World Obesity Day

Raising Awareness on World Obesity Day

Mission Statement

Our mission is provide excellent and personalized care for patients desiring weight loss surgery. We strive to help you achieve a realistic goal weight, a positive attitude about your health, and to improve the quality of your life.

Am I A Candidate?

Candidates for surgery are generally:

• Post pubescent
• Severely obese (BMI of 40 or more; 100 pounds or more overweight)
• Obese (BMI of 35-39.9) and suffering from obesity-related disease (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, diabetes, heart or lung disease).
• Experiencing personal, work-related, or relationship problems due to obesity
• Able to commit to long-term medical follow-up, as well as the lifestyle, dietary, and exercise changes necessary to maintain health after surgery
• Willing to undergo a psychological evaluation to understand the responsibilities of life after weight loss surgery and ensure there are no considerations that could interfere with long term success
• Surgery may be associated with its own set of problems, such as infection, poor wound healing, and rarely even death. Therefore, you and your surgeon should carefully discuss the risks of your current health condition compared to the risks and benefits of surgery.

Remember:

• Weight loss surgery is not cosmetic surgery
• Weight loss surgery does not involve the removal of adipose tissue (fat) by suction or surgery.
• You must commit to long-term lifestyle changes, including healthy diet and exercise, which are key to the success of weight loss surgery.

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. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is also FDA-approved for weight loss surgery in people with a BMI of 30 to 35 who have at least one obesity-related condition. 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.