For Immediate Release
July 22, 2002
Contact: Maria E. Ramos
(219) 865-2141, ext. 45321
Maria.Ramos@ssfhs.org

HAMMOND/DYER, Ind.—HAMMOND—The Comprehensive Bariatric Center at Saint Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers is the first multidisciplinary program of its kind for weight management in the morbidly obese in Northwest Indiana. “The center provides a warm and supportive environment for potential bariatric surgery candidates and for patients who have undergone the surgery,” said Dr. Derrick Jeter, board certified surgeon on staff at Saint Margaret Mercy and medical director of the Comprehensive Bariatric Center.

The center’s multidisciplinary approach includes:

• Medical history and physical examination
• Medical and surgical work-up
• Treatment of life-threatening medical conditions brought on by obesity, known as co-morbidities
• Psychological evaluation, screening and counseling
• Ongoing individualized consultations with a registered dietitian
• Surgical consultation and follow-up care
• Risk/benefit education
• Fitness and toning education

According to the American Society of Bariatric Surgery, evolving surgical techniques have resulted in progressive improvement in both the safety and long-term integrity of bariatric surgical procedures.

Bariatric surgery is considered for people who are morbidly obese:

• At least 100 pounds over their ideal body weight for their height
• Have a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 40 kg/m2
• Have a BMI of greater than 35 kg/m2 with significant co-morbidities
• Can show that dietary attempts at weight control have been ineffective

Ideal body weight is based on the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company’s New Weight Standards for Men and Women, a recognized standard. BMI is weight, expressed in kilograms, divided by height, expressed in meters.

Surgical candidates under 20 and over the age of 60 are chosen on a case-by-case basis. Exclusionary criteria for bariatric surgery include, ongoing drug or alcohol abuse and untreated psychological illness, including depression.

The Roux-en Y Gastric Bypass (RGB)

There are several techniques for performing bariatric surgery. The surgical procedure performed at Saint Margaret Mercy is the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RGB). This procedure involves creating a small stomach pouch from which the rest of the stomach is separated. Because the lower part of the stomach is bypassed, the result is an early sense of fullness, followed by a profound sense of satisfaction.

Patients who undergo surgery are prescribed a special diet for post-op weight management. Patients stay in the hospital three to six days after RGB surgery. Weight loss usually reaches a maximum between 12 and 30 months after surgery with ongoing nutritional consultations.

“The benefits of bariatric surgery outweigh the risks for many morbidly obese patients,” Dr. Jeter said. “It is the only option that provides significant, sustained weight loss after medical weight management, diet and exercise have been unsuccessful.”

Treatment reduces the risk of co-morbidities, such as:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• High cholesterol
• Respiratory failure
• Sleep apnea
• Some cancers

“Patients will be more comfortable both physically and emotionally,” Dr. Jeter said. “There also is opportunity for increased physical activity and a return to a normal lifestyle.”

To learn more about the Comprehensive Bariatric Center at Saint Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers or to schedule a consultation, call 219-852-2518 or 708-891-9305, ext. 32518.