Weight-Loss Surgery. Regain your quality of life.

Transcription

1 Weight-Loss Surgery Regain your quality of life.

2 If you are struggling with obesity consider weight-loss surgery at Aiken Regional. For the more than 10 million severely overweight people in the United States, inability to lose weight may be a matter of life or death due to the damaging physical effects of obesity. The good news is that losing weight can prevent associated health issues and help to prolong life. The even better news is that laparoscopic gastric banding surgery may be a weight-loss option for you and it s now available close to home, at Aiken Regional Medical Centers. Weight-loss surgery may be right for you if: You are between 18 and 65 years of age. You are at least 80 pounds overweight, depending on other health conditions. Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is greater than 35. You have tried other weight-loss methods without success. You are medically stable and physically able to withstand surgery. You complete all required preoperative testing. *Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

3 Weight-loss surgery close to home means convenient preoperative and follow-up care. A bariatric nurse navigator guides every patient through the entire process. Call to schedule an appointment. Benefits of Laparoscopic Gastric Banding Many gastric banding patients who are severely obese (100 pounds or more over their ideal weight) can lose up to 60 to 80 percent of excess weight within the first 12 to 24 months, and keep it off. Patients often report an improved body image and self-esteem, as well as the ability to be more active. In addition, reducing your weight through surgery can partially or completely resolve health problems including: High cholesterol Sleep apnea Gastric reflux disease Diabetes It may also decrease your risk for high blood pressure and certain types of cancer.

4 How the Procedure Works The surgeon places an inflatable band around the upper part of your stomach. This creates a smaller pouch with a narrowed outlet, limiting the amount of food you can eat and increasing your feeling of fullness. The Weight-Loss Surgery Journey We re with You Every Step of the Way Aiken Regional has developed a three-month process to support you as you decide whether weight-loss surgery is right for you. Patients must meet certain health-related requirements, but also must be prepared for the significant lifestyle changes necessary after surgery. The first step is to attend one of Aiken Regional s free seminars for more information. If you decide to move forward with the procedure, you ll schedule an appointment with our bariatric navigator, who will help determine your eligibility. If you are eligible, the bariatric navigator will also assist you with the next step: scheduling appointments with a nutritionist, exercise therapist, psychologist and the surgeon s office. If you qualify for surgery, you will be given access to online resources enabling you and your surgeon to collaborate on a customized plan that focuses on establishing healthy habits in the areas of nutrition, physical activity and emotional well-being. It also allows both of you to monitor your progress after surgery and compare it to your recorded goals.

5 Better health is the reward of this journey. Edward Rapp II, MD, bariatric surgeon A graduate of Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., Dr. Rapp has performed more than 250 bariatric surgical procedures since Free Weight-Loss Surgery Information Seminars Attend one of our free monthly seminars with Bariatric Surgeon Edward J. Rapp, II, MD to learn more about the benefits of laparoscopic gastric banding surgery, and whether you may be a candidate for this weight-loss option. Call Direct DoctorsSMPlus at for the date, time and location of our next seminar, or visit go to Community Events in the left-hand column, and click on Quarterly Seminars.

6 118 1 ROBERT M. BELL PARKWAY USC Aiken MAIN ENTRANCE 78 UNIVERSITY PARKWAY AIKEN-AUGUSTA HWY. Cancer Care Institute MIRACLE DR. Aiken Medical Center Aiken Regional Medical Centers TROLLEY LINE RD. PHYSICIAN DR. Palmetto Pediatric Center The Imaging Center Women s LifeCare Diagnostic Services MEDICAL PARK DR. Aurora Pavilion AURORA PLACE RICHLAND AVE. Wound Healing Institute of Carolina HUDSON DR. GREGG AVE University Parkway Aiken, SC Physicians are on the medical staff of Aiken Regional Medical Centers, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not agents or employees of Aiken Regional Medical Centers. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians