Bariatric Programs and Services
Being overweight can affect more than just your appearance. It can significantly increase your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, respiratory difficulties and certain cancers. As the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States, obesity is a major health issue.
New Beginnings Are Possible
If you’re among those who have tried a healthy diet and exercise and can’t lose the excess weight that is causing health problems, weight-loss (bariatric) surgery may be an option. Elmbrook Memorial’s Bariatric Surgery Program is available to individuals who have exhausted other weight-loss options. Bariatric surgery can reduce the risk for many weight-related medical problems, improve overall health and may extend life expectancy.
A Center of Excellence
Weight loss surgery is a life-changing decision and you want only the best medical care for this major procedure.
Elmbrook Memorial and the Bariatric Institute of Wisconsin have been named a bariatric surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, the world’s largest society dedicated to bariatric specialty. They are also named a Bariatric Center of Excellence by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin and as a Cigna Certified Hospital for Bariatric Surgery. Over 1000 bariatric surgeries have been successfully performed at Elmbrook Memorial – creating hope and health for patients and their families.
The Center of Excellence title recognizes only those hospitals and bariatric centers that reach the highest levels of performance.
Highly-Skilled Team
Bariatric surgery is highly specialized and, in partnership with the Bariatric Institute of Wisconsin, we offer one of Wisconsin’s most experienced teams of surgeons and support staff to help care for you pre- and post-operatively. Elmbrook Memorial surgeons were among the first to develop a minimally invasive approach to bariatric surgery.
What Is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery alters the digestive tract in such a way that is restricts the amount of food the stomach can hold so that fewer calories are absorbed. The result is a feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount.
Learn more about your surgery options.
Who Should Consider Bariatric Surgery?
Individuals who have a Body Mass Index (BMI—a measure that takes into account a person’s weight and height) over 40 and/or are more than 100 pounds overweight and have not been successful in reducing their weight through controlled diets and/or medications may be candidates for bariatric surgery. If you do not meet these criteria but are at a severe health risk, surgery may be the only way to accomplish significant weight loss.
Learn more by reading our frequently asked questions.
Why Choose Elmbrook Memorial?
We have one of the highest success rates in the nation along with comprehensive, individualized programs and an advanced level of care. Other benefits to bariatric surgery at Elmbrook Memorial include:
- Named as a Bariatric Center of Excellence.
- Specifically-trained bariatric nurses, dieticians, physical therapist and psychologists.
- 24/7 coverage by four ASBS certified surgeons.
- Hospital anesthesiology, recovery, radiology and nursing staff experienced in the special needs and concerns of bariatric patients.
- Personalized care managed by surgeons both pre-operatively and post-operatively. Support groups before and after surgery.
- Private rooms, furniture and equipment specifically-designed for bariatric patients.
- Financial counseling with self-pay options available
- Over 1000 surgeries performed.
Informational Seminars
Upcoming Free Informational Seminars at Elmbrook Memorial
Please call 1-888-994-3286 to register. Registration is required.
Weight Loss Surgery Solutions
- April 16, 2008
- May 14, 2008
- June – none
- July 23, 2008
- August 20, 2008
- September 24, 2008
- October 15, 2008
- November 19, 2008
- December - none
For more information on the Bariatric Surgery Programs and Services at Elmbrook Memorial, please call (262)-522-8300 or toll-free at 1-888-512-8300.
To learn more about how Elmbrook Memorial’s bariatric surgery program can change your life, call 1-888-994-3286 for a free educational CD or click here to get a comprehensive look at the program and what to expect.