Bariatric Surgical 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 are 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. Bariatric surgery 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.
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-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.
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.
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.
REGISTER HERE to attend a free seminar to learn more.
Free seminar offers information on an interdisciplinary approach led by qualified physicians toward a safe and logical method of weight loss. Participants will also learn about the pros/cons of bariatric surgery as an option - and what types of individuals are candidates for this type of surgery. Program offers a full range of bariatric surgery information, other weight management options and answers to commonly asked questions. Speakers are: Dr. David Engstrand, Dr. Manfred Chiang, Dr. James Burhop, and Dr. Bobby Wu.
Learn more by reading our frequently asked questions.
To learn more about how our 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.