Bariatric Surgery

Determine (BMI) | The Treatment | Qualifying Criteria

Bariatric surgery is a procedure that can produce significant weight loss for morbidly obese individuals. If you suffer from morbid obesity, Scott & White can help you take control of your health. Our sensitive, caring staff will explain the gastric bypass procedure and help you to understand how it can benefit you. Experienced bariatric surgeons will perform the procedure that can help you achieve the weight loss you have always desired — and change your life forever!

The general surgery department of Scott & White performed approximately 1100 procedures from May 2000 to December 2005. The majority of cases are done laparoscopically. Two general surgeons, Richard Symmonds, M.D., F.A.C.S., and Joaquin A. Rodriguez, M.D. perform the procedure at Scott & White. Paulette Whitfield, R.N., M.S.N., A.N.P., nurse practitioner, coordinates pre- and post-operative follow-up care.

If you are 100 pounds or more over your ideal body weight and the usual diets have failed, gastric bypass surgery can help you lose weight and keep it off. Candidates for the gastric bypass must have a body mass index (BMI) over 40, or a BMI over 35 with co-morbidities. The team stresses that gastric bypass may not be for everyone who is obese.

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Determine your Body Mass Index!

Body Mass Index (BMI) is used to determine the level of obesity. Calculate your BMI!

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Gastric Bypass Considered 'Gold Standard' Treatment

"Gastric bypass is now the 'gold standard' in the surgical treatment for morbid obesity."
-- Richard Symmonds, M.D., Scott & White general surgeon.

Gastric bypass patients lose an average of 75 to 80 percent of their excess weight within one year and can maintain the loss for years.

Morbid obesity is a chronic disease, characterized by excessive fatty tissue. It greatly increases a person's co-morbidities, such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea and a dramatically higher risk for diabetes. Over 60 percent of adult Americans are believed to be obese.

People who are morbidly obese have a two to 12 times higher risk of death for any reason. This surgery now offered at Scott & White can reduce co-morbidities by 96 percent, said Dr. Symmonds.

The most effective long term treatment for this morbid obesity is a surgical alteration to reduce stomach capacity and the desire for food intake. The procedure can be an open surgery or laparoscopic. Typically, patients who have the laparoscopic procedure leave the hospital in 36 hours.

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Qualifying Criteria

1. Attend free lecture
   1. Call 254-724-2397 for information on date, time and location
2. Need referral from primary physician
3. Have Body Mass Index (BMI) of
   1. >40 with no co-morbid conditions
   2. 35 to 40 with co-morbid conditions
4. Age limits 21 to 65 years old
5. No smoking
6. Minimal alcohol intake
7. Must have followed a medically managed weight loss program for six consecutive months sometime in recent history

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Co-morbid Conditions

1. High blood pressure
2. Diabetes
3. Sleep apnea
4. Joint pain
5. Urinary stress incontinence
6. Asthma
7. Low energy level
8. Depression

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