Weight-Loss Surgery Could
Help Improve Overall Health

You probably know that excess weight is hard on the heart. But what you may not know is that being overweight or obese takes a toll on other parts of the body, too. Obesity increases your risk for not only heart disease, but also cancer, Type 2 diabetes, arthritis, stroke, sleep apnea and many other health problems. And now, newer research indicates obesity may also affect your brain and your offspring.

Body mass index (BMI) can help determine whether a person’s health is at risk because of extra pounds. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight, and a BMI of 30 or more is considered obese. For people with a BMI of 35 or greater (roughly 100 pounds overweight), weight-loss surgery may be an option.

Jewish Bariatric Care, a weight-loss program that began at SMEH in late 2003, combines a minimally invasive surgical option — known as the LAP-BAND System^® — with a long-term, comprehensive support program.

In July 2008, Jewish Bariatric Care moved to the newly remodeled second floor of Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital, which offers a comprehensive treatment area with five semiprivate rooms for postoperative patients, creating a smooth transition from surgery to recovery, and then to the bariatric patient area.

Jewish Bariatric Care surgeons, Vincent Lusco, M.D., John Olsofka, M.D. and Bryce Schuster, M.D., have performed over 1,360 LAP-BAND procedures to date.

Typically, the LAP-BAND procedure is performed as an outpatient surgery in just under one hour. It is also extremely safe for any patient who may become pregnant after the surgery. The band is simply deflated to allow the mother to take in as many calories as necessary, and after delivery, it can be tightened again. Similar adjustments can be made if a patient is diagnosed with other illnesses or cancers.

How to Calculate Your BMI