Surgical Weight-Loss Center
Offers Long-Term Support

Weight-loss surgery may provide hope for severely obese individuals, but it is not a quick fix. After successful surgery, patients must commit to making extensive lifelong changes -- from adopting new eating habits to exercising regularly.

To encourage and motivate patients after their procedures, the Surgical Weight-Loss Center of Manatee Memorial Hospital offers monthly support groups for patients who have had gastric bypass surgery or LAP-BAND^® surgery.

"Because the nutrition issues following each procedure are different, we offer two separate support groups," says Michelle Adams, Manager of the Surgical Weight-Loss Center. "In both groups, participants share experiences and talk about how they're dealing with the changes in their lives. We also have formal presentations from psychologists, dietitians and other experts who discuss body image and nutrition."

The Surgical Weight-Loss Center also offers help in dealing with health insurance. "We'll assist patients in obtaining, organizing and submitting health insurance documentation," Ms. Adams says. "We'll do everything we can to make these procedures available to those who may benefit from them."

Michelle Adams, Manager, Surgical Weight-Loss Center

For more information about bariatric surgery, please call the Surgical Weight-Loss Center at 941-745-7245.

Weight-Loss Surgeries
At the Surgical Weight-Loss Center, two types of weight-loss (bariatric) procedures are available:

• Gastric bypass involves reconfiguring the digestive system to reduce the size of the stomach and limit the amount of food the small intestine can absorb.
• LAP-BAND surgery involves placing an adjustable silicone band around the stomach to limit the amount of food the patient needs to eat to feel full.

Both gastric bypass and LAP-BAND surgeries are performed using minimally invasive techniques. The surgeons at the Surgical Weight-Loss Center will help you determine which procedure is right for you.

Are You a Candidate?
Weight-loss surgery is not for everyone, but you may be eligible if you:

• Are at least 100 pounds over your ideal weight.
• Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above, or have a BMI of 35 or above, coupled with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or other obesity-related diseases.
• Have tried and failed other weight-loss treatments. (Insurance companies sometimes require prospective patients to submit documentation of previous enrollment in supervised weight-loss programs.)
• Are committed to adopting lifelong healthy eating and exercise habits.

206 Second Street East, Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-5111 FAX: 941-745-6862