Weight Loss Surgery Physician Referral
(800) 444-2303
Severe obesity is a chronic metabolic condition that is difficult to treat through diet and exercise alone. Surgery is the best option for people who are severely obese and cannot lose weight by traditional means or who suffer from serious obesity-related health problems. Bariatric surgery promotes weight loss by restricting food intake; some procedures interrupt the digestive process.
People who may consider bariatric surgery include those with a body mass index (BMI) above 40, which is about 100 pounds overweight for men and 80 pounds for women. People with a BMI between 35 and 40 who suffer from type 2 diabetes, or life-threatening cardiopulmonary problems such as severe sleep apnea or obesity-related heart disease, may also be candidates for surgery.
The physicians at St. Mary's Medical Center helped pioneer minimally invasive weight loss surgery. The laparascopic approach requires smaller incisions and results in minimal scarring, less discomfort, faster recovery and shorter hospital stays. Our leading surgeon, Dr. John Rabkin, is a recognized expert in the Laparoscopic Duodenal Switch (LapDS) procedure.
Hear more from Dr. Rabkin online.
At St. Mary's Medical Center, our comfortable and private hospital rooms are designed and furnished to accommodate the specific needs of bariatric patients before and after surgery. Our entire staff is specially trained to be sensitive to the needs of weight loss patients.
To help our patients achieve their weight loss goals, overall good health and longevity, we also offer pre- and post-operative education and support groups that meet monthly at St. Mary's Medical Center. Learn more at an educational support group held the second Wednesday of every month from 6 to 8 pm. For more information about the class, call (415) 668-3200.
Call (800) 444-2303 for a referral to a bariatric surgeon at St. Mary's Medical Center.
You may also wish to visit the National Institutes of Health web site to learn more on Gastrointestinal Surgery for Severe Obesity.
