The Option of Bariatric Surgery
As with all surgeries, there are risks associated with this procedure. Surgery should not be considered until you and your doctor have evaluated all other options. Your surgeon must determine if you are an appropriate surgical candidate.

Baratric Surgery Using a LAP-BAND^®

Surgical options for weight loss surgery continue to evolve. Because of this, St. Bernardine Medical Center is pleased to offer patients the LAP-BAND System surgery. This procedure is the safest, least traumatic and only adjustable and reversible obesity surgery available in the United States. The LAP-BAND System provides a unique tool that can help you achieve and maintain significant weight loss, improve your health, and enhance your quality of life.

Appropriate Candidates for Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery is typically reserved for those individuals who are 100 pounds or more overweight (Body Mass Index [BMI] of 40 or higher) who have not responded to other less invasive therapies such as diet, exercise, medications, etc.

For more information on the next weightloss informational seminar to be held at St. Bernardine Medical Center, call 800.566.SBMC (7262) or 909.475.4050.

Important Considerations
The proper approach to weight loss surgery requires discussion and careful consideration of the following with your doctor:

1. This procedure should in no way to be considered as cosmetic surgery.
2. The surgery does not involve the removal of fat by suction or excision.
3. An assessment of risks versus benefits should be discussed, and you should have a thorough understanding of what the procedure entails.
4. This weight loss surgical procedure (approved in the United States) is not reversible.
5. The success of weight loss surgery is dependent upon long-term lifestyle changes in diet and exercise.
6. Problems may arise after surgery that may require additional operations.

Success of surgical treatment must begin with realistic goals and progress through the best possible use of well-designed and tested operations.