Bayhealth Offers Information Seminars on Bariatric Surgery

Bayhealth Medical Center is now holding informational seminars on minimally invasive gastric banding surgery.

In the procedure, an adjustable silicone ring is surgically inserted and placed like a belt around the upper part of the stomach.  The ring - or band - is connected by thin tubing to an access port, which your surgeon will adjust by inflating or deflating its inner lining with saline to meet your individual needs.

When properly fitted, the ring helps create a new, small upper stomach pouch and leaves the larger part of the stomach below.  This new upper pouch is only able to hold a small amount of food at a time, so you can feel full sooner and stay full longer even thought your are eating less.

The procedure also controls the size of the opening between the two parts of the stomach and regulates the flow of food from the upper part to the lower part.  In doing so, it helps control your appetite.

The surgery is performed laparoscopically as an outpatient procedure. Most patients return to normal activity in about one week.  In fact, most patients are able to return to work within seven to 10 days after the surgery.  Additionally, other health problems caused by being overweight, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, are expected to resolve as you lose weight after surgery.

Your surgeon will take many things into consideration in deciding if it's the treatment that's best for you.  For example, you may be eligible for the surgery if you meet the criteria listed:

• 18 years of age
• BMI of 40 or BMI of 35 with one or more serious health conditions or at least 100 lbs overweight
• You have been overweight for more than 5 years with serious weight loss attempts
• You are prepared to make healthy changes in your eating habits and lifestyle

Bayhealth's Bariatric Surgery program is staffed by Bariatric Program Coordinator Rhonda Montgomery, RN; Medical Director and Surgeon John Brebbia, MD; Surgeon Tom Barnett, MD; a Certified Nutritionist; and a Clinical Psychologist.  Other members of the health care team will be identified on a case-by-case basis for each patient.  

Seminars are held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month in Dover and on the third Monday of every month in Milford.  Please bring your insurance information with you to the seminar.  At the seminar, you will receive an information packet and health history to complete and bring to your initial scheduled consultation with the physician.  To register for a seminar, please call Bayhealth's Bariatric Program Office at (302) 430-5454.

Bayhealth Medical Center's mission is to improve the health status of all members of the Bayhealth community.  Central and Southern Delaware's largest healthcare system, Bayhealth is comprised of Kent General and Milford Memorial Hospitals, Middletown Medical Center and numerous satellite facilities.  Bayhealth was ranked Best in Delaware for Cardiac Surgery by HealthGrades 2008 and was recognized by J.D. Power and Associates for the second year in a row for providing an "Outstanding Inpatient Experience."  Bayhealth is a technologically advanced not-for-profit healthcare system employing over 2,900 with a medical staff of 449 physicians.  Bayhealth is a member of the Penn Cancer Network and an affiliate of Penn Medicine - Penn Cardiac Care.  In the 2008 fiscal year, Bayhealth recorded 73,189 emergency department visits, 17,448 patients admitted to beds and 2,454 births.  Last year, as part of its mission, Bayhealth provided more than $30.9 million in unreimbursed care to patients.  A not-for-profit organization, Bayhealth supports our community through services or programs for the uninsured, underserved and for the broader community.