Weight Loss Surgery

• The Mercy Center for Weight Reduction has been designated for gastric bypass by Blue Cross Blue Shield as a Bariatric Center of Excellence.
• Mercy Medical Center meets the criteria established by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association for participation in the Blue Centers for Bariatric Surgery.

According to the National Institutes of Health, surgery is the only long-term effective treatment for morbid obesity. Diets, pills, and exercise are not effective for 98% of those patients classified as morbidly obese, which is defined as being 100 pounds over one’s ideal weight and causing such health problems as heart disease, diabetes and depression.

Candidates for weight-loss surgery include individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 40, or those with BMIs of 35-40 with co-morbid disease. Patients accepted for surgery must be at least 100 pounds above ideal weight with a history of obesity and documented weight loss efforts provided by health care professionals. In addition, candidates must attend the “Introductory Weight Loss Surgery Lecture” offered by Mercy, and complete an informed consent form.

Patients at the center visit with physicians, dietitians, and psychologists, among other health care specialists, who help evaluate co-morbidities (illnesses or conditions associated with obesity) such as hypertension, heart disease, pulmonary disease, sleep apnea, and diabetes.

The Center for Weight Reduction has a registered dietitian on staff dedicated to the health and dietary needs of all patients before and after the procedure. The Center also has a relationship with the Mercy Wellness Center, which has dedicated exercise programs for all patients.

Mark Smolik, M.D. and Steven Cahalan, M.D., surgeons from Mercy Surgical Affiliates, perform the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure and the Lap-Band System®.