Scripps Health - All News for Bariatric Surgery

Band Over Bypass Helps Patients Who Have Regained Weight After Bariatric Surgery

2012-04-04T10:40:55-07:00

Band Over Bypass Revision Surgery Helps Patients Lose Weight—Again

Singer Carnie Wilson, a founding member of pop group Wilson Phillips, has been open about her struggle with obesity for more than a decade, including a much-publicized decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery in 2000. In the years following surgery, Wilson had two children and, according to reports, regained more than 70 percent of her initial weight loss.

Band over bypass revision surgery is a new option available for patients who have previously had gastric bypass surgery that failed to result in significant weight loss, or for patients like Wilson, who have regained the weight they initially lost after bypass surgery.

“Although it’s uncommon, bariatric surgery patients can regain weight following an initially successful gastric bypass,” said Dr. Sunil Bhoyrul, a bariatric surgeon at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla and a pioneer of the technique. “Over time, the stomach pouch created by the original bypass can dilate and cause patients to lose their sense of fullness,” he says, which leads to increased food intake and weight gain.

With band over bypass revision surgery, a gastric band is placed around the stomach pouch, then tightened to create physical restriction and restore the feeling of being full after a meal. Dr. Bhoyrul recently presented his technique to an audience of several hundred bariatric surgeons at an international conference in Hamburg, Germany.

Many times obesity surgeons like Dr. Bhoyrul will stitch the band in place to prevent slipping or movement that might cause the band to fail. Less invasive than a gastric bypass, the band over bypass procedure allows many patients to go home on the day of surgery.

Dr. Bhoyrul is medical director of the bariatric surgery program at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.

Healthy Advice for Holiday Eating

2011-12-08T12:10:38-08:00

For most people, dieting is difficult – regardless of the season. But the holidays pose unique challenges for people who are trying to maintain or lose weight. Food is frequently the centerpiece of celebrations. Temptation and unhealthy eating triggers are plentiful.

“In addition to being surrounded by big meals and high calorie treats, family dynamics and financial pressure can make the season stressful. People often turn to food for comfort,” says Cathy Garvey, a registered dietitian at Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine in La Jolla, California. “If you have negative eating behaviors, they can be exacerbated during the holidays – which can add to the potential for weight gain.”

In addition to emotional eating, many unhealthy eating habits can be attributed to mindless eating – the unconscious munching people do while at their desks, in the car or in front of the television.

“Basically, mindless eating occurs when people are preoccupied with other tasks – mentally or physically. It can sabotage efforts to lose weight,” Garvey explains.

For more healthful eating over the holidays and beyond, Garvey suggests using mindfulness. The mind-body technique involves bringing your complete attention to the present moment in a non-judgmental way.

“When applied to diet, mindfulness is about enhancing awareness of food choices and eating behaviors. With regular practice, it can help people change the way they relate to food,” says Garvey. “By becoming more aware of their internal environment, they can break bad eating habits and develop healthier ones.”

To help you tune in so you don’t check out while eating, Garvey has the following tips:

1. Eat in a designated eating spot

Turn off the music and the television. Find an area that is free of distractions. If you find yourself in social settings, sit down with your food rather than walk around the room with a plate in one hand and a drink in the other.

2. Slow down and listen

Chew your food thoroughly. Really savor every bite. When you eat slowly, you can enjoy the flavor of food and its texture. Listen to your body cues. Before you feel so full you can’t eat another bite, stop.

3. Start journaling

Write down what you eat and when. It can help you increase awareness of your daily consumption. If you want to quit logging your food intake after a couple of days – don’t. Keeping a diet journal can be insightful, allowing you to identify which foods and situations lead to mindless or emotional eating. Once you find the triggers in your internal or external environment, you can work on reducing them.

4. Be thankful

Express gratitude for the nourishment being provided. Appreciate where your food comes from and acknowledge the energy that goes into its creation. From harvesting to preparation, there are likely many people who have helped to bring it to your table.

5. Have compassion

Be kind to yourself. Before you indulge, ask yourself if the food you are about to eat is really supportive of your health. If you do overindulge at a celebration, forgive yourself. Let the experience go. Release you thoughts about that meal. Don’t dwell in the past. Move forward and think of other ways to take care of yourself.

In addition to the mindfulness approaches above, Garvey stresses the importance of moving your body while watching your weight.

“There is no sustained weight loss success without exercise.” she says. “When time is in short supply, think small. Take a short walk. Do something to get your heart rate up and your limbs in motion. It’s a healthy habit that can help you lose weight and keep it off for good.”

Learn how to eat mindfully

Hone your ability to be present at Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine. Call 1-800-SCRIPPS (1-800-727-4777) to sign up for an 8-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course or register for the 12-week Lifestyle Change Program. Both could help you put the kibosh on mindless eating and help you change the way you relate to food.

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Treating Diabetes With Bariatric Surgery

2011-11-08T14:41:39-08:00

Though clinicians often start with diet, exercise and lifestyle modification as a treatment course for people with diabetes, mounting evidence suggests that bariatric surgery can be a very effective intervention as well, especially for patients with Type 2 diabetes.

More than 30 years of outcomes suggests that gastric bypass surgery in particular can reduce or eliminate the health complications that come with diabetes. It also reduces health issues associated with diseases that often accompany morbid obesity, including:

Cardiovascular disease
Obstructive sleep apnea
Dyslipidemia
Hypertension

How does surgery reduce diabetic conditions?

“Weight loss surgery appears to set in motion certain chemical changes in the patient’s body that help set up better control of blood sugar levels,” explains Dr. William Fuller, bariatric surgeon with the Scripps Clinic Center for Weight Management in San Diego, California. He has performed more than 1,000 bariatric surgeries, with an emphasis on minimally invasive and laparoscopic approaches. “After the procedure, gut hormones involved in appetite and weight reduction are altered.”

About 30–40 percent of Dr. Fuller’s patients have diabetes. “We’ve seen blood sugar control start to improve in the weeks to months after surgery, even before large amounts of weight loss,” he says. “As a result, diabetes goes into remission or patients are able to scale back medications. There is often a positive change to the cardiovascular system and an extended lifespan.”

Who is a good candidate for weight loss surgery?

The National Institutes of Health guidelines state that weight loss surgery may be an option for patients who have:

A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
A BMI of 35–40 with a serious weight-related health problem such as diabetes

As the prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes increases and more research emerges about the safety and effectiveness of bariatric surgery, criteria for selecting appropriate patients for weight loss procedures are evolving. In 2011, the FDA expanded the indication for gastric banding to include people with a BMI of 30–34, who also suffer from a severe obesity-related illness and who have tried other non-surgical options. Also, the International Diabetes Federation called for earlier consideration of weight loss surgery for some patients with the disease.

“All obese diabetic patients should be considered for surgery,” says Dr. Fuller. “We look at each patient’s individual appropriateness for it.”

As a surgeon who works within a multidisciplinary care team, Dr. Fuller and his colleagues carefully consult with each other to determine if surgery is right for a particular patient. Because having surgery to produce weight loss is a serious decision, risks and expectations are always discussed.

“Outcomes vary, so we want our patients to have reasonable expectations after surgery,” he says.

Post-surgical considerations

After surgery, Dr. Fuller and the care team continue to closely monitor patients. Due to his use of minimally invasive surgical procedures — which emphasize smaller incisions — wound healing doesn’t typically pose a more difficult challenge for diabetic patients. Perhaps the biggest concern is adjusting medication requirements after the procedure, to account for the body’s changing needs.

The importance of patient choice

In deciding whether or not surgery is a good option, Dr. Athena Philis-Tsimikas of the Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute emphasizes patient choice. “It’s important that patients understand how limiting calories is essential to diabetes treatment, and that there is a full spectrum of options to achieve this.”

Any method that significantly reduces caloric intake, she says, can yield positive results.

“A patient that sticks to a monitored diet that is very low in calories can experience similar results to surgery,” she says.

Find a doctor

If you are looking for a doctor who specializes in diabetes management or bariatric surgery, visit the Doctor Finder or call 1-800-SCRIPPS (1-800-727-4777) to get a physician referral from a member of our call center.

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Scripps Helps Law Enforcement Commander Take Control of His Weight

2010-09-29T10:52:50-07:00

After pounding 26.2 miles of pavement, Eric Swanson flew across the finish line at the San Diego 2010 Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon with some tough competition on his heels. He completed the race in 3 hours, 14 minutes and 41 seconds—a time that would fill many seasoned distance runners with a great sense of pride. For Swanson, the numbers symbolize something more. They are one measure of success in a lifelong battle he’s waged with his weight.

“I was fat as a kid and I got teased,” he said. “I came from a family of overeaters and developed bad habits early. They were hard to break later in life. Basically, if I saw food, I would eat it.”

The fat kid eventually became a thinner, stronger man. In 1988, Swanson joined the United States Border Patrol. He now holds the position of Commander for the agency’s Special Operations Group. He’s never been a stranger to physically demanding work and discipline, and when it came to controlling his weight, the married father of two fought hard—but failed at keeping the pounds off his 5-foot 6-inch frame.

“I would diet, lose weight and then gain it all back again. It wasn’t sustainable for me,” said Swanson. “I eventually reached 261 pounds. I was completely miserable.”

Facing the Challenges

Swanson’s weight created both physical and professional challenges. During the hot summer months in San Diego, he would go on patrols in the rough, hilly terrain of the Otay Mountains—and suffer.

“I couldn’t hack what I was packing. I would get the mission done, but while gaining and losing elevation, I would be out of breath and my knees would ache,” said Swanson. “I am a member of the Border Patrol’s Tactical Unit and committed to my job. Because of my weight, I felt ashamed to wear the special pin on my uniform that identified my affiliation. I thought, because of my weight problem, I didn’t deserve the honor.”

Swanson’s health deteriorated over the years. He developed hypertension and sleep apnea.

“I snored like a bear,” he said. “It drove my wife nuts.”

Addressing the Problem

Tired of being unhealthy and feeling embarrassed about his appearance, Swanson took action. On his 41st birthday, he made an appointment at Scripps Clinic Center for Weight Management in Del Mar, Calif. to see if bariatric surgery was an option. He proceeded with caution.

“Twenty years prior, my sister had bariatric surgery and suffered a complication. After undergoing gastric bypass with another surgeon, she got an infection and almost died,” said Swanson. “She’s fine now, but that experience left a lasting impression. I wanted to make sure I got the best and safest care possible. I did my research and chose Scripps.”

Swanson’s doctor, Mark Takata, recommended adjustable gastric banding. Also known as the Lap-Band, the device reduces the amount of food a stomach can hold at one time. It makes people feel full faster and stay full longer, so they wind up eating less. Swanson decided to have the surgery, and spent the next six months preparing for the lifestyle changes he needed to make in order to achieve and maintain weight loss following the procedure.

“I was probably the thinnest guy in the room at those support group meetings, but we all had a similar problem. I was so tired of the roller coaster ride,” said Swanson. “It wasn’t good for my self-esteem or my health. I didn’t want to die early because of my weight—that’s not how I was going to go.”

Swanson had surgery at Scripps Green Hospital in December of 2008. During the laparoscopic procedure, an adjustable silicone elastic band was placed around the upper part of his stomach creating a small pouch and restricting the passage of food. The band is connected to a port that sits underneath Swanson’s skin. Whenever he reaches a plateau in weight loss, the band can be inflated with saline, causing increased restriction of the stomach. Swanson has had five adjustments since the operation, and the weight loss that followed came with a learning curve.

“I had to figure out, through trial-and-error, how much I could eat and when. I get a full belly fast,” he explained. “It can be painful if I’m not careful, but I would do it all over again if I had to.”

Reaping the Bounty

The Commander is now in control. He’s lost 110 pounds, reduced the size of his waist by more than 10 inches, and is planning to run the Boston Marathon—which he qualified for during his Rock ‘n’ Roll race in 2010. At work, he’s wearing small uniforms instead of the extra-large ones that previously hugged his frame. Even more important than his appearance, he is healthy and happy.

“I weigh less now than I did when I was in 5th grade. I am physically fit and I wear that Tactical Unit pin with pride. When I look in the mirror, I feel good about what I see. I get on the scale with a smile. I think, ‘wow—that’s me!’ It’s a great feeling.”

Swanson credits his faith in god for getting him through the tough times. With a transformed body and better health, he feels blessed. His wife of 18-years is pleased.

“She’s really happy that I’ll be around longer,” said Swanson. “I think I’ve made a wise investment in my own future and that of my family.”

To learn more about the bariatric surgery program at Scripps Clinic Center for Weight Management, call 858-794-1250.

Man's Life is Transformed After Having Gastric Bypass Surgery

2010-08-02T11:35:45-07:00

Sam Hamood was once a self-described scrawny guy. After joining the Navy, he changed his physique through diligence and discipline, adding pounds of muscle to his 6-foot, 1-inch frame.

“When you are out to sea or in a foreign country, eating excessively and drinking all the time isn’t an option,” he said. “You have to stay in shape to do your job.”

When his military career ended, Hamood’s lifestyle changed. He went from being active and athletic to sedentary and social.

“I stopped exercising and started eating – a lot,” he explained.

Hamood’s new career didn’t help. He worked in sales, where free meals are part of the client courting ritual.

“I would schedule three lunches a day on sales calls and eat at every one of them,” he said. “I just got bigger.”

The health costs of being heavy

As Hamood’s weight ballooned, he developed sleep apnea, became pre-diabetic and his blood pressure skyrocketed.

“I couldn’t even walk across an air conditioned room without breaking a sweat,” he said. “I was miserable.”

At his heaviest, Hamood weighed 364 pounds. After learning his wife was expecting their first child in 2006, he dropped more than 80 pounds. Over the years, the weight returned. As his daughter grew older and became more aware of the world around her, she noticed her dad’s size – and so did her playmates at daycare.

“She would get teased by the other kids because of my weight. That just broke my heart,” he said. “I knew I wasn’t my best, but I didn’t want her to suffer because of it.”

Diets helped, but the weight loss he achieved didn’t last. Wanting to be healthy for himself and his growing family, Hamood looked for a long-term solution. In early 2009, he visited Scripps Clinic Center for Weight Management in San Diego to explore surgical weight loss treatments. His doctor, Mark Takata, MD, recommended Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. During the procedure, the stomach is stapled to create a small pouch and a passage for food to go around a section of the small intestine. The surgery leads to a dramatic reduction in the volume of the stomach.

Prior to gastric bypass surgery, Hamood spent six months adapting to new diet and exercise habits that are essential to long-term success following surgery. Weighing in at more than 300 pounds, he underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery in August of 2009 at Scripps Green Hospital. Three days after he checked in, he went home to heal.

A dramatic transformation

One year after weight loss surgery, Hamood had lost more than 120 pounds and regained his health, dramatically reducing risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. His svelte new frame has garnered lots of compliments and a little confusion.

“Most people who knew me when I was heavy don’t even recognize me anymore,” said the 38-year-old dad. “It’s been a long haul, but well worth it. I now have a new lease on life.”

The lease comes with terms. Hamood has had to change his lifestyle dramatically. He now eats a healthy diet and exercises every day.

“I find a way to incorporate physical activity into my life,” he said. “When the gym isn’t available, I’ll walk a few miles, park far from the front door or take the stairs instead of the elevator. I make it work.”

Hamood’s commitment to changing his life doesn’t waiver when he is on the road for work. Now a consultant in the wireless industry, he still travels on business, but eats just one lunch – not three. During meals at home with his family, he’ll excuse himself from the table and take a walk if he feels the urge to overeat.

“My family understands what I need to do and why,” he said. “Prior to surgery I was miserable. Every day, both my health and spirit suffered. I had a lot going for me but was merely surviving. Scripps truly partnered with me and provided the tools necessary for me to live my best life.”

Hamood’s desire to be present and healthy for his family provided the extra incentive he needed to push through the hard times.

“My wife and I are now expecting our second child. I look forward to playing with my kids and chasing after them on the playground without struggling to keep up,” he said. “I’ll make sure they live a healthy lifestyle from the start. I now feel like I can be a better role model.”

Surgery Helps Ease Woman's Lifelong Struggle With Weight

2010-03-04T11:20:42-08:00

For most of her life, Susan M. unsuccessfully waged war with her weight.

“Food was my drug of choice. I was heavy—even as a child,” said the 59-year-old. “Over the years, I went on so many diets. I could lose weight, but I couldn’t keep it off.”

At the peak of her struggle, Susan hit 282 pounds. A mother of four, her adult children became increasingly concerned about her health.

“They considered doing an intervention to help me realize how badly I was hurting myself,” she said. “I knew I was overweight, but I didn’t face what it was doing to me.”

Over the years, the weight damaged Susan’s physical health and her self-esteem suffered. She had sleep apnea and borderline high blood pressure. The extra weight on Susan’s joints exacerbated the osteoarthritis in her knees.

“Simply moving was difficult,” she said.

Taking action

Done with pain and procrastination, Susan took action. She began researching bariatric surgical options, learning about the potential risks and rewards. A prudent shopper, she browsed support groups and informational sites on the Web to learn more about the procedures and their outcomes. Susan also checked out various weight loss surgery programs around San Diego. Originally, she sought help from another well-known bariatric surgery provider, but wasn’t satisfied with the level of care she received until meeting the team at Scripps Clinic Center for Weight Management.

“Immediately, I felt valued as a person and in very good hands,” said Susan. “They made me feel welcome and gave me support. There was a real connection there. I believed they could take me all the way through the experience.”

Susan and Mark Takata, MD, her doctor from Scripps Green Hospital's Bariatric Surgery Program, explored the options. Gastric banding, they decided, was the right fit. During the operation, an adjustable silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach reducing its size. Considered to be the safest and least invasive of the weight loss surgeries available, gastric banding is reversible.

“It was comforting to know that if complications arose down the road, I could have it removed,” said Susan.

Preparing for surgery

By the time Susan’s surgery date approached, she was prepared—mentally and physically—for the challenge ahead.

“I got in the best shape I possibly could and I didn’t fool around when they told me to do something,” she said. “I followed every recommendation. They knew I was going to be a good candidate because I was committed to making a change in my life.”

Knowing she needed more than surgery to fix her eating issues, Susan took a hard look at the behavior that lead to her weight gain, and learned new ways to think about food.

“One of the physicians at the center once told me that eating is kind of like having a credit card,” she said. “You can charge, but you have to pay it off. His advice became a guiding principle.”

A teacher by trade, Susan took a week off from work. The surgery was done laparoscopically.

“I don’t have any scars,” said Susan. “You can’t tell I had surgery.”

Coping with challenges and reaping rewards

No one saw the evidence of surgery, but everyone, especially Susan, noticed the transformation that occurred afterward. She dropped more than 105 pounds, went from wearing a size 24w to a size 12—and gained a new outlook on life.

“It’s been remarkable,” she said. “There was this amazing woman inside of me and I was hiding her for so many years.”

With her new, smaller stomach, Susan has to be very mindful of how much she eats and when. Certain items, like soft, bulky foods, are off the menu indefinitely because they are difficult to eat and digest without discomfort.

“Weight loss surgery has required a new level of discipline. I get on the scale every day and I am more accountable than ever before,” she said.

With the new level of responsibility, Susan’s reaped ample rewards. Since the surgery, her physical health improved – and so did her self-esteem. Her son recently graduated from medical school. Susan attended the ceremony with renewed confidence, wearing a stylish new dress.

“Before the surgery, I would always look around to see if I was the fattest person in the room,” she said. “That doesn’t cross my mind anymore.”

Susan walks regularly to stay in shape and receives on-going emotional comfort through the center’s support groups. She knows her overhauled approach to eating and exercising requires consistency.

“People who are overweight and are considering surgical intervention should know that this procedure is not a magic bullet. You can easily gain the weight back,” asserted Susan. “Your problems don’t disappear because you have surgery. It takes work, but it’s worth it.”

Can Bypass Surgery Benefit Diabetics Who Are Not Morbidly Obese?

2009-10-16T14:14:39-07:00

Earlier this year, the news that bariatric surgery could help treat type 2 diabetes in individuals who suffer from morbid obesity (defined as those with a body mass index or BMI over 35) made headlines around the world. The American Journal of Medicine reported that bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass procedures, led to resolution or improvement of type 2 diabetes in nearly 90 percent of cases.

At Wittgrove Bariatric Center at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, more than 90 percent of our patients with morbid obesity and type 2 diabetes who undergo gastric bypass surgery can stop taking all of their diabetic medications and have normal blood sugar levels within three days following the procedure. While both gastric bypass surgery and gastric band surgery have shown success in treating diabetes in patients with morbid obesity, gastric bypass has been found to be more effective than banding and have longer-lasting results.

Recently, new research has suggested that gastric bypass surgery may also help combat diabetes in people who do not have morbid obesity. Originally, we believed the main reason for the resolution or improvement of diabetes in morbid obesity was the amount of weight lost as a result of the gastric bypass surgery. However, we now understand that the effect of the gastric bypass goes beyond the restriction of food intake and subsequent weight loss. In fact, the effect is metabolic in nature; it appears that gastric bypass surgery changes the way food is routed through the gastrointestinal tract, and that this change can resolve type 2 diabetes in people who are overweight. This effect is seen within days after surgery and is most dramatic in patients who have had the diagnosis of diabetes for less than eight years.

What does this mean if you have type 2 diabetes and are not morbidly obese? We believe all indications are that the metabolic effects we see on diabetes after gastric bypass surgery on morbidly obese patients with a BMI above 35 may also be seen in patients who have a BMI of 25 to 35. Wittgrove Bariatric Center is one of only a handful of programs throughout the country that can offer gastric bypass for patients who have type 2 diabetes and are not morbidly obese; rather, the reason for the surgery is diabetes alone.

Wittgrove Bariatric Center has obtained an IRB approval from Scripps Memorial Hospital to investigate the effect of this surgery on diabetes in patients with BMIs between 27 and 35. I cannot overstate the importance of an IRB approval: an IRB is an institutional board which helps to ensure the rights of the patients while studies are being done. The board is made up of doctors and community lay persons whose job is to ensure the study has enough merit and a safe risk benefit ratio. We believe this surgery will probably offer the best sugar control for type 2 diabetes without the need for medications.

Alan C. Wittgrove, MD, is medical director of the bariatric program at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. “To Your Health” is brought to you by the physicians and health care professionals at Scripps La Jolla. For more information about gastric bypass surgery for diabetes, call Wittgrove Bariatric Center at (858) 554-1770 or 1-800-SCRIPPS.

Media Contact: Lisa Ohmstede
Phone: 858-626-7142
Email: ohmstede.lisa@scrippshealth.org

Scripps Mercy Hospital Performs 10,000th Procedure

2008-02-15T21:48:13-08:00

Surgeons at Pacific Bariatric Surgical Medical Group (PBSMG) and Scripps Mercy Hospital recently performed their 10,000th bariatric surgical procedure. This milestone has been reached by only a handful of bariatric surgery programs in the world.

Surgeons with the practice have been performing weight-loss surgery on adult and adolescent patients at Scripps Mercy Hospital since 1993. As a result of outstanding aftercare programs and support groups, patients at Pacific Bariatric see a success rate of slightly higher than the national average.

“This is a tremendous achievement for our practice, and we are proud of our continued legacy of caring and commitment to our patients,” said Laurence Tanaka, M.D., F.A.C.S., surgeon at Scripps Mercy Hospital and Pacific Bariatric Surgical Medical Group. “This accomplishment helps to reaffirm the trust our patients have in our ability to safely offer them the best quality services available today.”

Surgeons at PBSMG have recently started using LAP-BAND®, an adjustable gastric band designed to reduce the stomach’s capacity, thereby restricting the amount of food that can be consumed at one time. The procedure does not require stomach cutting, stapling or gastrointestinal re-routing to bypass normal digestion and can be removed at any time.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 66 percent of U.S. adults and 17 percent of U.S. children are overweight or obese. Morbid obesity is closely correlated with a number of serious conditions that severely undermine the health of overweight patients, including heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Bariatric surgery or other medical interventions are often the only long-lasting weight loss solution for clinically obese individuals.

Pacific Bariatric Surgical Medical Group, Inc. and Scripps Mercy Hospital are nationally designated by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery as a Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery. Pacific Bariatric Surgical Medical Group, also known as Hillcrest Surgical Medical Group, Inc., has an 80-year tradition of surgical excellence and leadership in San Diego County. For more information, visit www.pacificbariatric.com.

Established in 1890 by the Sisters of Mercy, Scripps Mercy Hospital serves the San Diego and Chula Vista communities. With 700 licensed beds, more than 3,000 employees and 1,300 physicians, Scripps Mercy Hospital is San Diego’s longest established and only Catholic hospital. With two campuses, Scripps Mercy Hospital is the largest hospital in San Diego County and one of the 10 largest in California.

Contact: Kristin Reinhardt
Email: reinhardt.kristin@scrippshealth.org

Wittgrove Bariatric Center at Scripps La Jolla

2008-02-15T21:47:55-08:00

La Jolla, Calif. – Wittgrove Bariatric Center at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla announced today that it has been named an American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence. The ASBS Center of Excellence designation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of favorable outcomes in bariatric surgery.

According to a study released in July 2005 by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the number of U.S. bariatric surgeries more than quadrupled between 1998 and 2002 – from 13,386 to 71,733. Faced with clinical evidence that the most experienced and best-run bariatric surgery programs have by far the lowest rates of complications, the ASBS Centers of Excellence program was created to recognize bariatric surgery centers that perform well and to help surgeons and hospitals continue to improve the quality and safety of care provided.

To earn a Center of Excellence designation, Wittgrove Bariatric Center underwent a series of site inspections during which all aspects of the program’s surgical processes were closely examined and data on health outcomes was collected. Wittgrove Bariatric Center and other centers receiving the Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence designation agree to continue to share information on clinical pathways, protocols and outcomes data.

“Due to the increasing prevalence of morbid obesity and the inherent risks and the opportunities available to greatly improve the health of this patient population, we recognize the need to implement a systematic approach to improving quality,” said Alan Wittgrove, M.D. “At Wittgrove Bariatric Center we believe that the ASBS Centers of Excellence program will serve as a catalyst, driving strong programs to get even better. We have done our part, and we urge our peers to join the effort.”

Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), an organization dedicated to pursuing surgical excellence, formulates and establishes the rigorous standards with which Wittgrove Bariatric Center**and other Centers of Excellence must comply, thoroughly inspects and evaluates each candidate for designation, and upon review recommends approval of designation for those physicians and facilities whose practices and outcomes meet the stringent demands set forth by SRC for ASBS.

Obesity has become a significant national health issue, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that 64 percent of all U.S. adults are overweight or obese. Morbid obesity is closely correlated with a number of serious conditions that severely undermine the health of overweight patients, including heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Bariatric surgery, when performed correctly, can help obese patients manage these conditions. By definition, surgeons with ASBS Center of Excellence designations practice only top-quality care, ensuring efficacy of the procedure with each patient to the best of their abilities. At Wittgrove Bariatric Center, surgeons demonstrate this willingness to take the extra step by offering a true multi-disciplinary team of highly experienced health professionals including a dedicated nursing team, psychologist, internist, insurance analysts, surgical coordinator, patient liaison, and fitness coordinator. In addition, Dr. Wittgrove pioneered the laparoscopic approach, performing the first laparoscopic gastric bypass as a primary surgeon in 1993. He and his staff have performed more than 5,000 bariatric procedures.

As a pioneering organization, designating Centers of Excellence based on top quality care and efficacious outcomes, the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, with the help of SRC, is working to align the common interests of patients, surgeons, hospitals and insurers, all of whom suffer when complications develop after surgical care.

Pacific Bariatric and Scripps Mercy Designated Center of Excellence

2008-02-15T21:47:55-08:00

SAN DIEGO – Pacific Bariatric Surgical Medical Group (PBSMG) and Scripps Mercy Hospital have been designated as an American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) Bariatric Center of Excellence by the ASBS and the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). This prestigious designation also includes PBSMG surgeons Leo Murphy, M.D., Laurence Tanaka, M.D., Gene Rumsey, M.D, and George Zorn, M.D. The ASBS designation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of favorable outcomes in bariatric surgery.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 64 percent of all U.S. adults are overweight or obese. Morbid obesity is closely correlated with a number of serious conditions that severely undermine the health of overweight patients, including heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. In California alone, bariatric surgical procedures increased 40 percent between 2002 and 2003. The Center of Excellence designation serves as an important tool to identify hospitals, surgical groups and physicians with a consistent record of efficient and appropriate procedures with excellent short- and long-term outcomes.

“We believe the ASBS Center of Excellence program and our designation as such will serve as a catalyst, driving our very b program to even greater success,” said Tom Gammiere, chief executive, Scripps Mercy Hospital.

The ASBS is the largest society in the world for the bariatric surgical specialty. It was founded in 1983 in order to advance the art and science of bariatric surgery by continued encouragement of its members to pursue investigations in both the clinic and the laboratory; interchange ideas, information and experience; promote guidelines for ethical patient selection and care; develop educational programs for physicians, paramedics and lay people; and promote outcome studies and quality assurance.

The SRC was established to promote the delivery of bariatric surgical care with the highest levels of efficacy, efficiency and safety.

Established in 1890 by the Sisters of Mercy, Scripps Mercy Hospital serves the San Diego and Chula Vista communities. With 700 licensed beds, more than 3,000 employees and 1,300 physicians, Scripps Mercy Hospital is San Diego’s longest established and only Catholic medical center. With two campuses, Scripps Mercy Hospital is the largest hospital in San Diego County and one of the 10 largest in California.

Established in 1993, Pacific Bariatric Surgical Medical Group, Inc. (PBSMG) at Scripps Mercy Hospital is a pioneer in the field of bariatric surgery and comprises leading surgical experts in laparoscopic and open gastric bypass surgery. PBSMG has performed over 8,700 surgeries and offers top experts in the field of bariatric surgery, the latest medical technology and a knowledgeable support staff. PBSMG has earned a nationwide reputation as a premier surgical weight loss program.

Contact: Kristin Reinhardt
Email: reinhardt.kristin@scrippshealth.org