Weight Management/Weight Loss Surgery
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Center for Weight Management and Weight Loss Surgery Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford 170 Governors Ave, Medford, MA 02155, Suite 100 (781) 306-6166 Hallmark Health System's Center for Weight Management and Weight Loss Surgery Blog
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Welcome 
Designated as a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, the staff at Lawrence Memorial Hospital is dedicated to providing you with the clinical expertise and patient-focused care you deserve.
With this special designation, Lawrence Memorial Hospital joins an elite group of hospitals in Massachusetts that have been classified as ASMBS Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence. In the United States, there are fewer than 500 hospitals designated as ASBS Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence.
Lawrence Memorial Hospital has also been designated as a “Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery” by Blue Cross Blue Shield.* Weight loss surgery has emerged as a safe and effective method for the long-term treatment of patients with clinically severe obesity. Deciding to have weight loss surgery is a significant step that requires a permanent lifestyle change. Hallmark Health Center for Weight Management and Weight Loss Surgery offers the very best in surgical options, treatment, care and support. Through our center of excellence, patients are offered three options for weight loss surgery: Roux-Y Gastric Bypass, The Lapband Procedure and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. All these surgeries are performed laparoscopically, providing the benefits of minimally invasive surgery, which include faster recovery, better pain control and less potential complications.
The bariatric surgery program is home to highly trained surgeons including Andras Sandor, MD and Sheldon Randall, MD. Dr. Sandor is the director of the Hallmark Health Center for Weight Management and Weight Loss Surgery.
To schedule an appointment or for more information on the program call (781) 306-6166.
* Blue Distinction is a designation awarded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies to medical facilities that have demonstrated expertise in delivering quality healthcare. The designation is based on rigorous, evidence-based selection criteria established in collaboration with expert physicians' and medical organization recommendations. Today, more than 800 Blue Distinction Center designations have been awarded to facilities nationwide, providing consumers with a framework for making informed decisions on where to go for specialty care in the areas of bariatric surgery, cardiac care, complex and rare cancers and transplants.
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Center for Weight Management and Weight Loss Surgery Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford 170 Governors Ave, Medford, MA 02155, Suite 100 (781) 306-6166 Hallmark Health System's Center for Weight Management and Weight Loss Surgery Blog
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Join the conversation
Are you considering weight loss surgery? Do you want to learn from other patients that have recently had surgery? Then join the conversation. Hallmark Health System's Center for Weight Management and Weight Loss Surgery has gone social. We invite you to join us on Facebook, Twitter or on our blog.
Hallmark Health System's Center for Weight Management and Weight Loss Surgery Blog
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Center for Weight Management and Weight Loss Surgery Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford 170 Governors Ave, Medford, MA 02155, Suite 100 (781) 306-6166 Hallmark Health System's Center for Weight Management and Weight Loss Surgery Blog
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Laparoscopic weight loss surgery
All the procedures below can be performed laparoscopically. This means that the surgery is performed through tiny keyhole incisions via a high definition video camera system. This allows much faster recovery, improved pain control and less postoperative complications following surgery.
Adjustable Gastric Banding (Lap-Band™ surgery or Realize™ Band surgery)
The Adjustable Gastric Banding system is the least invasive of all weight loss surgeries. The system includes an adjustable silicon elastomer band that is surgically placed around the stomach. The band induces weight loss by restricting food intake; when eating less, the body draws from its
own fat to get the energy it needs.
Approved by the FDA in 2001, adjustable gastric banding is the newest and safest surgical treatment for morbid obesity in the United States. It's also the least invasive and the only adjustable surgical treatment available at this moment.
Since there is no cutting, stapling, or stomach rerouting, it is considered the least traumatic of all weight loss surgeries. This is possible by using laparoscopy to install the band, which offers clear advantages like reduced pain and faster recovery.
The is the only adjustable weight loss surgery; in fact, band adjustment is a regular part of follow up for this procedure and is done without the need of surgery. The amount of food a patient is able to take in can be adjusted by inflating or deflating the band. The band is adjusted as needed depending on your weight loss progress or other reasons like pregnancy or illness.
If for any reason the band needs to be removed, it can be done laparoscopically.
Based on your preference we are happy to implant either the Lap-BandTM System or the RealizeTM Band.
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is the most commonly performed weight loss surgery procedure in the United States at this time. The laparoscopic Roux-Y Gastric Bypass was introduced in 1993 and since then has become the gold standard procedure.
During surgery, a surgical stapling device is used to divide the upper stomach and create a tiny stomach "pouch" at the upper end. This pouch is shaped to be about the size of your thumb, and will hold 30 ml or less. This means that 2-3 tiny bites of food is all a patient can hold, and this restriction on the amount of food eaten is the main way that the Gastric Bypass promotes weight loss.
Food leaves this tiny stomach pouch into a segment of small intestine (the Roux limb), which is brought up from the mid-abdomen and is surgically attached to the stomach pouch. This small intestine cannot handle concentrated calories. If the patient consumes foods that contains sugar or fat this segment of intestine reacts by creating a temporary illness called dumping syndrome. For best weight loss patients should stay away from sugar and other carbohydrates - the thought of dumping syndrome seems to help change habits away from these types of food.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
The sleeve gastrectomy has recently been recognized as a fully efficient weight loss procedure, but it has been utilized as the first stage of a complex two stage operation, the duodenal switch.
During sleeve gastrectomy the stomach is longitudinally stapled and divided and the result will be
a narrow tube, which significantly limits food intake and controls hunger. Since no re-routing of the small intestine takes place, malabsorption is not a problem. The operation is faster and safer than a gastric bypass and can be used as stage procedure in individuals who represent very high operative risk.
Five year weight loss results are almost as good as what we experience with the gastric bypass and resolution of comorbid conditions is also very effective.
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Center for Weight Management and Weight Loss Surgery Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford 170 Governors Ave, Medford, MA 02155, Suite 100 (781) 306-6166 Hallmark Health System's Center for Weight Management and Weight Loss Surgery Blog |
Long term benefits
Following weight loss surgery, existing medical conditions improve significantly. For example:
•80 percent of patients no longer require insulin for diabetes
•100 percent of patients require less diabetes medication
•65 percent of patients no longer require blood pressure medication
•Sleep apnea and even snoring is cured for most patients
•Joint replacement is possible when it was previously prohibited by excess weight
•Exercise tolerance is improved, energy level is heightened, and body image is greatly enhanced
•Menstrual irregularities related to policystic ovary syndrome resolve
•Urinary incontinence resolves
•Heart function improves
•Reduced risk for ovarian, uterine and breast cancer in women and reduced risk for prostate and colorectal cancer in men.
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Center for Weight Management and Weight Loss Surgery Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford 170 Governors Ave, Medford, MA 02155, Suite 100 (781) 306-6166 Hallmark Health System's Center for Weight Management and Weight Loss Surgery Blog |
Personalized care
To improve care for bariatric patients, the program also employs a comprehensive team that includes specially trained nurses, psychologists, dietitians and respiratory therapists. Specialty training enables these professionals to handle behavior modifications, psychiatric issues, and post-surgical care. Patients also have access to support group meetings before and after their procedures.
A comprehensive medical workup is necessary to identify any unsuspected problems that may jeopardize your health during surgery and to precisely assess the severity of the know problems. This involves meeting with a cardiologist, pulmonologist and occasionally an endocrinologist and gastroenterologist. Medical professionals are always on hand at these gatherings to ensure optimal outcomes.
Weight loss surgery is a major surgery and a major decision on your part. In order to provide you with the most up to date information about your surgical options, the preparation, the post-surgical care, the recovery and the long term changes you need to make to assure a successful outcome, an information seminar is mandatory prior to your visit with your surgeon. Information seminars are held monthly.
Special comprehensive follow-up care after surgery improves long-term outcomes and minimizes complications; that's where nursing plays a special role. A specially trained group of nurses are the cornerstone to helping patients recover faster and ultimately achieve success after bariatric surgery.
Through special training with the bariatric surgeons, nurses have been taught to deal with all aspects of behavior modification, psychiatric issues, post-operative care and support as it relates to the care of bariatric surgery patients. Nurses have attended special training classes and have also participated in the support group that offers a caring ear to patients before and after surgery.
From the moment the patient awakes from surgery, the nurse is the key person in the team of healthcare professionals who will care for the patient. Becoming ambulatory immediately coupled with strict diet reinforcement and behavior modification are the keys to bariatric surgery recovery.
Modifying your behavior towards diet is challenging for anyone. But for bariatric surgery patients it's critical to recovery from the surgery as well as to overall weight loss success.
While most patients do not experience any major complications it is important to recognize and treat them early. Nurses are specially trained to assist in any problems that may arise from bariatric surgery.
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Center for Weight Management and Weight Loss Surgery Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford 170 Governors Ave, Medford, MA 02155, Suite 100 (781) 306-6166 School of Nursing is located directly next to Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford. Hallmark Health System's Center for Weight Management and Weight Loss Surgery Blog |
Information seminars
Once a month a surgical information seminar is held for patients who would like to learn more about weight loss surgery. Admission to these meetings is free of charge and everyone is welcome to attend but participation is mandatory if you want to proceed with weight loss surgery.
During these meetings we review the biology of obesity and the rationale behind surgical intervention in appropriately selected cases. Realities versus expectations regarding the Lap-Band procedure, the Roux-Y gastric bypass and the sleeve gastrectomy will be discussed.
We also review the differences between laparoscopic and open bariatric surgery. Patients, who would be potential candidates for surgery, will have a unique opportunity get an insight into the preparation for surgery, perioperative management and postoperative care. There is absolutely no pressure to proceed with surgery for anyone who attends this meeting.
Time:
All sessions take place at 6 p.m. at the Johnson Conference Room, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, 170 Governors Ave., Medford, unless otherwise indicated.
Dates:
Wednesday, March 1, 2012 (this session will be held at Lawrence Memorial/Regis College School of Nursing, Classroom D, 170 Governors Ave., Medford, (right next to Lawrence Memorial Hospital)
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Wednesday July 11, 2012
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Time:
All sessions take place at 6 p.m. at the Johnson Conference Room, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, 170 Governors Ave., Medford, unless otherwise indicated.
Dates:
Wednesday, March 1, 2012 (this session will be held at Lawrence Memorial/Regis College School of Nursing, Classroom D, 170 Governors Ave., Medford, (right next to Lawrence Memorial Hospital)
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Wednesday July 11, 2012
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Bariatric Surgery Information Seminar Online
We created an online version of our information seminar meeting for prospective patients who would not be able to attend the live meeting due to scheduling conflicts, transportation problems or other reasonable issues. Please note that the live seminar meeting is always preferable since it is interactive and we can address any of your concerns.However, if you feel that it is not possible for you to attend the live meeting and you have access to a computer with fast internet connection, you may call our office at (781) 306-6166 and ask for the password to view the online seminar.The seminar takes almost two hours to complete and there is a quiz at the end. The presentation will forward to the quiz automatically and completing the quiz is mandatory if you want to proceed with an office consultation. The quiz is very simple but a passing score is difficult to get if you don’t watch the entire presentation. The results will be emailed to our office automatically. You may repeat the test as many time as necessary to obtain the passing score.
You may click on the link here to watch the online seminar meeting:
System requirements:
Internet Explorer 7 or later, Adobe Flash 9 or later, broadband internet connection.
Adobe Flash can be obtained from here - http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/.
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Center for Weight Management and Weight Loss Surgery Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford 170 Governors Ave, Medford, MA 02155, Suite 100 (781) 306-6166 School of Nursing is located directly next to Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford. Hallmark Health System's Center for Weight Management and Weight Loss Surgery Blog |
Support groups
Participants in the Hallmark Health Center for Weight Management and Weight Loss Surgery reap the benefit of ongoing education and support from peers, as well as experienced and caring professionals. The program involves much more than coming to the hospital, having surgery, and going home. Staff will be there to educate and support patients every step of the way-before and after surgery. Support group is an integral part of the program.
In addition to one-on-one access to clinical, nutritional and behavioral health specialists, patients learn from the experts and each other about the lifestyle changes that accompany long-term weight loss through the program's monthly support group. Before and after surgery, the group gives patients the opportunity to learn and share.
Physicians, surgeons, nutritionists, mental health specialists, plastic surgeons, physical therapists, potential patients, pre-surgery patients, and post-surgery patients are among the 150 to 200 people who attend each month.
Lap-Band
Below are the Weight Management Support Group Meetings designed for Lap-Band patients for 2011. The meetings are on Tuesdays and meet in the LMH/Regis College School of Nursing, Classroom D or C. All meetings begin at 6:30 in the evening, lasting approximately two hours.
All patients: Pre and Post-Operative patients will meet together.
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Time: |
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. |
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Dates: |
Tuesday, July 19, 2011 Tuesday, August 16, 2011 Tuesday, September 20, 2011 Tuesday, October 18, 2011 Tuesday, November 15, 2011 Thursday, December 15, 2011 |
Gastric Bypass patients
Below are the Weight Management Support Groups designed for Gastric Bypass patients for 2011. The meetings are on Thursdays and will begin at 6:30 in the evening, lasting approximately two hours. All groups will meet in the School of Nursing.
Pre-operative patients: Meet in Classroom A.
Post-operative patients: Meet in Classroom B.
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Time: |
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6:30 – 8:30 p.m. |
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Dates: |
Thursday, July 21, 2011 Thursday, August 18, 2011 Thursday, September 22, 2011 Thursday, October 20, 2011 Thursday, November 17, 2011 Thursday, December 15, 2011 |
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Center for Weight Management and Weight Loss Surgery Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford 170 Governors Ave, Medford, MA 02155, Suite 100 (781) 306-6166 School of Nursing is located directly next to Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford. Hallmark Health System's Center for Weight Management and Weight Loss Surgery Blog |
Listen to podcasts from the director of the Center for Weight Management and Weight Loss Surgery, Dr. Andras Sandor and one of his patients. Click here to listen.
If you would like someone from the Center to contact you, simply click on the link below and fill-out the form.
