At Winthrop-University Hospital's Institute for Specialty Care, bariatric surgery is performed by Board Certified, experienced surgeons with advanced training in obesity surgery. With impressive success rates, Winthrop's bariatric surgery experts perform laparoscopic gastric banding and laparoscopic Roux-en Y gastric bypass.

Laparoscopic gastric banding, a minimally invasive procedure, involves the placement of an inflatable band around the top of the stomach, limiting food intake. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, another minimally invasive procedure, reduces the size of the stomach and restructures the intestinal tract and suppresses appetite and restrict the amount of calories absorbed.

In order to qualify for bariatric surgery, candidates must be considered morbidly obese, which means 100 pounds overweight (men) or 80 pounds overweight (women) with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 40. Alternatively, the procedure may be appropriate if the patient is 80 pounds overweight with a serious obesity-related condition such as diabetes or life-threatening cardiopulmonary problems.

"When people become morbidly obese, there really are no other options available because studies show every option has a 95% failure rate with these particular patients," explained Dr. Vithianathan. "While there are those who feel bariatric surgery is risky, the chance of dying as a result of the procedure is onetenth of the risk patients face if they continue on living the way they have without surgery.

"Ultimately, success depends on the patient's post-surgical, life-long commitment to modifying eating habits and participating in ongoing exercise programs. With maintenance, patients lose a majority of their excess weight and generally see an improvement in other serious medical conditions, including diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease and hypertension."

Following surgery, patients are offered post-operative support services, including a monthly support group, which is attended by Dr. Vithianathan and his staff.

"After the procedure, they are seen regularly by the surgeon and nutritionist for follow-ups," explained Karen Norowski, RN, BSN, Bariatric Nurse Coordinator, who also provides emotional support. "If the patient is having difficulties, I partner them with a buddy--a former patient--to counsel them through the first six weeks post-op.

"What truly sets Winthrop's bariatric surgery program apart from others is that there's a lot of personal contact between the patient and the surgeon," she added. "It makes a difference in the patients' lives."

For more information or to schedule an appointment for a consultation, call (516) 663-3300 or (516) 663-8936.