Bariatric medicine is a specialty within medicine that focuses on overweight individuals, obesity and related health issues, according to altmeds.com. There are numerous bariatric programs in the United States at hospitals and health centers, with comprehensive support programs prior to surgery and after the operation. Many of these programs also conduct research on bariatric-related issues.
Penn Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program
The University of Pennsylvania Health System has a bariatric program that provides a wide array of services for individuals seeking bariatric surgery. The treatment teams are multidisciplinary, including nutritionists, psychologists, nurses, surgeons and physicians. Prior to a screening for bariatric surgery, patients need to fit criteria set by the National Institutes of Health; once these are met, patients can schedule a screening appointment. Penn bariatric surgeons perform more than 700 procedures yearly, performing a variety of procedures such as adjustable gastric bands, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and sleeve gastronomy. Post-surgery, patients can attend support group meetings with other patients who have had the surgery and learn tools to maintain progress. As time goes on, patients are monitored to make sure they are getting adequate nutrition, can get counseling to adjust to life changes after surgery, and regular appointments throughout the years.
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
3400 Spruce St
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-662-4000
pennmedicine.org
Scripps Mercy Hospital
The bariatric surgery program at Scripps Mercy Hospital offers not only bariatric surgery, but extensive pre-surgery and aftercare programs to support the individual in making healthy choices. Scripps Mercy Hospital, located in San Diego, California, is part of the larger Scripps Health network. Having performed over 12,000 bariatric surgeries, this program was designated as a Center for Excellence by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, says scripps.org. The doctors in this program perform three surgical options: gastric banding, gastric bypass and gastric sleeve. Services the program offers include community lectures on obesity, counseling and support groups, and individualized diet and fitness regimens.
Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego
4077 Fifth Ave
San Diego, CA 92103
619-294-8111
scripps.org
Mayo Clinic
The Mayo Clinic, located in Rochester, Minnesota, manages a bariatric program for severely obese patients with health conditions associated with their weight. Mayoclinic.org states that the surgeons in this program perform more than 500 surgeries yearly. Prior to performing bariatric surgery, the patient goes through extensive physical testing, as well as psychological evaluation to address any issues that can complicate long-term weight loss success. Several bariatric procedures are performed at this institution, according to mayoclinic.org, including: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, laparoscopic gastric banding, biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch and sleeve gastrectomy. Follow-up care involves meeting with a provider from the health care team, as well as a psychologist, several times over the course of the first year post-surgery. The Mayo Clinic provides guidelines for eating and exercise, and after the first year, patients can follow up with their own physicians if these guidelines are followed, says mayoclinic.org.
Mayo Clinic
200 First St S.W.
Rochester, MN 55905
507-284-2511
mayoclinic.org
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