Greetings from The Bariatric Center at Columbus Regional Hospital:

We are keeping busy at The Bariatric Center and want to keep you informed on why patients choose our program to have their surgery close to home.

Comprehensive Support Team
In addition to the surgeons, integral members of our comprehensive and dedicated team are Donna Lecher, Bariatric Center Nurse Practitioner, who provides patient care and helps manage the support groups along with Kelli Pitman, R.N. Dietitians Julie Knight and Andi Bukowski meet with each patient to provide the nutritional support needed after bariatric surgery. In addition, Dr. Karl Evans, Psychologist, and Dr. Brian Kline, Internist with a focus on bariatrics, treat patients for emotional eating and weight loss issues. Familiar faces who greet patients at the front desk are Cathy Robertson, Tracy Hundley and Heather Bell. We are currently searching for a Patient Advocate/Outreach Coordinator who will guide patients through the insurance process and work directly with referring physicians.

The numbers of people choosing bariatric surgery are increasing as it's a beneficial way to lose weight and improve the health conditions caused by obesity.

Adjustable gastric banding
The most commonly performed restrictive procedure in the world is adjustable gastric banding. These bands can be inserted laparoscopically, thereby reducing the complications and discomfort of an open procedure. Currently several brands of adjustable bands are available – the LAP-BAND® System, and the REALIZE Band System are each available at The Bariatric Center.

New BMI guidelines for LAP-BAND
Just announced in March 2011, we are pleased that the LAP-BAND® System, Allergan's gastric band, has now been approved by the FDA for obese adults who have failed more conservative weight reduction alternatives (such as diet and exercise) and have a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30 with at least one obesity related comorbid condition. Comorbid conditions include heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and high blood pressure. This means that patients who are 60 pounds overweight can now qualify for bariatric surgery. Previous requirements called for a BMI over 35.

Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy is a newer procedure that is restrictive in nature. In this procedure, approximately 90% of the stomach is removed. This procedure leads to profound weight loss.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
According to the American Society for Bariatric Surgery and the National Institutes of Health, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the current gold standard procedure for weight loss surgery. It is one of the most frequently performed weight loss procedures in the United States.

Free Patient Information Sessions
An explanation of all the procedures, plus much more, is presented to potential patients at regular free Information Sessions held throughout the year in the Southern Indiana Surgery office waiting room located at 2325 18th Street, Suite 220 in Columbus. Visit columbusbariatrics.com for dates and times.

Patient Post-op Support
After surgery, patients can choose to participate in many programs and events offered by The Bariatric Center to help with changes in lifestyle. Regular monthly Support Groups are offered and managed by Donna Lecher, N.P., Andi Bukowski, R.D., Julie Knight, R.D., and Karl Evans, M.D., with interesting topics geared toward post-op patients. The Barrie Buddy Program pairs new bariatric patients with volunteers who have been through bariatric surgery. The Patient Advisory Council meets monthly to help The Bariatric Center stay connected to the patient pulse. Patients can attend Revitalize You, a nine-week group therapy program specifically geared toward patients who want to regain control of their new healthy lifestyle after bariatric surgery. Special events for bariatric patients are offered annually, including the Bari-ed Treasure Fashion Show, the Bari-ed Treasure Closet Cleaning Sale and the Annual Bariatric Patient Reunion.

Please feel free to contact us directly to learn more about The Bariatric Center at Columbus Regional Hospital by calling 812-418-3512 or visit us at columbusbariatrics.com.

Thanks for being part of our team,

Dr. David Lee, Dr. Stephanie Dunkle-Blatter, Dr. James Lopes, Donna Lecher, N.P. and the Bariatric Center Team

Patient Buzz

We are adding a new feature to The Bariatric Update and we need your help.

We want to hear your good news and share it with our readers and patients. Let us know if you've reached a new weight loss goal or that you are a new grandparent. Or tell us about your new, healthy life after bariatric surgery. We know you have lots to report, so please share your buzz by emailing us at pjows@sisurgery.com.