Obesity — A Matter of Life and Death
Obesity affected nearly 40 percent of U.S. adults — more than 93 million people — in 2015-2016, according to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention. For many, severe obesity is a matter of life and death. Many people who are seriously overweight have tried different diets, medications and professional weight-loss services for years without long-term success. Manatee Memorial Hospital's Surgical Weight Loss Program offers three surgical options that can help seriously overweight people get the long-term results they need.
Patient Story: Cara Aliotta
Patient Cara Aliotta shares her weight-loss success story:
Blue Distinction® Centers for Bariatric Surgery
Manatee Memorial Hospital is proud to be recognized by the Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® Association (BCBSA) with a Blue Distinction® Centers for Bariatric Surgery designation, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.
Aetna Institute of Quality® Bariatric Surgery Facility
Manatee Memorial Hospital was recognized for consistently delivering evidence-based, safe care for weight-loss patients.
How Do Weight-Loss Procedures Work?
Weight-loss procedures help people lose weight by reducing the size of the stomach or bypassing part of the patient's intestines. After the procedure, patients eat less food to feel full and satisfied.
There is more to it than the procedure itself. To be successful, patients must make major changes in their lifestyle and eating habits. For example, following a procedure, patients must:
- Restrict the amount and types of food they eat
- Avoid drinking liquids with meals
- Stick with a regular exercise program
- Take vitamin and mineral supplements.
Surgical Options
We offer surgical options for weight loss that can help seriously overweight people get the long-term results they need.
Podcast
Get the latest information on outpatient surgical procedures from healthcare professionals.
Is Weight-Loss Surgery Right for Me?
Weight-loss surgery may be right for you if:
- You are 18 years of age or older
- You are at least 80 pounds overweight, depending on other health conditions
- Your Body Mass Index is greater than 30
- You have tried other weight-loss methods without success
- You are medically stable and physically able to withstand surgery
- You pass a psychological screening test that helps ensure you are able to comply with post-surgical behavior modifications
- You complete all required pre-operative testing.
Getting Ready for Surgery
Before surgery, your surgeon will send you for preoperative tests and lab work. If you're a smoker, you may have to stop smoking as early as a month in advance of your surgery.
Your Hospital Stay
Shortly after your surgery, you'll be able to start on a liquid diet. As you progress, you'll move to a diet of pureed foods, then to a diet of regular foods, as instructed by your doctor. Your individual progress will determine the length of time of each diet phase.
Post-Surgery
You and your doctor will discuss a post-operative plan that will help ensure your long-term weight-loss, including referrals to nutritionists, exercise programs, psychotherapists and support groups.
After your weight-loss surgery, you will eat significantly less food to feel full. During the first several months of reduced food intake, some patients experience nausea, vomiting, food intolerance, changes in bowel movements, constipation, transient hair loss and loss of muscle mass. Most patients see a significant improvement in how they feel when dietary intake improves.
Weight-Loss Lectures and Support Groups
Get information about FREE bariatric surgery events held each month at Manatee Memorial Hospital. For more information, call 941-708-8055.
Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if bariatric surgery is right for you.