Enloe Medical Center is recognized for high-quality care
in bariatric surgery. The ASMBS designated Enloe, with surgical director Dr. Deron Ludwig, as a Center of Excellence. Read the details on our news release.
Weight Management Program
Successful Solutions
The Enloe Medical Center Weight Management Program is committed
to leading the way for obesity treatment and patient advocacy. It
focuses on the medical, psychological, social and nutritional problems
associated with excess weight. Enloe offers bariatric surgery,
backed by education, exercise, nutrition and support programs.
Surgical treatment of obesity
Enloe's Successful Solutions program offers the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass,
surgery that drastically reduces stomach size, permitting less
food intake, and bypasses a portion of the small intestine, reducing
the number of calories absorbed. (See illustration.)
Enloe also offers Lap-Band, a gastric banding procedure that restricts food intake by using an adjustable band to create a small pouch at the top of the stomach. (See illustration at left.) Unlike the Roux-en-Y, gastric banding does not affect absorption of calories.
The Roux-en-Y and Lap-Band operations are done laparoscopically, which involves using several small incisions, rather than one large incision, as with the "open" method. Both the open and laparoscopic techniques can have excellent results, but the less-invasive method allows patients to return home and back to work sooner.
Health benefits after surgery
Obesity can lead to many chronic diseases and disabilities, even
premature death. Illnesses associated with obesity include heart
disease, diabetes, hypertension, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea
and depression. After surgery, as a healthy weight is achieved,
many of these conditions, called "co-morbidities,"
disappear.
"There is no other operation I know of that, with one procedure,
can bring such profound results, curing many severe medical conditions
at once. A dramatic change typically occurs very quickly in both medical
and mental health." - Deron J. Ludwig, MD, Program Surgical Director
Keys to your success...
To us, success is assisting patients in achieving a healthy
weight and lifestyle. After surgery, patients can accomplish this
by adhering to their diet and exercise plans, and by taking accountability
seriously. This requires a lifetime commitment. Our ongoing education
and support are essential keys on the road to success.
Bariatric Pre-Surgical Class
This two-hour class is designed to help patients prepare for
their procedure at Enloe. Taught by a registered nurse and clinical
dietitian, the class provides a better idea of what to expect
during the hospital visit and how to participate in the recovery
process. It also gives an opportunity for patients to ask questions
of medical professionals and meet others who will be having the
same surgery. Spouse, relatives or friends are welcome and encouraged
to attend this class. It is held on Thursdays, from 1:00 p.m.
to 3:00 p.m.
Bariatric Post-Operative Class
This two-hour class is offered about one month after the gastric
bypass surgery. Participants get an opportunity to review important
information and follow-up on special guidelines as their diet
and other needs change. It is held on Thursdays.
Bariatric Bypass Buddies Support Group
This support group provides pre- and post-operative information
and support. It offers speakers, education and a close-knit, emotionally
supportive network of people. The group is free and open to anyone
thinking about or who has already undergone bariatric surgery
at Enloe or elsewhere, and their family and friends. It meets
on the last Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m.
The Successful Solutions Team
Deron J. Ludwig, MD, Surgeon and Program Surgical
Director
Erik Simchuk, MD, Surgeon
Kathy Hickam, RN, BSN, ONC, CBN, Program Coordinator
Dana Rice, RN, Program Nurse
Sheila Oswalt, RN, BSN, Program Nurse
Beth Faltin, RD, CNSD, Program Dietitian
Diane, Office Manager
Nicole, Office Assistant
Courtney, Office Assistant
Kimberly, Office Assistant
"Obesity is a medical condition, and we have the intervention
to improve a patient's lifestyle, both physically and emotionally."
- Kathy Hickam, RN, Bariatric Program Coordinator
Other resources
Online support: You may want to participate in one or more of the support chat rooms or message boards at obesityhelp.com, such as ObesityHelp Forum: Patients of Successful Solutions Weight Management Program (Note: The link takes you outside of the Enloe web site.) You can get answers to many of your pre- and post-surgical questions and enjoy the support of fellow bariatric surgery patients in the comfort of your own home and at a time convenient to you. Access is free and open to anyone thinking about or who has already undergone bariatric surgery at Enloe or elsewhere, and their family and friends.
Contact us
Successful Solutions
Enloe Medical Center Weight Management Program
251 Cohasset Rd., Suite 120
Chico, CA 95926
530.891.1651
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