HEALTH & WELLNESS
sorbed, gastric bypass patients need to take vitamin B12,
iron, calcium and other supplements to avoid deficiencies,
according to Dr. Fares. Patients can expect to lose 60 to 85
percent of their excess body weight.
• Adjustable gastric band: In this procedure, the bariatric
surgeon implants an artificial inflatable ring near the top
of the stomach to create a small pouch. The ring acts like a
belt, so eating only a small amount of food will satisfy hunger and promote a feeling of fullness. The size of the stomach opening can be adjusted by filling the band with sterile
saline, which is injected through a port placed under the
skin. Unlike other bariatric procedures, the gastric band is
adjustable and can be reversed. However, patients typically
lose less excess weight, between 30 and 60 percent.
Bariatric surgery at St. Francis
At St. Francis, your team of highly skilled surgeons, nurse
practitioners, nurses, dietitians and other healthcare providers
are there with you every step of your weight-loss transformation. You can expect:
• A team approach
• Advanced minimally invasive techniques, including robotic surgery – less pain and a faster recovery
• Care when you need it
• Monthly support groups d
St. Francis Medical Center’s Bariatric team includes Jeanne
K. Fares, BSN, RN; Ervin Mita, CRNFA; Patricia Jones;
Dawne Moore, RN; and Louis Fares II, MD, FACS. To learn
more, call 609-599-5550 or visit www.stfrancismedical.
org.
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