News Release

CONTACT: Kit Fullenlove
Public Relations manager
(502) 897-8343
kfullenlove@bhsi.com

Dec. 15, 2009

SUMMARY: To find out if you are a candidate for weight-loss surgery, attend a free, physician-led information seminar planned for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7 at Baptist Hospital East’s Education Center. Pre-register: (502) 897-8131 or e-mail BHEInfoCenter@bhsi.com.

WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY INFORMATION SESSIONS SCHEDULED JAN. 7, JAN. 16

ST. MATTHEWS - Baptist Hospital East is now offering adjustable gastric banding weight loss (bariatric) surgery. The minimally invasive procedure is performed by surgeons G. Derek Weiss, MD, and John S. Oldham Jr., MD, of Bluegrass Bariatric Surgical Associates.
Bariatric surgery reduces the size of the stomach and, in some cases, alters the digestion process to curb the amount of calories and nutrients absorbed. Most patients lose about 50 percent of their excess weight in the first year after surgery.
Health problems associated with excess weight also usually improve after surgery, including problems with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and joint pain.
Success requires a drastic change in behavior, including eating very small meals.

The gastric band procedure involves placing a collar on the stomach to make it smaller. The band is adjustable so it can be tightened or loosened to regulate food intake.
According to the National Institutes of Health, candidacy for weight-loss surgery is based on several factors including BMI, or body mass index. To calculate your BMI, go to baptisteast.com and type BMI in the search box.
To find out if you are a candidate for weight-loss surgery, attend a free, physician-led information seminar planned for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7 and 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16 at Baptist Hospital East’s Education Center. Pre-registration is required.

To register for an upcoming information session, or for physician referral, call the Baptist Hospital East Information Center at (502) 897-8131 or e-mail BHEInfoCenter@bhsi.com. Please provide your name, complete address, telephone number and seminar date selected in your e-mail. Online registration is also available at baptisteast.com through the posted news story on bariatric surgery.

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