ACMC's Center for Surgical Weight Loss & Wellness now offers two minimally invasive weight loss procedures
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The Center for Surgical Weight Loss & Wellness at Atlantic
City Medical Center (ACMC) now offers two minimally invasive
surgeries to treat morbid obesity - laparoscopic gastric bypass
and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Morbidly obese
patients are those who are more than 100 pounds over their
ideal body weight or who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40
or greater, or 35 or greater with illnesses associated with
being morbidly obese, including hypertension, Type II Diabetes,
high cholesterol and or lipid levels, obstructive sleep apnea,
gastroesophageal reflux disease, stress, urinary incontinence,
premature arthritic changes and other illnesses. Alexander
Onopchenko, MD, FACS, Medical Director, Center for Surgical
Weight Loss & Wellness, and Samir Patel, MD, each perform
both of these surgeries as part of a multidisciplinary approach
to the management of obesity at Atlantic City Medical Center.
Gastric bypass surgery divides the stomach into a small upper portion from the larger lower portion, so that only the small upper portion, which is reduced to be about the size of a medium-sized egg, receives the food. This promotes a significant decrease in food intake, and creates a longer feeling of fullness after meals. The operation also bypasses a portion of the small intestines to reduce the calories the body absorbs, and produces a feeling of satisfaction from eating a small amount. The laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding procedure, or "lap-band," is the placement of a silicone band around the upper portion of the stomach. This restricts the amount of food the patient can consume and creates a longer feeling of fullness after meals. This procedure does not involve cutting or stapling of the stomach, and is currently the only adjustable and reversible surgical weight loss option. ACMC is the only hospital in the region that performs these procedures laparoscopically, or through several small incisions. Benefits of the laparoscopic method generally include reduced recovery time and reduced post-surgical pain.
"On May 14, 2003, I had gastric bypass surgery," said Denise Rounds, of Atlantic City, who was the 60th patient to undergo weight loss surgery at ACMC. "I now consider this day my new birthday." The owner of Bellezza, the Salon at the Atlantic City Hilton and at Caesars Atlantic City, Rounds said she chose weight loss surgery after struggling with a weight problem for her entire adult life. "I had dieted off and on since 1972," explained Rounds, who is five feet, five inches tall, weighed 240 pounds before her surgery and had a body mass index (BMI) of 40. "I wanted to be able to keep up with my peers and to live a long and healthy life. I also wanted to be able to keep helping others for many years to come. Today I am 80 pounds lighter, healthier, more energetic and I feel better than I have in a long time. I would recommend the surgery to others. I am a new person!" Rounds added that she exercises regularly by doing yoga and walking on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.
"Morbidly obese people are at high risk of many health problems,
including diabetes, heart disease; stroke; high blood pressure;
high cholesterol; osteoarthritis; sleep apnea; gallbladder
and liver disease; and some cancers," said Alexander Onopchenko,
MD, FACS, Medical Director, Center for Surgical Weight Loss
& Wellness at Atlantic City Medical Center. "Morbid obesity is a community health problem that can
be fatal. Gastric bypass and laparoscopic adjustable gastric
banding are in many cases life-saving alternatives that help
people get back to living."
Who is a candidate?
Potential patients attend a free informational seminar to
learn about laparoscopic weight loss surgery. Those who meet
the qualifications, then meet with the surgeon, during which
time they receive an in-depth evaluation.
"After the evaluation by the surgeon, patients undergo multiple specialty evaluations based on their personal medical history," said Onopchenko. "Every patient must, however, have a psychological assessment to determine whether he or she is prepared to commit to the lifestyle changes required after the weight loss surgery in order to maximize his or her outcome."
Prior to surgery
patients receive a tremendous amount of education prior to their surgery, including attending "Bariatric Boot Camp" as part of their preparation. "Boot Camp prepares patients for what they'll experience the day of surgery and while they're in the hospital," said Rachel Bohs, program coordinator. "It reinforces all of the education and information we share with patients before their surgery, to prepare them for the life changes after surgery. It allows them to meet the members of the team who will care for them during their stay. Patients tour areas of the hospital including Physical Therapy, Radiology, the Bariatric Surgical Unit and patient rooms. Knowing what to expect and having the chance to ask questions face to face with the care team members is comforting and helpful to patients."
The Bariatric Surgical Unit at the Center for Surgical Weight Loss & Wellness at ACMC includes two comfortable suites that are designed to meet the special needs of bariatric patients. The unit was recently refurbished thanks to a donation from the ACMC City Division Auxiliary. It features specially designed beds, wheelchairs, walkers and other patient equipment.
After surgery
Patients receive close follow-up care and monitoring after their weight loss surgery at ACMC. "Patients have five rules to follow after surgery," said Onopchenko. "Eat protein first; dink plenty of water; exercise daily; refrain from snacking between meals and take vitamins as prescribed."
"Surgery for weight loss is not a quick fix," said Onopchenko. "Potential patients are carefully screened. The ACMC team spends a tremendous amount of time preparing patients before surgery and following up with them after surgery."
Patients have access to a patient support group and to the AtlantiCare network of services, including counseling from AtlantiCare Behavioral Health (ABH). "AtlantiCare's commitment to wellness goes beyond surgery," said Terri Schieder, AtlantiCare administrator of clinical development. "Patients who have had a life-long, life-threatening struggle with obesity need support of family, friends and healthcare providers. We designed the Center for Surgical Weight Loss & Wellness around individual patient needs. Patients who participate in the surgical weight loss program experience a positive change that impacts all areas of their lives. That's why we provide the support they need before, during and after surgery."
Living for life
"Weight loss achieved after weight loss surgery may average between 50 to 75 percent of the patient's excess weight," said Onopchenko. "Within literally days of the surgery, most diabetics require no further medical treatment and remain medication free. High cholesterol, sleep apnea, hypertension and reflux esophagitis are often alleviated, reversed or markedly improved."
The Center for Surgical Weight Loss & Wellness at ACMC holds informational seminars monthly. To learn more about the ACMC Center for Surgical Weight Loss and Wellness, weight loss surgery or the next informational seminar, please call 1-866-WGT-MGMT.
Atlantic City Medical Center is a division of AtlantiCare, an integrated network of services with a vision of improving health outcomes and health status and reducing costs for southeastern New Jersey. The other divisions of AtlantiCare are AtlantiCare Foundation, AtlantiCare Health Plans, AtlantiCare Behavioral Health, AtlantiCare Health Services and InfoShare, an information resources and technology company.
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