Q: What type of bariatric surgery does Dr. Tomita perform?
A: Dr. Tomita currently offers two of the most successful weight loss surgeries: The Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band and the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass procedure for bariatric surgery patients.
According to the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the current gold standard procedure for weight loss surgery and is the most frequently performed surgery for weight loss in the United States. In this procedure, stapling creates a small (15cc to 20cc) stomach pouch. The remainder of the stomach is not removed but is completely stapled shut and divided from the lower stomach pouch. The outlet from this newly formed pouch empties directly into the lower portion of the jejenum, thus bypassing calorie absorption and the duodenum. Advantages of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: The average excess weight loss with this procedure is generally higher in a compliant patient than with purely restrictive procedures. One year after surgery, weight loss can average 77% of excess body weight. Studies show that after 10 to 14 years, 60% of excess body weight loss has been maintained by patients. In addition, a 2000 study of 500 patients showed that 96% of certain associated health conditions such as back pain, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, diabetes and depression were improved or resolved following excess weight loss.
The Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding procedure is a minimally invasive surgery that helps you lose weight. During the procedure an adjustable silicone ring is surgically inserted and placed like a belt around the upper part of the stomach. The ring-or band-is connected by thin tubing to an access port just below the skin. Through this port, your surgeon adjusts the fit of the band by inflating or deflating its inner lining with saline solution to meet your individual needs. The adjustable gastric band reduces your stomach capacity and restricts the amount of food you're able to eat at one time. With the adjustable gastric band you will feel full sooner and stay full longer so you end up eating less. Although weight loss of three pounds a week is possible, patients usually lose a healthy one to two pounds a week on average.
Q: If I have weight loss surgery, how long would I be in the hospital and when could I return to work?
A: Most patients stay in the hospital on average between 1 to 2 days after surgery. You will be discharged when you are able to take in enough liquids and nutrients by mouth to prevent dehydration; have no fever; and have adequate pain control with medication. Depending on your current medical condition, there is a possibility of your being placed in the intensive care unit (ICU) to closely monitor your heart and lungs. Patients who use Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) or Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) for sleep apnea may be asked to bring their machines with them for use immediately after the procedure is performed.
You life after surgery will require permanent changes in your eating habits. Adhering to the modifications discussed by your physician is crucial to your overall health status and weight loss success. You should anticipate being able to return to work within six weeks depending on your physical condition and the nature of the work performed. Some patients have returned to work within two to three weeks when no strenuous lifting or other activity is involved.
Weight Management - Medically Supervised, Non-Medically Supervised & AtHome Programs Available!
Q: How is HMR® different from other diet programs?
A: Probably the biggest difference is the results that our program produces. The HMR® Program has the best published weight-loss data of any ongoing weight-loss program. As a result, it is the number one program used by physicians in major medical centers throughout the U.S. Our program is based on over 25 years of research and testing and is staffed by highly trained healthcare professionals so we can give you the highest quality support. We help you get a Quick Start™ on the diet, lose a lot of weight AND we focus on the skills that can help you keep the weight off long-term.
Q: Can you tell me more about the HMR® Program/Diet first?
A: Healthy Images offers a variety of diet options, and we work with you to decide which program is best for you. Our diet plans use high-nutrition HMR® weight-loss shakes and meals, which are delicious, and make the diets easy to follow and nutritionally complete. Most people tell us they’re the easiest diets they’ve ever done. Our registered dietitian is will you every step of the way and helps take the guesswork out of dieting. People lose an average of 60 lbs. on the HMR medically supervised diet.
Another of our diet options incorporates fruits and vegetables into the HMR® Shakes and meals and also produces a lot of weight loss. Both plans give you lots of food, so you’ll stay full while you’re losing weight.
Our participants also attend a weekly class that provides diet support and emphasizes the lifestyle changes that lead to success, for example, physical activity. We also support you long-term to help you MAINTAIN your weight loss. If a formal weight loss program is not for you, read the question about our Healthy Lifestyles course below.
Q: If I sign up for a weight management class, how many weeks does the class last?
A: There are three phases of the program: weight loss, transition and maintenance. The first phase of the program is when weight loss-starts and you start attending core classes. For the first 10-13 weeks, you will need to set aside the same time every week for the Core class. This is where you get your Quick Start in the Program, which is really important to your success. In fact, getting a Quick Start on the diet and losing a lot of weight right away may be the most important predictor of how much weight you lose. After 10-13 weeks of Core, if you have more weight you want to lose, you just continue in our ongoing weight-loss classes. So the weight-loss phase is not just 10-13 weeks. When you reach your goal weight or when you stop losing weight, there is a transition to the maintenance phase.
At HMR®, we take your long-term success very seriously, and recommend 18 months of maintenance.
This will help you to get through the many challenges that you’ll face that can interfere with your weight management efforts. So many things happen in life that can interrupt our success: life changes, such as a job change, a marriage, a major loss, etc. Being in the maintenance program during those times will support you to continue to practice the skills you learned and problem-solve difficult situations to keep your weight off.
Q: What is the Healthy Lifestyles Course?
A: If a formal weight loss program is not for you, Healthy Images also offers a Healthy Lifestyles class where you will learn a great deal of information about eating healthier, reading food labels, understanding carbohydrates, and much, much more. This course meets weekly for 12 weeks and is led by an energetic registered dietitian. The goal of the program is to provide you with skills for a lifetime of healthy eating. Cost of this program is $69. To register call, 989.729.4850.
Q: Who is HMR®?
The program was developed by Health Management Resources (HMR®), the nation’s leading provider of medically supervised weight management programs. For over 20 years, HMR® Programs have helped more than 1 million dieters lose weight while learning healthier lifestyle skills for long-term maintenance. Visit www.hmrprogram.com for more info!
Q: Does my insurance cover the costs of Memorial's programs?
A: Coverage does vary by insurance carrier. Our professional staff at both the Memorial Bariatric Center and the Memorial Weight Management Program can assist you in determining what costs your insurance will pay for.
Q: Does Memorial Healthcare accept credit cards?
A: Yes - Memorial accepts most major credit cards.
For more information, plan to attend one of our FREE monthly bariatric surgery orientations or a FREE monthly HMR orientation.
View more photos or read our patient testimonials.
CONTACT US:
Memorial Center for Weight Management
100 Health Park, Suite 101, Owosso, MI 48867
Local (989) 729.4850 or Toll Free: (866) 729-4850
It's Not ALL About the Numbers! Weight loss is about life enjoyment, travel and fitting in. We can help!