Surgery Overview
Wisconsin Bariatrics specializes in:
We also provide:
- Vascular Surgery
- Bariatric Surgery including:
- Laparoscopic Gastric Bypasses
- Laparoscopic Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG)
- Adjustable Laparoscopic Gastric Banding (LAP-BAND®)
- Removal of excess skin
Our comprehensive bariatric surgery program is multidisciplinary and includes psychological
evaluation, nutritional counseling and follow-up support. We work closely with our
patients’ referring physicians and are affiliated with the bariatric program at
Aurora Sinai Medical Center in Milwaukee.
In addition to nurses, nutritionists and behavioral health experts, our medical
team also includes an excellent internist, and very experienced bariatric surgeons
who specialize in bariatric patients. Referring physicians are consulted on an ongoing
basis throughout the pre-and post-operative process.
For self-pay patients, please click
Self-Financing
to learn more. For questions,
Contact Us, or call
414-281-9665
and ask for our financial couselor. We provide a package at a competitive price.
Is Bariatric Surgery Right For You?
Obesity has many factors. Genes are responsible for 75 to 90 percent of all obesity
cases. Thus, dieting and exercise only work for 1 in 20 people who are morbidly
obese.
The NIH Consensus Conference in 1991 states that “[bariatric] surgery is the only
way to obtain consistent, permanent weight loss for morbidly obese patients.”
In general, bariatric surgical candidates are individuals who have exhausted other
serious attempts to lose weight. They also are:
- Age: Between 18-60 years old (Age of less than 18 and over 60
are also considered on an individual basis.)
- At least 100 pounds overweight
- Likely to have health problems related to obesity such as diabetes,
high blood pressure, cardiac or joint problems
- Not suffering from endocrine causes of obesity or drug or alcohol
abuse
- Committed to understanding the surgery and its risks along with
substantial eating and lifestyle changes that need to be made
- Prepared to continue being monitored by their physician.
The Approval Process – A Comprehensive Approach
The assessment process will determine if the patient is ready for treatment.
STEPS:
- A team conference proactively assesses the management of lifestyle changes
– by counseling both psychological and nutritional readiness for treatment. Patients
will participate in an informational seminar, which explains the requirements and
commitments needed to continue in treatment. A differentiating feature of Dr. Chua’s
bariatric program is his defined comprehensive approach to patient management.
- After the team’s assessment, patients are cleared and referred to the surgical
team. Our expert, board certified surgical team will evaluate the patient in consultation.
Based on individual needs, current symptoms and history, our physicians will recommend
which procedure is appropriate.
- Once a treatment plan has been determined, our staff will start the authorization
process with the insurance company. This process involves multiple steps to ensure
that benefits are explained and financial responsibilities are covered.
- Next, the medical team will assess the patient. Prior to any surgical procedures,
patients are evaluated and undergo several of pre-operative testing, including upper
GI x-ray, gall bladder ultrasound (if gall bladder is still present), chest x-ray,
ECG, and blood test to assess the overall health of the patient. Consultations are sought as necessary if
the medical history is complex. We take an extensive multi-disciplinary medical team approach to ensure a safe and
successful operation.
- Throughout the treatment plan, our surgical and medical teams prepare the patient
for a lifetime commitment to change. Our extensive post-operative approach includes
medical follow up, nutrition and diet counseling, wellness education and low impact
exercises.
Our physicians are experts in their field, actively involved in research, teaching
and writing to continue our commitment to bariatric care. Continued follow up in
our program gives the patient access to bariatric medicine’s leading technology
and treatment options.
For self-pay patients, please click
Self-Financing
to learn more. For questions,
Contact Us, or call
414-281-9665
and ask for our financial couselor. We provide a package at a competitive price.
Individualized Care
At Wisconsin Bariatrics, we believe that no one procedure is best for everyone.
All of our patients undergo extensive education, evaluation and self-assessment
to determine if bariatric surgery is right for them, and if so, which procedure
would ensure optimal success. Our philosophy of care involves each patient as a
true partner in the process. Weight loss surgery is a powerful tool, but it is only
one tool in the overall weight loss effort.
For self-pay patients, please click
Self-Financing
to learn more. For questions,
Contact Us, or call
414-281-9665
and ask for our financial couselor. We provide a package at a competitive price.