Getting Started with Surgical Weight Reduction

Come to a free informational meeting to learn more about our Center, and find out if surgical weight loss is right for you.  We will discuss all the surgical options available, their pro's and cons for each option.

The OHSU Surgical Weight Reduction Center hosts regular events where you can learn more about surgical weight loss. Doctors and team members will be there to answer your questions and explain your options.

To make a reservation for the next event, or get more information, please call us between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday  (503) 494-1983.

We will provide a reminder notification prior to the class so please let us know if your contact information changes. The class is located at the OHSU Center for Health and Healing; 3303 SW Bond Avenue; Portland, OR 97239; 3rd floor; when getting off the elevators, follow the long hallway on the right to the E. Paul Kirk Conference room number 3171.

After attending the class, interested participants can collect their medical records and contact the Digestive Health Center office to arrange a Bariatric consult with one of the nurse practitioners. During this visit, past and current medical problems are evaluated, any needed follow up is arranged, and individual questions are answered. The next step is to meet with our dietician.

You will receive a packet of information at the Bariatric class but it may be helpful to know that Clifford Deveney MD, Robert O'Rourke MD and Bruce Wolfe MD are the surgeons who perform our Bariatric procedures. The procedures offered at OHSU include:

• Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
• Lap Band
• Gastric Sleeve
• Revisional Bariatric Surgery
  

To qualify for surgery there is set BMI (Body Mass Index) criteria that must be met. Weight loss surgery is considered when medical treatment for obesity such as medication and diet therapy has been unable to produce a sustained weight loss. The goal is to reduce or eliminate the common health problems (co-morbidities) related to obesity such as heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, elevated cholesterol, gastric reflux, infertility, and liver disease. These procedures usually reduce excess body weight by 50-60% but individual results may differ. Additional weight loss can be achieved with exercise and careful food choices.

We strongly recommend that individuals start a healthy weight loss program to reduce their weight by 15 pounds or 10% of excess weight in order to decrease their surgical risks. In addition we will ask that you:

• Stop smoking.
• Be free of drug or alcohol abuse.
• Have medical and mental health problems under treatment.
• Agree to participate in follow up care.
• Postpone pregnancy for a year after surgery.
• Assume responsibility for exercise and diet changes after surgery.
• Participate in a psychological evaluation
• Receive Bariatric nutritional counseling.
• Be between the ages of 18-68
• Have a BMI of less than 80
  

If you have Internet access, you may want to research the following sites and links.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/

http://www.asmbs.org/ (American society of Bariatric surgery)

We look forward to meeting you and participating in your health care.

• Clifford Deveney MD
• Robert O'Rourke MD
• Bruce Wolfe MD
• Maggie Conser NP
• Michelle Tegenkamp MS, RD, LD

OHSU is the premier bariatric surgery center for the treatment of obesity in Portland, Oregon. We look forward to serving you.  Please contact us at (503) 494-1983.

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