Bariatric Surgery at Phoenixville Hospital
Bariatric surgery is a safe and highly effective procedure that has enabled hundreds of thousands of obese persons achieve life-changing weight loss. Clinical studies have shown that weight loss after bariatric surgery can resolve type II diabetes and hypertension, cut a person’s risk of developing coronary heart disease in half, and resolve obstructive sleep apnea in more than 85% of patients.
What is Obesity?
Obesity is a disease that affects nearly one-third of all adult Americans (about 60 million people). This number has continued to increase steadily over the years. Every year obesity causes some 300,000 premature deaths in the United States. The healthcare costs of American adults with obesity exceeds $100 billion.
The most common measurement for obesity is Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is calculated by dividing body weight (lb.) by height in inches squared (in2) and multiplying that amount by 704.5. Weight-loss surgery is recommended as a treatment option for persons with obesity that have either a BMI of 40 or greater, or a BMI of 35 to 39.9 with serious medical conditions. The following categories are based on BMI:
- Overweight – BMI 25-29.9
- Obese – BMI 30-34.9
- Severely obese – BMI 35-39.9
- Morbidly obese – BMI 40 and up
Obese individuals have a higher risk of type II diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, stroke, sleep apnea, degenerative arthritis, chronic heartburn, urinary and reproductive problems and depression. A recent study confirmed obese persons are also at higher risk of certain types of cancer: breast, colon, ovarian and uterine, prostate and kidney.
Studies have shown that people who have had gastric bypass surgery lose 30%-50% of their excess weight six months after surgery. As soon as a year after the operation, they often lose 75% of their excess weight. Weight loss after Lap Band surgery typically is slower and averages 50-60% in two years.
What is Bariatric Surgery?
The Bariatric Surgery Center at Phoenixville Hospital offers two clinically proven procedures:
- Gastric Bypass
- Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding
Gastric Bypass
This procedure involves surgically reducing the size of the stomach to a very small pouch. This pouch holds a much smaller percentage of food than the full stomach. The pouch “bypasses” the remaining stomach and digestive tract and is connected directly to the small intestine. This restricts absorption while allowing the normal digestive function of the pancreas and liver.
Gastric bypass surgery can be done one of two ways:
- “Open” involves an incision about 6-8 inches long from the breastbone to above the navel.
- ”Laparoscopic” or “minimally invasive” involves inserting a small video camera and surgical instruments through six or so very small incisions, or “ports”, ¼ to ¾ inches in diameter.
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding
This minimally invasive procedure involves placing an inflatable band around the upper part of the stomach. It separates the stomach into two parts: a tiny upper pouch and a larger lower pouch. Unlike gastric bypass, the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band does not surgically alter the digestive tract.
The band can be tightened or loosened to help the patient feel full while maintaining a healthy diet. The band connects to a port or reservoir that sits below the skin near the navel. Inside the band is a balloon that can be filled by placing fluid in the port. Liquid inserted through the port fills the balloon, restricting the stomach and slowing the passage of food from the upper pouch into the lower pouch. Typically patients will need four to six band fills in the first year after surgery to progressively restrict their food intake. Laparoscopically Adjustable Gastric Banding is a completely reversible procedure.
Meet Our Surgeon
Christopher Kaczmarski, MD, FACS, established the Bariatric Surgery program in Phoenixville. One of the most experienced bariatric surgeons in the Philadelphia area, Dr. Kaczmarski has performed more than 2,000 weight-loss operations in the past decade. He is currently Director of Bariatric Surgery at the PMA Metabolic and Bariatric Weight Management Center.
After receiving his Medical Degree from New York Medical College, Dr. Kaczmarski completed his surgical residency training at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital in New York. He has been practicing General Surgery for over 20 years, and since 1999 has specialized exclusively in Bariatric Surgery.
Prior to joining Phoenixville Hospital, Dr. Kaczmarski had been a Bariatric Surgeon at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center in New York. Previously he served as Chief of Surgery at the Barix Clinics Hospital in Langhorne, PA. He is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, is Board-Certified by the American Board of Surgery, and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Kaczmarski has expertise in both open and laparoscopic Gastric Bypass and Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding procedures.
Our Total Care Approach
At Phoenixville Hospital, our care and concern for your weight-loss continues well after the operation. We offer support group meetings for our patients on the second Tuesday of every month. Our staff dietician provides support and guidance to help you maintain a healthy dietary program. Psychiatric services provide support, and physical therapy services help plan and supervise a post-operation exercise program. Support groups also provide an environment where patients help each other. The care you receive at Phoenixville Hospital is on-going.
To Learn More About Bariatric Surgery at Phoenixville Hospital
Information seminars are held on the third Thursday of every month from 6:00 - 8:00 pm in the Conference Center, located on the third floor of Medical Office Building II. To register for our next seminar or support group, Click Here to register online or contact Sharon Thomas, Bariatric Surgery Coordinator, at 610-983-1975. To schedule a consultation, please call 610-495-2338.