Bariatric Surgery Program
Steve-Lost 60 lbs	Mindy-Lost 95 lbs	Dora-Lost 90 lbs

A Community Health Education Event Comprehensive SURGICAL WEIGHT LOSS WHEN: Tuesday, April 21st, 2009 from 6 to 8 p.m. WHERE: Torrance Memorial Medical Center West Tower, Auditorium 3330 Lomita Blvd., Torrance Enter off of Medical Center Drive. Free parking available in the West Parking Structure. WHO: Those interested in learning about surgical weight loss options. WHY: Making a decision for weight loss surgery is never easy. When that choice becomes a life-changing event the more information available to you the better. To be successful, the decision should be made after careful thought and discussion with family, friends, physicians and other patients who have had this operation. GET YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY THE EXPERTS PLEASE ATTEND! The Surgical Weight Loss Team includes: STANLEY R. KLEIN, M.D., F.A.C.S. HOUMAN SOLOMON, M.D. AILEEN TAKAHASHI, M.D.,F.A.C.S. For reservations call 310-373-6864

We offer a comprehensive program to support patients interested in a surgical solution to weight loss. Our program staff coordinates your needs with Torrance Memorial surgeons who are experienced in bariatric surgery. We are dedicated to offering services, technology, equipment and a commitment to quality healthcare that meets the unique needs of severely obese patients. In addition, our staff will help with psychological and nutritional counseling and provide physical rehabilitation.

Surgery for weight loss, also known as bariatric surgery, both restricts the amount of food that can be consumed and reduces the number of calories absorbed. With appropriate management, surgical weight loss patients frequently lose more than 100 pounds and maintain that loss for life.

Surgical Weight Loss Options

Torrance Memorial offers two surgical weight loss options and follows the National Institutes of Health Guidelines, which are the same for both procedures.

Surgeons perform the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure using the laparoscopic and open methods. Roux-en-Y is the most widely performed surgical procedure for weight loss. The procedure reroutes a variable length of the small intestine to connect to a newly created stomach pouch, bypassing a portion of the digestive system. The procedure promotes weight loss not only by limiting food intake, but also by decreasing absorption ability of the digestive system.

Torrance Memorial also offers LAP-BAND®, an alternative to gastric bypass. LAP-BAND® is one of the least invasive approaches to obesity because neither the stomach nor the intestine is cut. The LAP-BAND® System involves the laparoscopic placement of a hollow silastic band around the upper part of the stomach. This band divides the stomach into a small upper pouch above the band and a larger pouch below the band. This small gastric pouch limits the amount of food that a patient can eat at one time. Because the band is adjustable and does not permanently alter the anatomy, it provides an option to the Roux-en-Y procedure.

Who Qualifies

Tina-Lost 152 lbs	Kalia-Lost 101 lbs	Surgical Weight Loss Patient Steve

If you have more than 50 pounds to lose, have failed at other diets and formulas, or suffer from such ailments as hypertension, diabetes, back pain, hip problems, high cholesterol, frequent heart burn, excessive snoring, headaches or depression, you may be a candidate for surgical weight loss. Free, confidential phone assessments are offered and our staff of caring professionals is available to answer your questions.

Surgical weight loss procedures can provide a permanent, safe solution. As many patients say, surgical weight loss gave them "a new lease on life," eliminating deadly health issues, granting greater freedom in living life and changing how they think of their bodies.

To receive maximum benefit from surgical weight loss, you are the key to achieving a new life, and lifestyle. By maintaining a healthier body weight following surgery, you discover that you:

• Give up dieting forever - eat to live instead of living to eat
• Stop being a couch potato - live an active lifestyle and enjoy your family
• Get encouragement from supportive people and groups
• Replace weight gaining attitudes and behaviors with those that support permanent weight loss
• Become a productive member of society.

	Severe obesity is an illness that is often lifelong and difficult to reverse. It is notoriously resistant to interventions such as dieting, medications, and behavioral modification alone. Surgical weight loss, also called bariatric surgery, is considered one of the most effective treatments for patients with a serious weight problem.
Mitch-Lost 318 lbs

Program Goals

The goal of bariatric surgery is to induce and maintain permanent weight loss of at least half of the preoperative excess body weight, improving health and reducing weight-related health risks. Patients remain in the bariatric surgery program to receive additional consultations for at least one year post-surgery.

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Weight Table and Treatment Options - Men

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this procedure the "gastric stapling" surgery? No, the vertical band gastroplasty, or stomach stapling, is an older technique that frequently breaks and is no longer used.
	Marty-Lost 145 lbs

I am interested in the operation, but am not sure. What should I do?
We understand that most people need time to make this important decision. The initial step is to meet with our healthcare practitioners. You will be referred to an experienced bariatric surgeon who has medical staff privileges at Torrance Memorial Medical Center. Your medical history will be reviewed to first determine if you are a candidate for the surgery. If surgery is not the answer for you, we can recommend other programs that may be better suited for you.

How does insurance cover this procedure?
Your patient care representative is available to answer your questions about insurance coverage and can assist you in navigating the world of health insurance. This procedure is covered by certain insurance plans, but for specific questions contact the practice for further information.

Established in 2000, the program at Torrance Memorial Medical Center offers both open and laparoscopic Roux-En-Y gastric bypass surgery and lap banding. Individualized treatment plans are created for each patient. The hospital offers pre-operative classes for those patients and educates patients on what to expect, and answers any questions about surgery and recovery.

The inpatient unit is staffed by nurses specially trained in caring for bariatric patients. Hospital gowns and equipment such as beds, wheelchairs and blood pressure cuffs are sized especially for these patients. A multidisciplinary team of specialists can provide additional medical oversight of more complicated cases. Patients can also attend regular bariatric support group meetings with current and former patients.

First Step

Call and make an appointment to meet our physicians, nurse practitioners or staff. We are anxious to help you meet your weight loss goals.

For more information or to make an appointment call, 310-791-5138.

Testimonials

Dwayne Compton - 154 lbs Lost
	"I fought for a long time to be comfortable," said patient Dwayne Compton. "I feel really good and have more energy and stamina to play baseball, ride a bike and work as a mechanic."
Before		After

James Hersch 160 lbs Lost
	"The procedure totally changed my life. I"m working, I've lost 175 lbs and have more energy and stamina than I've had in 30 years."
Before		After

Cathy Bartel - 125 lbs Lost
	"I was tired of trying different programs and diets and them not working," said patient Cathy Bartel. "Surgical weight loss was the tool I needed to improve my health and get to the size and weight I wanted."
Before		After

Vanessa Moreno 91 lbs Lost
	"My whole life has changed because of surgical weight loss," said patient Vanessa Moreno. "I feel more confident, I am more active and I can fit into anything."
Before		After

Doctors

Stanley Klein, M.D. is an active member of the Department of Surgery. He has in excess of twenty years' experience in all aspects of the evaluation and surgical management of the obese patient. Dr. Klein is board certified in General, Vascular and Surgical Critical Care. Throughout his career, Dr. Klein has been active in teaching medical students, residents and other health professionals about the care and treatment of the obese patient. Dr. Klein has contributed to over 200 peer-reviewed publications including the American Society of Bariatric Surgery, and multiple others dealing with surgery for the digestive tract. Dr. Klein is consistently recognized by his patients as a compassionate, energetic and dedicated surgeon who is committed to excellence in the care of his patients.

Aileen Takahashi, M.D. completed her general surgery training at Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center. During her residency at USC she spent an additional year in fellowship training in Trauma and Critical Care. She then went to UCLA where she spent a year focused on Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery. She is Board Certified in General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care. She is a Candidate member of the American College of Surgeons, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons and the American Society of Bariatric Surgery. Her interests include advanced laparoscopic and bariatric surgery.

Contact Us

If you are interested in more information or have questions regarding the Surgical Weight Loss Program, contact us at 310-791-5138 or send an email to rebecca@southbaysurgeons.com

Surgical Weight Loss Program
23451 Madison Street, Suite 110
Torrance, CA 90505