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Welcome to the first issue of St. Francis Center for Weight Management's quarterly newsletter created especially for you. You can read about our patients' experiences with weight loss surgery, learn more about different surgical techniques, and get the latest news on bariatric surgery.
 
Weight loss surgery can change your life. We're here to act as a resource for you as you explore your options and decide whether weight loss surgery is right for you.
   
ST. FRANCIS HONORED FOR QUALITY OF ITS SURGICAL WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAMS
Hospital earns designation as a Blue Distinction Center 
 
St. Francis Hospital has been designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery by Premera Blue Cross and Regence BlueShield, two of the largest health insurance companies in the Pacific Northwest.
The Blue Distinction Center program recognizes hospitals and specialty centers across the United States for excellence in providing patients with information and for collaborating with providers to improve quality, healthy outcomes and affordability.
>> READ MORE
 
Stomach ImageSURGERY SPOTLIGHT

Laparoscopic Technique

 

Many people wonder about the   

difference between "open" vs."laparoscopic" surgery. The laparoscopic technique varies from open operations only in the size of the abdominal incision.
 
ASK THE SURGEON
Who is a candidate for weight loss surgery?
  
Dr Oh    Dr. Ki Oh, MD.
Candidates for weight loss surgery have a body mass index (BMI) of 40+ (roughly 80-100 pounds overweight), or have a BMI of 35+ and suffer from diabetes, or any serious obesity-related condition such as heart disease or severe sleep apnea.
 
Dr Srikanth
    Dr Srikanth, MD.
Simply speaking, anyone who has a BMI of 40+ or 35+ with health issues related to obesity is a candidate for surgery. Surgical candidates need to be able to comprehend the anatomic, physiologic, behavioral and life style changes unique to each operation, as well as the need, for lifelong follow-up and nutritional surveillance.
 
St. Francis Excellence 

St. Francis performs more weight loss surgeries than any other facility in the Northwest. The hospital has been designated a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery in recognition of its experience and favorable outcomes.


Before and After 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEAN BEFORE       SEAN AFTER
474 LBS             199 LBS
 
I'M HEALTHY - AND HAPPY - AGAIN!

At the age of 25, Sean was told that he had less than a year to live. He suffered from sleep apnea, hypertension, Type II diabetes, and life threatening heart disease.

 
Health Tip
 
HEALTH TIP
Start Small

We all know that exercise is important whether we have weight loss surgery or not. Doesn't the hardest part about exercising always seem to be just getting started? It can seem like such a daunting undertaking. But it doesn't have to be.
Start small. Instead of thinking you need to set a certain pace during a walk, get out and walk at a comfortable pace. Instead of thinking you need to go a certain distance, just walk around the block the first time. Then you can set goals to go a little farther and a little faster the next time. Little bit by little bit, you can reach your goals and see the health benefits.
 

 


St. Francis Center for Weight Management 
St. Francis Hospital Medical
Office Building, Suite 310
34509 Ninth Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003
1 (800) 823-6525
nww8mgt@fhshealth.org
www.stfrancisweightforlife.org