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  August 2011

Bariatric Surgery May Help Migraine Sufferers

 

According to a study published in Neurology, migraine sufferers who undergo weight loss surgery and subsequently lose a significant amount of weight may ultimately suffer from fewer and less severe migraine headaches. The study noted that individuals who lost an average of 49.4% of their excess weight reduced their average number of headache days by more than four over a three-month period. Headache severity and related disability also decreased significantly.


>> Learn more

 

SURGERY SPOTLIGHT

Adjustable gastric band

 

Adjustable gastric band

Gastric banding is the least invasive, most reversible surgical option. There are two types of gastric bands available:

ˇ LAP-BANDŽ

ˇ REALIZEŽ Band

 

In this procedure, a restrictive band is placed around the upper part of the stomach so a patient feels full after just a few bites of food. The doctor can control the amount of food that passes through by increasing or decreasing the size of the band, according to each patient's individual weight-loss needs. In 97% of cases, the procedure is done laparoscopically, on an outpatient basis. And it results in an average weight reduction of 75% in three years.

 

>> View an animation of the procedure

 

 

ASK THE SURGEON

Is obesity related to cancer?


Dr. Hirai

There is an increasing body of evidence linking obesity to a higher risk of breast, endometrium, kidney, esophagus and colon cancer. A recent study looking at mortality after gastric bypass showed a 60% reduction in death due to cancer, when comparing gastric bypass patients to patients of similar weight who did not undergo the surgery.

 

As more is discovered on the relationship between obesity and cancer, it is already clear that strategies to promote health should emphasize prevention as well as early intervention against obesity.

 

>> View other obesity-related health conditions

 

 

Improved Memory an Added Benefit of Bariatric Surgery

 

According to a study out of Kent State University in Ohio, patients who underwent bariatric surgery showed improvements in memory and concentration following surgery. A decrease in blood pressure after surgery appeared to be closely tied to improved memory.

 



WHY CHOOSE ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL?
The most recognized program in the state 

COE Seal-W-ASMBSThe surgeons operating at St. Francis have performed thousands of successful weight loss surgeries, more than any other hospital in the state. Offering the full range of surgical options, the program at St. Francis Hospital is recognized by one of the country's top surgical organizations, the American Society for Bariatric Surgeons.

 

If you or someone you know is struggling with weight, we can help. The Center for Weight Management at St. Francis Hospital provides surgical and non-surgical solutions to help people live better, longer lives.

 
Find a surgeon-led information seminar near you:
>> View seminar dates and locations

Set up a consultation with a bariatric surgeon:
>> Meet our surgeons  

Find a surgeon-led information seminar near you:
>> View seminar dates and locations

Set up a consultation with a bariatric surgeon:
>> Contact a surgeon today 
  
Jeris

 

 

 

 







JeRIS' Story

Total weight loss: 132 pounds 

 

"I wish I'd done it 25 years ago."

 

By the time Jeris reached her 54th birthday, her weight had doubled despite years of diets. As the four-time Weight Watchers participant says, "I dieted my way all the way up to 354 pounds." Faced with asthma, high blood pressure and sore knees, Jeris did not have the energy to exercise, nor the ability to travel easily.

 

She elected to have a gastric sleeve operation, and has lost a significant amount of weight since the procedure. Today, Jeris proudly proclaims, "I'm closer to my weight-loss goal than I've been for over 20 years. This spring I'll graduate from college as a paralegal. I plan to wear high heels and rock them!"


    
Dr Hirai 

Thomas J. Hirai, MD
St. Francis Weight Loss Surgery Clinic
200 S. 333rd St., Suite 150
Federal Way, WA 98003
253-275-6030
 

St. Francis Center for Weight Management 
St. Francis Hospital Medical
Office Building, Suite 310
34509 Ninth Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003
800-823-6525  

www.stfrancisweightforlife.org 



Email us:

nww8mgt@fhshealth.org