Samaritan Weight Management Institute Start your weight loss journey.

Bariatric Robotic-assisted Surgery

Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis is a designated hub for robotic-assisted bariatric surgery. The benefits of Robotic-assisted surgery include high definition 3-D viewing for increased surgical precision, smaller incisions, less pain and scarring, fewer complications and faster recovery time than traditional surgery .

Our Specialized Surgical Options

• Roux-en-Y (RNY) Gastric Bypass is one of the most commonly used procedures in the United States and has world-wide acceptance. It is recognized as an effective treatment in providing significant weight loss, metabolism changes and long-term weight control. A small stomach pouch is created by dividing the stomach and then re-routing the intestines. This limits the amount of food one can eat, while providing a satisfying “full” sensation as well as beneficial hormone changes. This procedure can also improve blood sugar and cure acid reflux.

• Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) reduces the size of the stomach without rerouting intestines, resulting in a sense of fullness with a smaller amounts of food. It also has a beneficial effect on metabolism through hormonal changes that assist with weight loss.

Your physician will thoroughly discuss these options to help you make an informed decision that considers your unique needs and goals.

Samaritan Weight Management Institute Is MBSAQIP Accredited

As the gold standard for bariatric surgical centers, the Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery Accreditation & Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) accredits bariatric surgery centers in the U.S. and Canada that have undergone an independent, voluntary and rigorous peer evaluation in accordance with nationally recognized bariatric surgical standards. This accreditation promotes uniform standards and ensures continuous quality improvement.

Eligible patients (age 18 to 65) must meet selection criteria, understand possible complications from the surgery and agree to participate in nutritional education and physical activity after surgery.

Many factors are taken into account when assessing candidates for bariatric surgery. The most important factor is the level of obesity. We use a method known as the Body Mass Index (BMI), a formula that considers height and weight. A healthy BMI is about 18 to 25. A BMI of 30 or more reflects obesity, and greater than 40 is considered morbid obesity.

Surgery is not the ideal choice for everyone. In general, those with a BMI greater than 40 or greater than 35 with significant weight-related health problems are the best candidates for surgery.

Successful candidates also need to be highly motivated and dedicated to improving their health. They must understand the goals and limitations of weight loss surgery, be healthy enough to undertake this major procedure and understand the risks.

Our twice a month information sessions can help you determine if your are a good candidate for surgery.

As with any form of major surgery, there are associated risks. Although the risk is relatively low, the consequences of some complications can be devastating and even result in death.

In general, the risks of weight loss surgery increase with a patient’s age and with the severity of other health conditions. These risks include:

• Infection.
• Bowel obstruction.
• Leaks where the bowel is stapled or sewn (staple line or anastomosis).
• Breathing problems (pneumonia).
• Bleeding.
• Blood clots in legs or lung.
• Incisional hernia.
• Problems from anesthesia.
• Band slippage.
• Band erosion.
• Need for additional operation.
• Death.

Please call us.

We are more than happy to talk with you and answer any questions or concerns you have. We also encourage you to attend one of our free monthly classes. Call us to register at: 541-768-4280.

In this video Dr. Erika La Vella discusses the weight loss surgery program at Samaritan Weight Management Institute, the decision to have surgery and preparing for life after surgery.