Mills-Peninsula is a Center of Excellence on the San Francisco Peninsula -- Mills-Peninsula's bariatric surgery program and surgeons Albert Wetter, M.D. and Pamela Foster, M.D., have been designated a Center of Excellence by the American Society of Bariatric Surgery. To earn this designation, the program and physicians were required to demonstrate excellent clinical outcomes and minimum complications. The designation also recognizes the comprehensive services that are included in Mills-Peninsula's program. Mills-Peninsula is the only designated Center of Excellence on the San Francisco Peninsula.
With more than 1,000 surgeries performed over the last seven years, Mills Peninsula is one of the most experienced providers of bariatric services in the Bay Area.
The program provides not only surgery, but a complete package of services that focus on the whole person, helping people achieve and sustain their true goal - weight loss for life.
Almost 75 percent of patients achieve loss of 40 - 50 percent of their total pre-op weight within 18-24 months after surgery. Patients also experience significant improvement in resolving other health problems related to obesity, including Type II diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea and osteoarthritis.
Mills-Peninsula’s program has been designated as a "Center of Expertise" by Aetna Health Plan and is among the first to participate in the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons’ Center of Excellence designation process.
Long-term success depends on a person’s willingness to make significant dietary and lifestyle changes. Mills-Peninsula’s program supports patients in making those changes.
A full-time registered nurse program coordinator provides individualized support and guidance throughout the process, including conducting a monthly support group. The coordinator also maintains communication with each referring physician.
Patients are carefully screened by a surgeon to determine eligibility and must attend a behavior modification program prior to surgery. Candidates for bariatric surgery must be at least 100 pounds over their ideal weight and have a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 40. Patients may also be eligible for surgery if their BMI is greater than 35 with two or more obesity-related diseases.
Components of the program include:
Pre-surgery consultation
Pre-surgery orientation
Individualized clinical care coordination
Nutrition counseling and education
Monthly patient support groups
Personal Exercise program
Individual psychotherapy (if needed)
On-going communication with the referring physician
Types of procedures offered
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery can be performed as either an open or laparoscopic procedure. Laparoscopy is considered a better option for many patients because it is less invasive, typically requires only a two-day hospital stay, and the recovery time is shorter.
The Lap-Band procedure is the least invasive. It involves placing an adjustable silicone band around the top of the part of the stomach. The lap-band may be adjusted after surgery to promote maximum weight loss without side effects. Patients typically stay in the hospital only overnight.
Insurance coverage for program components will depend on your individual health plan. In general, some will be covered and some may be self-pay.
For more information, contact
Program Coordinator
mphs.barisurg@sutterhealth.org
1 800 559 9960
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