Indiana Bariatric Surgeons

I just wanted to post a video from one of our many success stories, Brook. She was kind enough to share her story with the Indianapolis area by being featured in Clarian Bariatrics commericals. Brook is a great example of how weight loss surgery can change your life.

If you would like to learn more about the bariatric surgery process, please come listen to one of our Indianapolis-based surgeons discuss treatment options and much more at a FREE informational seminar. Dates, times and the ability to RSVP can be found by clicking here.

October 2009 marked my two year re-birth date! I’m still learning to be a Bariatric patient even after two years into my weight loss journey. Some thoughts I’d like to share:

Bari bellies are a sensitive piece of real estate! It is crucial that I respect my piece of real estate and give it the proper nourishment/vitamins it needs. Protein, protein and more protein along with hydration or I’m feeling down in the dumps!

A lifestyle/behavior change is a necessary daily practice.  If I choose to continue my old behaviors I’m choosing to sabotage myself.  Life happens and when it does I have the choice to repeat my old behavior or make the better/healthier choice in those moments.  These are times when I find myself reaching out to a friend.

I still have good days, great days and bad days. 

I truly believe in having “Safe People” in my life who understand what I’m going through as a Bariatric patient.  I need people who can relate with me physically, emotionally and spiritually to help support me while being genuine.

I have to be mindful of head hunger because it is always lingering.  Each day is different and sometimes it can be very challenging to overcome the head hunger.  This is another time when I know I need to change the scenery or reach out for help.

Honesty and open communication is essential with my surgeon, dietitian, and my support people along with myself.  Being sincere helps me stay on track and not self-sabotage.  Denying the truth only hurts me.

Handful Harry is a demon on my shoulder who will probably always exist and is a constant reminder to me that the operation was performed on my stomach not my head.

Check out Part II on Friday!

If you have been anxious to learn more about how bariatric weight loss surgery can change your life, then join Clarian Bariatrics' Indianapolis surgeons and staff on Saturday, November 7 for a FREE informational seminar. 

You, and your family and friends, are invited to learn more about the different types of weight loss surgery procedures (Gastric Bypass and Lap Band), learn about the insurance process and ask questions about the health risks caused by obesity.

The seminar is from 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and we cannot wait to meet you! Learn more and RSVP, by clicking here!

Laparoscopic surgery is a less invasive surgical option because it eliminates the need for a long incision to open the abdomen. With this procedure, a small video camera is inserted through small incisions made in the abdominal wall, and the surgeon views the procedure on a video monitor. This helps the surgeon to achieve better visualization.

Studies have shown that this type of surgery offers the following benefits:

•     Less pain.
•     Easier breathing and increased lung function.
•     Fewer wound complications.
•     Faster recovery times.

Laparoscopic procedures produce similar weight loss to open surgical methods. However, not all patients are candidates for this approach.

Are you looking to gather more information on weight loss surgery? Have you wanted to ask questoins about bariatric surgery costs, types of weight loss surgery (including Lap Band and Gastric Bypass) and the Indiana insurance approval process?

Then consider joining us for a FREE informational weight loss seminar on Thursday October 29 at 6:30 pm in Cicero, Indiana at 1160 South Peru Street, State Road 19. You can register online at ACallToChange.org.

Also, feel free to bring as many of your friends and loved ones along to hear our Indianapolis-based bariatric surgeons discuss the process. See you there!

It has been several months since I posted this video, but I have had some requests to re-run some of our "What to Expect" series. Look for a few this week and next, and remember to leave a comment if you have any questions about weight loss surgery procedures, bariatric surgery costs or Indianapolis surgeons.

Join us for an educational seminar to speak with our surgeons, nutritionists and past patients to learn how weight loss surgery can help you gain control of your weight, regain health and start a new life.

This Saturday, October 17 from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. you are invited to visit our outpatient clinic on the northwest side of Indianapolis and have your questions answered about bariatric surgery costs, causes of obesity and sustainable weight loss options at the hands of our skilled Indianapolis staff.

If you are interested in attending, please fill out our online registration form or call 317-275-7010 or 877-275-2555 (toll free) to reserve your spot.

The success of your bariatric surgery depends greatly on your understanding that you MUST change your lifestyle. Having the surgery is only the beginning.

DIETARY CHANGES – You should be prepared to make substantial and permanent changes to your eating habits to ensure that you reach an ideal, healthy weight and maintain that weight. Dietary guidelines vary from surgeon to surgeon – the key is to adhere to the plan given to you by your surgeon. Here are some common dietary guidelines to follow after your surgery (confer with your surgeon for more detailed eating guidelines and lists of acceptable foods during various stages of recovery):

• Chew your food thoroughly and eat very slowly.
• Wait 2-3 minutes after swallowing before putting the next bite of food in your mouth. You will not be able to digest steaks or other chunks of meat if they are not ground or chewed thoroughly.
•  Learn to stop eating when you feel full. DON’T EAT UNTIL YOUR ARE STUFFED.
•  Don't drink fluids 30 minutes prior to eating, during your meal, or 30 minutes after your meal.
•  Don’t eat desserts and other items with sugar if they have more than 3 to 5 grams per serving size.
•  Avoid carbonated drinks, high-calorie nutritional supplements, milk shakes, foods high in fat, and foods that have no nutritional value.
•  Avoid alcohol.
•  Limit snacking between meals.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES – Your life will change dramatically… FOR THE BETTER. But you must always remember to

• Follow your dietary guidelines (eating larger portions or foods not recommended can result in gaining weight back)
• Establish and maintain a regular exercise plan (to build and keep muscle mass)
• Take your vitamin supplements regularly

We recently received a blog comment asking about the cost of a typical procedure. While there are many variables as each patient is different, I thought I would re-run the posting as a way to answer some additional questions.

I am often asked by prospective patients the price of Bariatric surgery.  I try to give a ball park figure, but it is a price that I cannot quote exactly.  Prior to surgery we verify the benefits available to each patient with their insurance plan.  If insurance is not an option, I offer the patient the cash pay rate.  This is not one fee for all; you will receive a balance of approximately $26,000
 
A portion of this will be due before surgery (two weeks) the remaining balance will be in different bills.  Pre-operative testing, anesthesia, surgeon fees, etc…I cannot give an exact figure as each patient has different mitigating factors affecting their procedures.  Different co-morbidities require different tests for example.

If you have any additional questions about bariatric surgery financing, gastric bypass costs and other fees related to weight loss surgyer, please do not hesitate to call us at 317-275-7010 or attend a FREE seminar.

Join us for an educational seminar to speak with our Indianapolis surgeons, nutritionists and past patients to learn how bariatric weight loss surgery can help you gain control of your weight, regain health and start a new life.

The next FREE seminar will be held at Clarian Bariatrics' INTECH Park location on Thursday, October 8 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.  If you are interested in attending, please fill out our online registration form or call 317-275-7010 or 877-275-2555 (toll free) to reserve your spot.

Bariatric surgery is recognized as the most effective and durable method for persons who are morbidly obese to lose their excess weight and keep it off for many years. It is NOT a quick fix. It is NOT taking the "easy way out."

The benefits of bariatric surgery are numerous:

Longer Life – Studies show that gastric bypass surgery can improve your life expectancy by as much as 89%.

Reduced Health Problems – Severe obesity is associated with at least 50 diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, fatty liver, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, gout and various skeletal and joint problems. Bariatric surgery has been proven extremely successful in eliminating or dramatically reducing most of these health problems. For example, 80% of non-insulin dependent diabetics are cured as a result of gastric bypass. Sleep apnea patients enjoy uninterrupted sleep within a year of surgery, and half of the patients with high blood pressure come of their medications within a few months of surgery.

Psychological Benefits – Bariatric surgery can also help reduce the stress and anxiety associated with obesity. With a new self-image, issues like depression and fear of social situations can be overcome. A new desire and ability to interact with family and friends is also a common benefit following bariatric treatment.

Want to learn more about how Indiana weight loss surgery can help you? Then join us at a FREE informational seminar where Indianapolis bariatric surgeons and staff will discuss treatment options. Learn more by clicking here.

Are you considering bariatric weight loss surgery, but are not sure what to expect at one of our FREE seminars? Below is just a brief overview of how the process works.

From their very first visit at Clarian Bariatrics, all patients receive extensive education about the health problems with obesity, the presumed causes of the epidemic rise in obesity in Indiana and the U.S., the medical, psychological, social and economic consequences of obesity, and the keys to maintained successful weight loss.

These educational sessions are conducted by Indianapolis weight loss surgeons, nurses, nutritionists, psychologists and other experts. The sessions are also attended by former patients who provide a personal perspective of their experience and describe the challenges they faced after weight loss. Attendees are also provided with a tour of the facility and are given numerous references for further research.

From there, individuals can decide whether or not the time is right for Indianapolis area bariatric surgery and will schedule a consultation. In future posts, I will discuss what happens after the initial consultation. In the meantime, if you have questions, please call us toll free at 877-275-2555.

This week we have had two great news stories, which feature Clarian Bariatrics staff members! Below you will find an interview with Dr. Samer Mattar, Indianapolis Bariatric Surgeon and Medical Director of our weight loss surgery program, and Erin Light, Fitness and Health Specialist.

Researchers using pig tissue to help heal human wounds WNDU-TV - South Bend,IN,USA "Pigs have been a very popular or common animal to use," says Dr. Samer Mattar, bariatric surgeon at Clarian Bariatrics in Indianapolis. "Believe it or not, ...

Chair squat Indianapolis Star - Indianapolis,IN,USA Erin Light, fitness coach for Clarian Bariatrics and a certified personal trainer, ... Light trains people taking part in Clarian Bariatrics' supervised ...

Are you a fan of Clarian Bariatrics on Facebook? If not, what are you waiting for? We post a variety of photos, news articles and event reminders on there weekly. It's your "instant" news spot!

Join us for an educational seminar to speak with our surgeons, nutritionists and past patients to learn how weight loss surgery can help you gain control of your weight, regain health and start a new life.

At the seminar you can learn about bariatric surgery costs, Indianapolis weight loss surgery options and hear from Indiana Bariatric Surgeons about the ins and outs of surgery. Please feel free to bring as many support people with you as you like.

WHEN:  Thursday, September 3 at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE:  Clarian Bariatrics (6625 Network Way, Suite 100 - Indianapolis)

Please click here to RSVP or call 317-275-7010 with questions.

This is part two of several on the questions that should be considered when looking into a weight loss program. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney lists the following questions they feel you should ask as you search for a weight loss program.

What are the staff qualifications?
Because Clarian Bariatrics is a surgical weight loss program, this is not as big an issue as it would be in a weight loss clinic.  You can be sure here that you are followed by qualified, board certified medical doctors and nurses who are well trained and have a great deal of experience in surgical weigh loss.   

Who supervises the program?
Terri Hohlt, MSN, RN, is the Program Administrator. Terri has 30 years of nursing experience with Clarian Health.  Her role is to keep an overview of the whole program.  She hires the staff, keeps the program on budget, makes sure the physicians and staff have what they need provide top of the line care to our Indiana bariatric patients.  Terri continually monitors all aspects of the program to assure we provide the quality care each person deserves.

The medical director of the program is Samer Mattar, MD, who is board certified surgeon.  Dr. Mattar has received special training in advanced laparoscopy surgery at Emory University Hospital.  He is also a member of the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, and several other professional organizations.  The medical director's role is to ensure that all patients receive the highest quality medical care available.

In addition to the above, the Clarian Bariatrics surgery program provides a “complete package” program with weight loss support provided by a full staff of highly trained, licensed, board certified Dietitians who specialize in weight loss and the health problems caused by obesity.  We also have a Bariatrics Behavioral Medicine department headed up by Clinical Psychologist William Hilgendorf, PhD, HSPP.  His staff helps to support your surgical weight loss effort with a variety of group sessions geared specifically to bariatric patients.

What type of weight-management training, experience, education, and certifications does the staff have?
You can see from the list above that this program is serious about providing you top of the line quality care.  In addition to the above highly trained staff, other members of the team are patients of this bariatric surgery center with the deepest understanding of the program, and patients concerns, and struggles.  They have insights that only someone who has been there can provide, that adds to their qualifications for the position they have at this Indianapolis Weight loss clinic.

Want to learn more? Then join us at a FREE informational seminar. Dates can be found by clicking on the image at the right of this post.

We were recently in the news regarding our outpatient expansion and the addition of two surgeons. Click the link below to view the brieif in the Indianapolis Business Journal.

Clarian Bariatrics Moving Locations Inside INdiana Business (press release) - Indianapolis,IN,USA Clarian Bariatrics says it is moving its outpatient clinic to better accommodate the rapidly growing weight loss program, which has experienced a double ...

Whether you are a current/former patient or someone who is interested in learning more about Indiana weight loss surgery, there are tons of events happening at Clarian Bariatrics this week!

Support Groups
We will be having the following support groups this week!

•  Clarian Health Cicero located at 1160 South Peru St., SR 19 in Cicero. Support group is held on the second Thursday of the month from 6 - 7 p.m.
•   Pre-Surgery Coping Skills Group held each Thursday at the Clarian Bariatrics clinic from 4 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. This group is designed to explore changing family and friend relationships and social situations, including how to survive eating in social situations, how to respond to people who "push" food on you, and how to cope with people's reactions to your new weight loss and lifestyle. This group is free, but we ask that you please call 317-275-7010 or 877-275-2555 prior to attending.

Exercise Classes
We will be holding the following exercise classes this week!

"Walk the Talk" Walking Group - Join us weekly for a walking program and support group that will help you burn calories, make friends and keep you on track with your goals.  We meet every Friday from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Clarian Bariatrics outpatient clinic.  At these group we will walk, talk and get fit together!  Feel free to bring a sack lunch and chat with us during a support group meeting after the walk.  Make sure you bring a water bottle and wear your good tennis shoes!  In addition to our weekly walks, we participate as a team in charity walks related to disease prevention and research.  There is a small cost for to sign-up for the walks, but the experience is priceless. If you cannot make it to Clarian Bariatrics every week to walk with us, feel free to keep up with a walking program and join us for the charity walks as often as you can!

FREE Informational Seminars
Individuals will have two opportunities to learn about bariatric surgery this week. On Wednesday, August 12 and Thursday, August 13 you are invited to hear Indianapolis bariatric surgeons discuss the benefits of weight loss surgery procedures including gastric bypass and the Lap Band. Learn more by clicking here!

Another great article from the Advisory board regarding common questions/concerns individuals have prior to undergoing weight loss surgery. I have put the highlights below, but would welcome anyone interested in bariatric surgery to visit us at an upcoming FREE seminar to ask even more questions. Dates can be found at ACallToChange.org.

Addressing earlier concerns about the safety of bariatric surgery, a study published yesterday in New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) finds that the overall risk of death and other adverse outcomes among patients who have the procedures is low, although the risks vary considerably depending on patient characteristics.

For the study, a researcher from the University of Washington in Seattle and colleagues conducted a prospective multicenter observational study involving 4,776 first-time bariatric surgery patients who had procedures at 10 U.S. hospitals.

...The researchers found that among the patients who had gastric-bypass or gastric-banding procedures, the 30-day mortality rate was 0.3% and a composite outcome consisting of mortality, deep vein thrombosis, venous thromboembolism, reintervention, or failure to be discharged within 30 days after surgery occurred in 4.1% of patients. None of the patients who underwent gastric banding procedures died, while 0.2% of patients who had laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass died and 2.1% of the patients who had open Roux-en-Y died.

...Commenting on the findings, the researchers suggest that providers discussing bariatric surgery with patients should examine the short-term risks of the procedure “in the context of the long-term health effects of surgically induced weight loss on coexisting health conditions, the long-term risks of the bariatric surgery itself, the competing risk of death from extreme obesity, and the relative benefits of the rate and durability of weight loss.” Meanwhile, in an accompanying editorial, a surgeon from Harvard Medical School notes that the rates of mortality and adverse outcomes seen in the study are “similar to those seen in other major operations,” adding that while the nation should strive to better treat obesity without the use of surgical interventions, “until we get to that point, the weight of the evidence indicates that bariatric surgery is safe, effective, and affordable”

Clarian Bariatrics was in the news several times last week! Click on the links below to view our recent news articles.

Single-incision procedure is easier on the patient
Indianapolis Star - Indianapolis,IN,USA
Dr. Don Selzer is a physician at Clarian Bariatrics and associate professor of surgery at the Indiana University School of Medicine. ...

Business Line
Muncie Star Press - Muncie,IN,USA
The Bariatric Center, 2901 W. Jackson St., is now named Clarian Bariatrics at Ball Memorial Hospital. Officials said the goal of the partnership is to ...

We sent out this information earlier in the week, and I wanted to share it with you. We are thrilled at all the changes coming to Clarian Bariatrics, and we realize it would not be possible without your continued support! You guys are the best!

Exciting changes are in store for Clarian Bariatrics this summer as the program announced the addition of two full-time surgeons and a move to a new 30,000 square foot outpatient clinic to better accommodate the rapidly growing program, which has experienced double digit growth the past three years.

Dr. Daniel T. McKenna will join the surgical team of Clarian Bariatrics, a designated Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), on August 10. Dr. McKenna joins the programs five other bariatric surgeons who completed nearly 400 surgeries at Clarian North Medical Center in 2008.

A Wisconsin native, McKenna comes to Clarian Bariatrics from Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., where he completed his minimally invasive surgery fellowship. He is a graduate of Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies and his Doctor of Medicine. McKenna was a categorical resident in general surgery at the University of Utah and the University of Wisconsin.

In April, Dr. Jack Ditslear joined the Clarian Bariatrics staff full-time after working on a part-time basis with the program since its launch in 2004. A Noblesville native, Dr. Ditslear graduated with honors in chemistry at Miami University of Ohio and then graduated from the Indiana University School of Medicine. He completed his general surgery residency at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Dr. Ditslear carries a vast amount of experience in bariatric surgery. He is a member of the American Society of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgeons, and is also accredited as a Bariatric Center of Excellence Surgeon by the Surgical Review Corporation. Additionally, Dr. Ditslear is certified by the American Board of Surgery and is on the teaching staff for the Indiana University General Surgery Residence program. 

“We are thrilled to have Drs. McKenna and Ditslear join the surgery staff at Clarian Bariatrics on a full-time basis,” Jonathan Goble, FACHE, President & CEO of Clarian North Medical Center, said. “The addition of these two skilled surgeons will aid in the successful implementation of many exciting programs.”

Among those initiatives is the launch of a non-surgical division for the weight loss program and an adolescent bariatric program. In addition, an exercise program championed by Erin Light, a certified personal trainer, will begin in August and provide patients an educational approach to personally-tailored exercise programs. Also, William Hilgendorf, PhD, Manager of Bariatric Behavioral Health, has implemented a behavioral program that will increase the coping skills of post-operative patients and improve patient outcomes.

These new patient support opportunities fit with the already established and popular weekly support groups and quarterly cooking classes. Programs like these have led Clarian Bariatrics to be nationally recognized as a robust program that enjoys some of the best weight loss outcomes in effectiveness and durability.

Due to the ongoing program growth, the Clarian Bariatrics outpatient clinic will move from its current location in building 11 of Intech Park to a 30,000 square foot space in building 10 of Intech Park, located on the northwest side of Indianapolis. This move will provide staff with more exam rooms, dedicated exercise rooms and additional meeting space for support groups and the non-surgical weight loss program.

“The growth our program has experienced over the past five years has been remarkable and humbling,” Samer Mattar, MD, FACS, Medical Director of Clarian Bariatrics, said. “Our staff, surgeons and patients have helped us create a unique program that is only beginning to reach its full potential.”