Our experts offer all treatment options and the latest technology, including adjustable gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy, vertical banded gastroplastyand gastric bypass. And our experienced, caring staff members are with you throughout your journey, offering educationand support servicesbefore and after surgery.
Experience matters, and that's what you'll find at Yale-New Haven Hospital Saint Raphael Campus. Our surgeons have performed weight loss surgery since 1993 on over 4,000 patients. We're a nationally-recognized Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence® - one of several in Connecticut chosen by Medicare for its beneficiaries.
Our Surgeons
The bariatric surgeons at Yale-New Haven Hospital Saint Raphael Campus are recognized for their expertise and innovation.
About Weight Loss Surgery
About one-third of adults in the U.S. are considered obese, according to the most recently available statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While that number is high, the CDC reports that new data suggests the trend is slowing.
Obesity isn't simply a result of overeating. There are many contributing factors such as genetics, hereditary, environmental, metabolic and eating disorders. Certain medical conditions, like hypothyroidism, may result in obesity. Research has shown that in many cases an underlying cause of morbid obesity is genetic. Studies have demonstrated that once the problem is established, dieting and exercise programs have a limited long-term effect.
That's why it's important to understand that medical interventions, including weight-loss surgery, should not be considered medical cures. Rather they are attempts to reduce the effects of excessive weight and alleviate the serious physical, emotional and social consequences of the disease.
Our physicians conduct free seminars throughout the year to give potential patients and their families information on the latest advances in weight-loss surgery, as well as the services provided at Yale-New Haven Hospital Saint Raphael Campus.
Surgical Procedures
We offer a range of bariatric surgery options. Your doctor will discuss the options best suited to your particular situation. Most bariatric surgery procedures are laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery. Only 5 small incisions are required, as opposed to a single large incision in traditional open surgery.
Most patients spend just two to three days in the hospital, followed by about two weeks of recovery at home. Options include:
- Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)
- Adjustable Gastric Band
- Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Vertical Banded Gastroplasty
Weight Loss Surgery Outcomes
In 2006, Yale-New Haven Hospital Saint Raphael Campus compared the outcomes of over 1,200 patients who came to our office for a consultation regarding bariatric surgery between 1997 and 2005. Of this number, approximately 75 percent had surgery, while 25 percent did not. Reasons for not having the surgery included lack of insurance coverage and personal choice.
The mortality rate (percentage of deaths) were compared between the two groups. The non-surgery group had a mortality rate four (4) times greater than the group that had surgery. That means that the risk of death without surgery is significantly higher than having the surgery.
Actual individual weight loss after a bariatric surgery procedure depends on several factors including: age, overall health, preoperative weight, ability to exercise, type of surgical procedure and commitment to making dietary and lifestyle changes.
In general, weight loss surgery success is defined as achieving loss of 50 percent of excess body weight and maintaining that level for five years.
Nationwide, the mortality rate from gastric bypass surgery is 1 in 200. From 2001 to 2006, 2,542 bariatric surgeries were performed at Yale-New Haven Hospital Saint Raphael Campus, with an in-hospital mortality rate of 1 in 1,000. The current mortality rate for Adjustable Gastric Bands is 0 percent. The current mortality rate for Gastric Bypass is 0.001 percent.
Risks of complication and death are reduced when surgery is performed by an experienced bariatric surgeon at a center that does a significant number of procedures. In addtion, our patients receive thorough preoperative risk evaluation, including cardiac and pulmonary assessment. Close follow up after surgery in both the in-patient and outpatient settings leads to early identification of postoperative problems and reduction of risk of mortality.
Weight Loss Surgery Seminars
Attendance at a Weight Loss Surgery Seminar, either in person or through a Webinar, is REQUIRED as the first step in the process for weight loss surgery. These free seminars are held monthly in the Cronin Auditorium. For more information or to register, please call 203.789.6237 or email Denise Arscott and Jessie Moore.
Seminar schedule
| Wednesday |
April 3 |
5:15 p.m. |
| Wednesday |
May 1 |
5:15 p.m. |
| Saturday |
May 18 |
10 a.m. |
| Wednesday |
June 5 |
5:15 p.m. |
| Wednesday |
July 3 |
5:15 p.m. |
| Saturday |
July 20 |
10 a.m. |
| Wednesday |
August 7 |
5:15 p.m. |
| Saturday |
August 24 |
10 a.m. |
| Wednesday |
September 4 |
5:15 p.m. |
| Wednesday |
October 2 |
5:15 p.m. |
| Saturday |
October 19 |
10 a.m. |
| Wednesday |
November 6 |
5:15 p.m. |
| Wednesday |
December 4 |
5:15 p.m. |
Online Webinar
| Saturday |
April 20 |
10 a.m. |
| Saturday |
June 22 |
10a.m. |
| Saturday |
September 21 |
10a.m. |
| Saturday |
November 23 |
10a.m. |
| Saturday |
December 21 |
10 a.m. |
Call 203.776.4677 to register. Note: Winter live seminars may be converted to online webinars because of weather; call to confirm change.
Senior Weight Loss Surgery Program
Seniors are discovering weight loss surgery as an option not only to shed extra pounds but also to improve overall health and reduce risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity-related ailments. Our Senior Weight Loss Surgery Program is geared toward helping you achieve your weight goals while reducing the risks related to surgery. In addition to our regular services, the program includes:
- Availability of a complete assessment by our Geriatric Health Services Team.
- Consultations as indicated by your health status: i. e. cardiology, endocrinology.
- Open communication with your Primary Care Provider at every step of the process.
While obesity can cause serious health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea, for any adult, it may be particularly challenging to older adults who may already be struggling with age-related problems such as arthritis and other degernative joint problems. Weight reduction surgery can truly have a major impact an an older adult's quality of life. Because of that, weight-loss surgery is often covered by Medicare.
Our program doesn't end with surgery. We also offer access to short-term rehab or outpatient physical therapy; and weight-loss surgery postoperative support groups for seniors.
Contact Us
For more information, please call 203.789.6237