INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Center for Obesity Surgery, the largest comprehensive center for bariatric surgery in the District of Columbia.

Obesity is one of the major health problems confronting the United States. It is estimated that approximately 50% of the population is overweight and over ten million Americans are more than 100 pounds over their ideal weight.

If you are like most Americans you struggle each and every day with your weight. But for some, it is more than just simply being a few pounds over where you'd like to be on the scale. For some, it can be a matter of life and death. Every day, more and more Americans are diagnosed as suffering from severe (or morbid) obesity. Those included in this group are 100 pounds or more over their ideal body weight and face increased health risks including a higher likelihood of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, as well as certain cancers. Excess weight can also cause sleep apnea, as well as arthritis and back pain. These weight related health problems called co-morbidities can also lead to an increased incidence of premature death. Over 300,000 Americans die of obesity related illnesses each year. Obesity also extracts a high toll in human suffering. Low self-esteem and clinical depression are often tied to an individual's relationship with their weight and their quality of life.

Most obese individuals have struggled unsuccessfully with their weight for many years. The numerous diets, commercial weight loss centers offering treatments such as hypnosis, pituitary hormones, appetite suppressant drugs, and behavioral therapy attest to the great difficulty many overweight people have in losing weight and keeping it off. Some of these weight loss strategies may be successful in people with mild obesity, but nearly all fail in individuals 100 pounds or more over their ideal body weight.

AT PRESENT, OBESITY SURGERY IS THE ONLY PROVEN EFFECTIVE THERAPY FOR SEVERE OBESITY.

SEMINARS

Beginning September 24, 2007

The Aftercare Support Group schedule will be modified as follows:

GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY PATIENTS
Wednesdays: 12:00 - 1:00
Facilitated by Dr. Maria Zimmitti, Christine Haas and Rebecca Mohning
Fridays: 1:00 - 2:00
Facilitated by Dr. Amy Pacos and Christine Haas

LAP-BAND SURGERY PATIENTS
Fridays: 12:00 - 1:00
Facilitated by Dr. Amy Pacos and Christine Haas

Patients are encouraged to attend the Firday group so the size of the Wenesday group will be more managable. We hope this will make group a more comfortable experience and allow us to meet your needs more effectively.

SEMINARS AVAILABLE WEEKLY CLICK HERE FOR THE 2008 SCHEDULE
SATURDAY SEMINARS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE
Please call 202-659-0240 to reserve a seat.