Our Weight Loss Program

If you're considering weight loss surgery, consider Saint Francis Center for Surgical Weight Loss. As safe or safer than some of the most commonly performed surgeries in the U.S., including gallbladder surgery, appendectomy and knee replacement, bariatric surgery is the most effective and long-lasting treatment for severe obesity, resulting in significant weight loss and improved health.

Our experienced, multidisciplinary team consists of a highly trained weight loss surgeon, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, patient advocates and dietitians. We have helped more than 8,500 individuals journey to a healthier life. We provide a sensitive and comfortable environment to help ensure long-term success – striving to help you achieve a realistic goal weight, a positive attitude about your health and an improved quality of life.

Our Center for Surgical Weight Loss has been recognized as a Comprehensive Center by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), a joint program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).

Our Team

At Saint Francis Center for Surgical Weight Loss, our multidisciplinary team is trained to help you through the process.

Medical Director: Dr. Robert Wegner serves at the medical director for Saint Francis Center for Surgical Weight Loss. He is board-certified in general surgery with a Focused Practice Designation in Metabolic Bariatric Surgery from the American Board of Surgery and has performed more than 5,000 bariatric surgeries.

Program Manager: Leslie Albers, RN, has served as the Saint Francis Center for Surgical Weight Loss program manager since it began in 2003. She helps ensure quality care and patient satisfaction while working to help meet the changing needs of the bariatric program.

Patient Advocate: Our patient advocate will help guide you through your weight-loss journey. From helping to understand insurance coverage to providing personalized assistance with coordinating care across the team, the patient advocate helps get answers to your questions.

Dietitian: Our dietitian will help you evaluate your current lifestyle, educate you regarding behavioral changes to make before surgery and provide education pre- and post-op for a long-term strategy to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

"I got to over 300 pounds. I finally got to a place where I said, I have to do something different. I need some help. I need an extra tool. Meeting with the team at Saint Francis definitely made things easier and eased any concerns I had because the team was supportive. They're always available. If there is anything I need, I can always reach out. 

I feel great. I sleep better. I have more energy. I would tell someone who is thinking about having the surgery to get the information. Find out what is right for you. Speak to your doctor. Give yourself the permission to do it. Put yourself first. Don't wait because there are people that love you and rely on you and you're going to live such a healthier and happier life afterward and they will thank you for it."

To see more of Randi’s story, click here.

The Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery can help you successfully reach a healthier weight and may reduce your risk of developing health complications associated with obesity. Weight loss surgery serves as a tool to assist you in weight loss. Many of the benefits of weight loss surgery are related to improvement in other medical conditions as a result of the weight loss. Conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), sleep apnea, and high cholesterol may be resolved or improved after surgery.

Additional benefits may include:

• Restore your health
• Regain your confidence
• Realize your weight loss goals
• Really enjoy your life

Our patients also describe to us an improved quality of life and the ability to participate in activities that were too difficult prior to their weight loss.

Weight Loss Surgery Misconceptions 

It's normal to feel some stress before undergoing surgery, but there are often misconceptions that surround procedures that elevate your level of apprehension. Take the fear out of weight loss surgery by knowing the facts.

Consider these three common misconceptions about weight loss surgery.

• Most people regain the weight.

It's true that some people may regain some of their weight after surgery, but studies show you can be successful long-term if you follow the lifestyle changes and guidelines recommended by your physician.

• Surgery is more dangerous than remaining obese.

The opposite is true. The heavier you are, the shorter your life is likely to be due to conditions related to obesity (such as diabetes, heart disease or cancer). While all types of surgery carry risks, weight loss surgery has been proven to be as safe or safer than many types of common surgeries, including gallbladder surgery, hysterectomy and total knee replacement.

• You should be able to lose weight on your own.

This is a misconception. For many people, diets may frequently fail, or they're unable to lose enough weight to positively impact their health.

Know the truths behind weight loss surgery, and get on the path to your best life, sooner.

Am I A Candidate?

If you are unable to lose weight and maintain weight loss through a structured, medical weight-loss program that includes strict dietary management, physical exercise, lifestyle changes, and/or medication, you may be a candidate for bariatric surgery.

Candidates for surgery are generally:

• Severely obese (BMI of 40 or more; 100 pounds or more overweight)
• Obese (BMI of 35-39.9) and suffering from obesity-related disease (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, diabetes, heart or lung disease).
• Experiencing personal, work-related, or relationship problems due to obesity
• Able to commit to long-term medical follow-up, as well as the lifestyle, dietary, and exercise changes necessary to maintain health after surgery
• Willing to undergo a psychological evaluation to understand the responsibilities of life after weight loss surgery and ensure there are no considerations that could interfere with long term success

Remember:

• Weight loss surgery is not cosmetic surgery
• Weight loss surgery does not involve the removal of adipose tissue (fat) by suction or surgery.

You must commit to long-term lifestyle changes, including healthy diet and exercise, which are key to the success of weight loss surgery.

Weight loss surgery is recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 35, regardless of presence, absence, or severity of co-morbidities. Some procedures may be approved for weight loss surgery in people with a BMI of 30 to 35 who have at least one obesity-related condition. Weight loss surgery is considered safe, but like many types of surgery, it does have risks. Consult with your physician about the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery. These testimonials reflect the results achieved by these patients. As each case is different and must be independently evaluated and managed, actual results will vary.