Welcome to the first bi-weekly blog from the Central Maine Bariatric Surgery Department. We hope to inform, encourage and inspire the people in our communities who would like to make the changes they need to become healthier. Our message is “Imagine Tomorrow – Journey to a New You.” We offer many levels of support to our patients as they embark upon their journey of weight loss, a process that includes surgery and major lifestyle changes. The staff at Central Maine Bariatric Surgery includes two skilled bariatric surgeons, Dr. Jamie Loggins, M.D., our medical director, and Dr. Stephen Bang, D.O. Dr.…Read More
Informational Sessions Are A First Step of the Journey!
For people interested in weight loss surgery, there’s an important and easy first step. Central Maine Bariatric Surgery asks anyone who is considering a weight loss surgical procedure to first attend a free informational session. The sessions are held twice a month at the Central Maine Medical Center campus. Dr. Jamie Loggins, M.D., CMBS Medical Director and a bariatric surgeon, says the meetings are an effective way for prospective patients to meet members of the CMBS team. “It’s the most efficient way for people to get a good idea of the process,” Dr. Loggins says. During the two-hour event, a…Read More
How Successful is Weight Loss Surgery?
What are the success rates of patients who undergo a surgical weight loss procedure? In the words of Dr. Jamie Loggins, M.D., Medical Director at Central Maine Bariatric Surgery, “They’re phenomenal!” The long term success rate of people who have gastric bypass surgery is 70 to 80 percent. Long-term is considered 10 years or more after a surgery. Success can be measured in other terms, as well. “Even more amazing is the impact on illness,” Dr. Loggins says. Almost instantly, patients begin to see improvements in conditions such as Type 2 diabetes. In time, blood pressure, cholesterol and sleep apnea…Read More
How Did Weight Loss Surgery Evolve?
For people who are severely obese, weight loss efforts through diet, exercise and/or medications are often not successful. By the middle of the 20th century, doctors discovered that surgery could be a tool to help those who are significantly overweight. By changing how the body processed food, people would lose weight faster and have a much better prospect of keeping the weight off. With that in mind, during the 1950s, doctors performed a surgery known as an intestinal bypass. Variations of the surgery evolved, but the success was limited. The procedure and the side effects needed to be improved. Over…Read More
What procedures does Central Maine Bariatric Surgery offer? Part 3
CMBS offers three types of weight loss surgery: The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, more commonly known as Gastric Bypass; Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding and Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy. These are the three standard surgeries currently offered in this specialty field. Patients work with their surgeons to discuss which procedure is best for them. This is an overview of Gastric Bypass, which is considered the “Gold Standard” of weight-loss surgical procedures. What does the surgery entail? The surgeon creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach to restrict the amount of food that can be eaten. This will create a sensation…Read More
What procedures does Central Maine Bariatric Surgery offer? Part 2
CMBS offers three types of weight loss surgery: The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, more commonly known as Gastric Bypass; Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding and Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy. These are the three standard surgeries currently offered in this surgical specialty. We consult with our patients to discuss which might be the best procedure for them. Here’s an overview of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery. The Sleeve Gastrectomy is a restrictive bariatric operation. It helps weight loss by restricting the amount of food that can be eaten, but without surgically creating a bypass of the intestines. The stomach is divided vertically and more than…Read More
What procedures does Central Maine Bariatric Surgery offer? Part 1
CMBS offers three types of weight loss surgery: The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, more commonly known as Gastric Bypass; Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding, (known more commonly as Lap-Band) and Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy. These are the three standard surgeries currently offered in this surgical specialty. We consult with our patients to discuss which procedure is the best choice for them. Here’s an overview of Adjustable Gastric Banding surgery. Adjustable Gastric Banding surgery is a “restrictive” operation, meaning that it limits food intake but does not interfere with the regular digestive process. All of the calories eaten are absorbed. In this procedure, a…Read More
Bariatric Surgery Health Insurance Coverage Varies
At Central Maine Bariatric Surgery, our message is “Imagine Tomorrow – Journey to a New You.” Before starting that journey, however, we ask our prospective patients to find out just what their health insurance policy will cover when it comes to weight loss surgery and the visits that are part of the bariatric program at CMBS. Ann Davison, R.N., works with patients to understand their policy coverage. She notes that, “Every insurance company has their own criteria.” The weight loss journey at CMBS is a multi-faceted process. It is not simply a surgical procedure – it is also a program…Read More
What is a Center of Excellence?
Central Maine Bariatric Surgery is a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence. This designation means that CMBS is continually evaluated to make sure it meets stringent national standards and criteria. The ultimate measurement of excellence is successful patient outcomes. Our participation in the Excellence program is ongoing. CMBS staff member John Cooper, CFSA, is our liaison to the national program. Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence are awarded and overseen by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), the world’s largest society for this specialty. The factors evaluated for the Center of Excellence designation include: The number of surgeries at…Read More
What is BMI, and what BMI qualifies me for surgery?
BMI is the acronym for the term “Body Mass Index.” It is a criteria used by health professionals to help assess a person’s percentage of body fat and their health status. BMI is a calculation that is figured by using a person’s height and weight. A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered to be in the healthy range. A BMI of 25-29.9 puts a person in the overweight category. A BMI over 30 is considered early — or stage I — obesity. Health issues can arise from being overweight or obese. This can be discussed with your healthcare practitioner.…Read More
Meet the Central Maine Bariatric Surgery Team
Because the CMBS practice continues to grow as more patients choose weight loss surgery, we are continually adding staff, to accommodate our new patients. At the present time, the CMBS team includes two surgeons, Dr. Jamie Loggins, M.D., and Dr. Steven Bang, D.O. Dr. Loggins, the medical director of the CMMC Bariatric Surgery Department, and Dr. Bang perform several types of surgical procedures, including gastric bypass, adjustable gastric banding and a sleeve gastrectomy. Two physician assistants aid our surgeons. Mindy Shimmack, PA-C, helps patients prepare for surgery and then works with them afterwards as they work to achieve their goals.…Read More