FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Vadim Sherman, M.D.
Director
St. Luke's Comprehensive Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program
6620 Main St., Suite 1475
Houston, TX 77030
Phone: 832-355-8180
OVERVIEW
St. Luke's Comprehensive Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program, in partnership with Baylor College of Medicine, specializes in surgical weight loss - known as bariatric surgery - to improve the health and well-being of those who are severely overweight. We offer expert, compassionate care, highly trained surgeons and a variety of surgical options, including minimally invasive procedures that result in less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays and fewer infections.
Obesity rates continue to increase in the United States, with serious health implications. An estimated one-third of all Americans today are overweight or obese, increasing the risk of weight-related health conditions which include:
Bariatric surgery is reserved for those who have been unable to achieve long-term weight loss through diet and exercise. For many, it may offer the only remaining hope for improved health, a longer lifespan and a better quality of life.
ARE YOU A CANDIDATE?
The Comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Center welcomes all qualified candidates, often taking on cases others deem too challenging. Our patient selection process is based on the National Institute of Health (NIH) criteria, as follows:
- 100 pounds or more above ideal body weight or a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater
- BMI of 35 or greater with one or more obesity-related health conditions
To ensure the safety and long term success of each patient, we also consider a variety of other factors including weight-loss history, age, prior surgeries, smoking habits, psychological evaluation, and lifelong commitment to dietary, exercise, medical guidelines and follow-up care.
Bariatric surgery is a serious decision that requires careful consideration of pre- and post-operative requirements and a commitment by the patient to permanent lifestyle changes.
Some resources from St. Luke's to help you make your decision:
- A Free Information Session: Map (PDF)
Information guide (PDF)
This is an opportunity to meet with Dr. Sherman and his team, which includes a nutritionist, a financial specialist, and patients who have already had the surgery. The objective of these meetings is to allow you to have all of your questions answered so you can make the best decision for yourself. Before attending an information session, we recommend that you review our information about obesity and bariatric surgery. After you attend a monthly information session, if you still wish to pursue surgical treatment, you can schedule your individual preoperative screening consultation with Dr. Sherman.
- Patient Questionnaire: The following downloadable forms will help you during the process of determining whether bariatric surgery is the right decision for you: Patient questionnaire (PDF)
- More Information: Learn more about Bariatric and Gastric Bypass Surgery including details about before and after surgery, why the surgery is performed, and risks.
SURGICAL OPTIONS AND OUR SURGEONS
Our surgeons are skilled in the latest bariatric surgery techniques, including laparoscopic procedures. These minimally invasive procedures involve the use of several small punctures or incisions, versus traditional surgery that is performed through large incision lines that open the abdomen.
Laparoscopic surgery offers patients improved outcomes that may include less postoperative pain, a shorter hospital stay and fewer infections.
We offer the following surgical options:
- Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
- Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAP-BAND)
- Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Revision of previous bariatric procedures
All bariatric surgery procedures are performed at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital. Vadim Sherman, M.D., F.R.C.S.C., is Director of the Comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Center at BCM and Assistant Professor of Surgery. Dr. Sherman earned his medical degree from the University of Western Ontario in London, Canada, followed by a residency in general surgery at McGill University in Montreal. He also completed a fellowship in advanced laparoscopic/bariatric surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Sherman is certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (F.R.C.S.C.). He is also a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
We believe a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach is crucial to ensuring the best possible care, outcome and long-term weight loss for bariatric patients. We work closely with a variety of specialties from across Baylor College of Medicine, including Cardiology, Endocrinology, Family Medicine, Respirology, and Sleep Medicine.
OUR CARE
The patient's care will be provided by a highly qualified nursing staff. St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital was re-designated the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet status in 2009 due to our commitment to interdisciplinary practice, ongoing professional development, use of evidence-based practice in the delivery of nursing care and ongoing nursing research. We were the 37th hospital in the nation and first in Texas and the Southwest to receive the honor in 2001, and again in 2005. St. Luke's has joined the elite one percent of hospitals in the nation to achieve this status three times.
