Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1499642
10 | Health Matters: Providence Little Company of Mary San Pedro and Torrance "W hat distinguishes us is our comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach," says Karen Allen, RN, bariatric program coordinator at Providence Little Company of Mary. "We have an incredible team of nurses, dietitians and psychologists, led by our highly skilled surgeons. The team helps ensure your long-term success." Allen explains that people who are qualified for weight-loss surgery get all kinds of support from the bariatric team both before and after the procedure. Beforehand, patients have access to support groups twice a month. The groups, which typically include 15 to 20 participants, are led by a licensed facilitator and feature speakers such as psychologists and dietitians. "The program addresses the whole person," Allen explains. "We look at the psychology of a patient's eating patterns." Participants are also encouraged to keep a food journal to increase their awareness of eating habits, such as when and how their eating is triggered by stress or other factors. The team also works with patients to expedite the insurance approval process as much as possible. The most commonly performed surgery is the gastric sleeve procedure, aka sleeve gastrectomy, which removes about 80% of the stomach permanently. "Patients are seen postoperatively at one week, one month, three months, six months and one year," Allen explains, "then annually thereafter. We follow and track the long-term results of our patients. If after a year or two, or five years after surgery, they are struggling, we want to provide the support they need." Allen's program offers a quarterly series called Back on Track. "The most surprising part for patients post- surgery is the change in the quality of life," says Allen. "Not being in pain anymore, not having to take medications anymore, even being able to run a marathon. That's the real life-changing benefits." Losing Weight to Gain a New Life At Providence Little Company of Mary's Bariatric Wellness Centers, you'll find supportive teams dedicated to patients' long-term weight-loss success, whether you choose the San Pedro or Torrance location. Edgar Peña and his wife, Eva Guerra-Peña, chose to have weight-loss surgery with Dr. Malgorzata Stanczyk. "It will change your life for the better. It's like a reset button. I'm able to move and do my day-to-day activities without being in pain," says Eva. Before After