The nationally recognized Center for Bariatric Surgery at St. Vincent Charity
Medical Center has transitioned to Southwest General Health Center.
Founded at St. Vincent in 1997, the Center was the first in northeast Ohio
to achieve national accreditation and was recognized as a national center
of excellence for 25 consecutive years. In addition to meeting all necessary
criteria as a Comprehensive Center by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®), the Center
was recommended for a Best Practice in Patient Education Award, and the
staff was applauded as a “dynamic team with excellent program leadership.”
Southwest General is proud to welcome the skilled and dedicated staff from
St. Vincent as they relocate to the new Center for Bariatric Surgery at
Southwest General. This multidisciplinary team features experienced bariatric surgeons, including
program director, Leslie Pristas, DO, FACS, as well as nurses, operating
room staff, psychologists, dietitians, patient advocates and more. In
their new home at Southwest General, they will continue to work together
to provide patients with the individualized care and attention necessary
to help them reach their goals.
Additionally, the team and the patients they care for will have easy access
to state-of-the art facilities and technology at Southwest General’s
Surgical Pavilion and offices in Middleburg Heights, Ohio.
Southwest General is honored to be the new home for the outstanding bariatric
and weight-loss care once provided at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center.
As we welcome both staff and patients, we look forward to continuing the
program’s award-winning legacy and to providing the life-changing
care that will allow patients to live happier, healthier lives for themselves
and their families.
Weight Loss is Complex Because the Body is Complex
FACT: Weight Loss is Hard - Dr. Leslie Pristas
Dr. Leslie Pristas, medical director of the Center for Bariatric Surgery
at Southwest General, explains why weight loss is hard and how our bodies
have been developed to actually work against diet and exercise.
Is weight loss surgery right for me? Do I have to be obese to qualify for
surgery? What does my Body Mass Index mean? Am I really a candidate? We’ve
helped thousands of people who have come to us from a variety of paths
in their journey to weight loss.
Many of our patients have gained weight gradually over a few decades.
They are on the edge of medical obesity, and while they have lost some
things in their life already, they face deeper challenges if they don’t
stop their gradual weight gain. Some of our patients have struggled with
weight their entire lives and are reaching the critical crossroads of
a health crisis. In our experience, we’ve even seen patients who
were once competitive athletes, but their lives changed direction just
a few years ago—and a massive weight gain followed.
Everyone has their own unique path, but a basic Body Mass Index calculation
can guide your exploration of weight loss options. Enter your BMI information below.
BMI Calculator
Height
Weight
lbs
Your BMI is:
What does this result mean?
BMI Range
Meaning
Under 16
Severely Underweight
Between 16 and 20
Underweight
Between 21 and 25
Healthy Weight
Between 26 and 30
Moderately Overweight
Between 31 and 35
Overweight
Between 36 and 39
Very Obese
Over 40
Morbidly Obese
If your BMI is greater than 35, bariatric surgery is one possible treatment
option. If you’re BMI is over 30 and you have diabetes, then you
might also consider bariatric surgery as a treatment option. If you fall
into these categories, we recommend you continue your exploration of surgical
options by completing an introductory seminar online.
For those who have a BMI between 26 and 35, Southwest General also offers
non-surgical weight loss options. These personalized programs can get you on the path to better health.
Explore those options
here.
Regardless of your BMI, a number is not your whole story. In order to treat
you, we get to know you. We don’t see you as a number. We want to
learn more about you, because that is how we find answers. We invite you
to get to know us by attending a seminar or exploring our medical weight-loss
options. It’s just one little step to making a big change in your life.
I contemplated surgery for at least five years before doing it. I’d
lose 10 pounds then put back on 15. My doctor finally told me I was reaching
the point where serious health problems were likely to follow. Surgery
changed my life in so many ways. I don’t just feel better—my
entire outlook on life has completely changed.— MICHAEL, Lost more than 150 pounds through bariatric surgery
Locations
All testing, procedures and surgeries are now being conducted at the Center
for Bariatric Surgery on Southwest General's main campus:
Center for Bariatric Surgery:
Southwest General Health Center 18697 Bagley Road
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
Program offices are in the process of being transitioned to Southwest General.
You will continue to see physicians and other providers, dietitians and
patient advocates at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center until new offices
are completed at Southwest General in 2023.
Office Location:
St. Vincent Charity Medical Center 2322 E. 22nd, Suite #207
Cleveland, Ohio 44115