The Center for Surgical Treatment of Obesity at
St. Mary Medical Center is located at 432 E. 10th St.
Long Beach, CA 90813
Click on map to enlarge
Telcome to the website for The Center for Surgical Treatment of Obesity at St. Mary Medical Center. Our team is dedicated to helping you transform your life . . . finally free of the barriers and restrictions that obesity can cause. Many people wonder and ask, “What does bariatric mean?” Bariatric refers to the branch of medicine that deals with the treatment of obesity. Bariatric Surgery is the surgical treatment of obesity. Is it worth it? Our patients think so.
As a patient at The Center for Surgical Treatment of Obesity at St. Mary, our first rate medical team will assess your physical condition and advise on the best course of action for you. Once you’ve undergone surgery, we’ll help keep you on track with our group support meetings, held twice monthly in both Long Beach and San Bernardino.
Many patients who have had Bariatric Surgery have lost over 100 pounds in the first year following surgery. Some of these patients were unable to fit into airline or theatre seats. They had to shop for clothing at “fat lady” or “big man” stores and could not even cross their legs! Now they are wearing clothes purchased at regular department stores and lead active lives. The changes they undergo have been compared to rebirth – they literally get a second chance for a new life and emerge from a cocoon of fat as beautiful butterflies!
As the weight comes off, our diabetic patients typically no longer need insulin or diabetic medication, and others with high blood pressure may no longer need their medicine. Every month there is a noticeable difference in their appearance. Tummies, legs and arms shrink. Ankles re-emerge. Wedding bands fit once again. Necklines reappear and faces lose that rounded cushion of fat.
With the physical changes, also come the most amazing personality changes. Patients become confident, happy and outgoing. They overcome feelings of worthlessness and have increased self-esteem. The weight loss supports patients in addressing negative feelings caused by being overweight. They are no longer ashamed and embarrassed.
The true miracle is that if you met these people for the first time, they would seem unremarkable. If you did not know they had been severely obese, you would not be able to tell them from any other person. Now, that is what makes it worth it – they look and are now treated like everyone else.