The Samaritan Healthcare Center for Weight Loss Surgery program requirements are:
• Individuals must be between the ages of 18 and 55;
• Have a BMI of 40 or more or BMI of 35 or more with weight related health problems
• Must be able to walk a minimum of ten minutes;
• Have no significant heart disease or other organ failure;
• Not be on anticoagulants and have no history of blood clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis or Pulmonary Embolism);
• Not be on hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills for one month before surgery;
• Have a psychological evaluation, follow suggestions to get ready for surgery, and have a good support system; and
• Complete smoking cessation at least 4 weeks before surgery.
Our program restrictions are in place to improve patient SAFETY and QUALITY in our rural hospital. We have a working agreement with the University of Washington Medical Center to evaluate patients that we are unable to operate on at Samaritan. We are willing to help patients with the consultation, pre-operative work-up and referral to the University of Washington Medical Center for their surgery. We will also provide part of their follow-up care for patients who would be interested.