MOSES LAKE— Samaritan Healthcare is offering a temporary reduced cost bariatrics surgery program to test the results before implementing the program.

“Bariatrics is necessary because obesity causes health problems such as diabetes, cancer and heart issues,” said Dr. Louis Martin, general surgery. “If obesity isn’t treated in the 30s and 40s, problems increase.”

Baria-trics is a medical specialty for the morbidly obese. Bariatric surgery helps people lose weight, according to program coordinator Deb Hembroff.

The reduced cost surgery is open to six people meeting specific qualifications. In order to be considered, patients must sign a letter of interest and complete a brief health history. They must also undergo pre-operative examinations and testing. When the operation is completed, patients are asked to participate in information and marketing efforts. “We ask that people come to see us in the office to get information,” Hembroff said. “They will also attend a free seminar that will offer details of the surgery.”

Those interested must sign up by Sept. 18.

“The purpose is to fine-tune the program, then fully implement it,” Hembroff said.

Samaritan’s board members approved the program because of community need. About 5 percent of residents in Moses Lake are morbidly obese. The closest place to receive the surgery is Spokane and the Tri-Cities, said Martin.

“People considering this program typically have tried everything to lose weight. This is not their first choice,” Hembroff said. “Many see this as their last chance to acquire a normal life.”

Samaritan hopes to implement two options of bariatric surgery by November, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (Lap-band).

Bypass involves cutting and stapling of the stomach and bowel. There is a 67 percent average excess weight loss one year after surgery. Complications include hernia, marginal ulcer and bowel obstruction, according to an Allergan document.

Lap-Band patients receive stapling and experience a 42 percent average excess weight loss one year after surgery. Risks are bland slippage, stoma obstruction and vomiting, according to an Allergan document.

Patients receiving Lap-Band surgery stay in the hospital overnight, while bypass patients stay for three days. A laparoscope is used for both bariatric surgeries. Lapararoscopic surgery is done through a scope with five small incisions. It is known to help patients recover easier and quicker, said Hembroff. 

Benefits of the surgery include a longer and healthier life, said Hembroff.

Martin said patients are advised to stick to the dietary plan given to them before the surgery.

“People don’t understand sometimes that you have to change your behavior after, or you won’t get the full benefit of the program,” Martin said.

Samaritan workers are still discussing the exact cost for each procedure, but surgeries normally range from $15,000 to $20,000, said Martin.

“The surgery is a bargain when looking at results,” Martin said. “For example, obese people generally have trouble with their joints and require surgery. If you have one bad joint, you are bound to have others.”

Those interested are required to go through steps before being accepted for surgery. Procedures include an informational session, psychiatric evaluation, health assessment and a meeting with Martin to discuss options.

Martin is the only surgeon operating at Samaritan. Martin has done about 4,000 bariatric surgeries since 1995. Martin taught bariatric surgery to surgical residents and practicing surgeons as a professor at Louisiana State University.

Patients requiring medical specialists unavailable in Moses Lake, are being sent to the University of Washington Medical Center.

Samaritan Healthcare is located at 801 E. Wheeler Road.

Those interested in the reduced cost program can obtain a letter of interest and a health history form by calling 509-793-9757, leaving their name and address.