Genesis Invites Public To Webcast of Laparoscopic Weight-Loss Surgery

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Genesis Medical Center, the only regional hospital offering laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, will also be the first regional hospital to host an Internet webcast of the weight-loss procedure.

The surgery will be webcast over the Internet at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 17.

The Genesis Center for Bariatric Surgery will host a webcast viewing event beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 17 in the Adler Education Center on the lower level of the Genesis Heart Institute, 1236 East Rusholme St., Davenport. The viewing event will be open to the public and will be particularly beneficial to anyone who wants more information about laparoscopic gastric bypass or wants to see an actual surgery.

Surgeon Matthew C. Christophersen, M.D., Medical Director of the Genesis Center for Bariatric Surgery and a partner in Davenport Surgical Group, will be available at the viewing event to answer questions, along with Teresa Fraker, manager of the Genesis program. Pre-operative, operative and post-operative staff also will be available to talk with anyone who wants to learn more about the procedure.

Dr. Christophersen, assisted by Michael Phelps, M.D., of Davenport Surgical Group, performed the webcast procedure on Nov. 29 on Tamara Shipman, a nurse supervisor for Great River Home Health Care and Hospice in Burlington, Iowa.

Shipman, who will be in attendance at the Jan. 17 event, has already lost 45 pounds and has noticed great health benefits. Prior to beginning a program with the Genesis Bariatric Surgery Program, Shipman was experiencing decreased mobility because of joint pain.  She also had Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and was having difficulty breathing.

“I’m enjoying increased energy and a decrease in all of my aches, pains and discomfort. I’m truly looking forward to a New Year and a new me,’’ Shipman said.

Tammy Shipman’s personal story is available in her blog at www.genesishealth.com and the webcast of her 75-minute surgery will debut on the website on Jan. 17.

Dr. Christophersen performed the first laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at Genesis Medical Center, Davenport in November 2004.  More than 200 of the procedures have been performed at Genesis, which remains the only hospital in the Quad Cities where the less-invasive laparoscopic approach of the procedure is available.

“The laparoscopic approach offers patients a number of benefits compared to the open method,’’ said Dr. Christophersen.  “Recovery time, discomfort and surgical wound complications are significantly reduced, and patients can return to normal, daily activities much faster.’’

A surgical approach to weight loss is not for everyone. It is major surgery with possible risks.

Genesis patients attend introductory education classes, followed by consultations with the nursing staff, dietitian, psychologist, surgeon, physical therapist, pharmacist and recreational therapist.  Only patients who adhere to pre-surgical education schedules are scheduled for surgery.

For more information on the Genesis Center for Bariatric Surgery, call (563) 421-8361.

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