As weight loss and getting healthy top the list of resolutions for another new year, Bridges Center for Surgical Weight Management at St. Luke’s Medical Center is helping local residents explore the full spectrum of surgical weight management options by expanding its services to Mountain Vista Medical Center at 1301 S. Crismon Road in Mesa.

The partnership will not only provide surgeries on-site at the 178-bed hospital, but also free education sessions about weight management options. The first series of seminars will begin on Jan. 25 and webinars are also available through the Bridges website.

Weight loss has never been more top of mind for many Americans as it was this year. When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, data from Google points to nearly 70 million searches for “get healthy,” a 13.77 percent increase over the same time last year. While many traditionally tend to turn to diet and exercise to help with getting trim, a recent study in the journal Obesity says surgical weight loss could have more long-term benefits than tried and true diet and exercise.

The Bridges Center team at Mountain Vista is led by Dr. Rob Schuster, who is board certified in general surgery and fellowship trained in bariatrics.  He and his staff bring a deep-seated understanding of weight management challenges faced by patients to Mountain Vista Medical Center. The decision to undergo bariatric surgery is not one to be taken lightly. The team at the Bridges Center walks patients through a comprehensive weight management program that gives guidance and support before, during and after the procedure. The primary goal is to help patients lose weight safely, keep the weight off and live a healthy lifestyle.

“The journey to considering surgical weight management options begins with education,” Paul said. “The Bridges Center team brings their entire education toolkit to Mountain Vista Medical Center to help those interested in exploring bariatric surgery.”

The free seminars and webinars help people learn about the challenges of obesity, its health risks and the role of bariatric surgery. The sessions delve into the different types of weight loss procedures available, as well as the Bridges Center program, background about the professional health care team at the Bridges Center and the 360-degree support patients and their families receive over the course of their weight loss journey. In fact, spouses, family members and partners are encouraged to attend. Upcoming Bridges Center seminars at Mountain Vista Medical Center will be held on:

• Wednesday, Jan. 25 at noon in classrooms 3-4 (Dr. Schuster)
• Saturday, Jan. 28 at 10 a.m. in classroom 3-4 (Dr. Leavitt)
• Saturday, Feb. 25 at 9 a.m. in classrooms 3-4 (Dr. Leavitt)
• Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. in classrooms 3-4 (Dr. Schuster)

For more information about The Bridges Center for Surgical Weight Management or to reserve a space at an upcoming seminar, visit www.BridgesAZ.com or call 602-251-8828.