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Bariatric Surgery

Woman’s Hospital will begin offering bariatric surgery in January, 2008. Dr. Drake Bellanger will begin seeing patients in the Outpatient Clinics on January 14, and will begin performing surgeries on January 21.

We have been working with Dr. Bellanger to develop a complete continuum of services including nutrition, exercise and other services for bariatric patients. The surgeries will include three different procedures: gastric bypass, LAP BAND and sleeve gastrectomy.

Several planning teams have been established to develop the program. Among the issues being discussed is whether the surgery will be covered under the hospital’s health plan. At present, the surgery is not covered. However, the 20% employee discount will apply to any bariatric procedure performed at Woman's Hospital on or after January 21. We are working to analyze various benefit options for these procedures and will communicate final decisions to all employees by the end of January.

Questions about this new service can be directed to Tricia Johnson at 924-8452 or Jamie Haeuser at 924-8101.

Nursing Career Ladder Program
Congratulations to the following applicants approved to enter, continue and advance in the nursing career ladder program.

New Applicants:

Lisa Davis, RN III, PreAdmit
Chris Luquette, RN II, Mother/Baby

Changed Status (RN III to RN II):

Sandi Giambrone, RN II, Mother/Baby

Maintained Status:

Misty Allred, RN III, Mother/Baby
Rosalyn Cordell, RN III, PACU/AICU
Danielle Coursey, RN II, Mother/Baby
Ramona Dumas, RN II, Mother/Baby
Kim Edwards, RN III, Surgery
Christina Marchand, RN III, Labor & Delivery

Calendar of Events
Jump Into Writing: This 7-session handwriting program for 5 - 6 year olds will help to enhance handwriting skills through fine motor coordination, eye-hand coordination, postural control and upper body strength. This program will meet one time per week beginning Monday, January 14 from 4:30 - 5:30 pm.

Team Readers: This 8-session reading program is for children who struggle with reading, have poor reading comprehension, read below grade level, and/or have dyslexia. A speech/language pathologist will help your child improve reading fluency and comprehension, increase vocabulary and improve work attack and decoding skills. Writing will also be addressed, including planning and organizing written work. This program will meet one time per week beginning Thursday, January 17 from 4:20 - 5:50 pm.

Breastfeeding Support Group: $20 first meeting, $15 each additional meeting*
This group offers mothers an opportunity to meet, share ideas and encourage one another to be successful in breastfeeding. Mothers are invited to bring their breastfeeding babies 12 months and younger. The group is led by an experienced registered nurse.

Baby Steps: $12 per class or class pass ($60 for 6 classes or $110 for 12 classes)*
This class provides light exercise for moms to do with their babies. It focuses on strengthening the abdomen, pelvic floor, back and legs.

Doulas and Comfort Measures for Labor: free*
What is a doula? How can a doula help me and my partner to have a better birth experience? How can I be more comfortable during labor? This class focuses on a doula’s role, benefits of working with a doula, creating a positive birth environment, positions for labor and hands-on comfort measures.

Prenatal Yoga: $12 per class or class pass ($60 for 6 classes or $110 for 12 classes)*
Yoga can help you prepare physically, mentally and emotionally for giving birth and becoming a mother. Moms-to-be are led through a wide range of poses adapted for the ever-changing pregnant body, preparing her for labor and motherhood, as well as helping to alleviate some of the associated discomforts of pregnancy.

Strong Mamas: $12 per class or class pass
($60 for 6 classes or $110 for 12 classes)*
A pregnancy exercise class focused on preparing you for the changes of pregnancy, labor and delivery. This cardio/strength training routine helps improve energy level, attitude and self image.

* These classes are only available at Destination Maternity

Woman's Makes News
Take a look at our own cover girl! Tricia Johnson was featured on the December cover of InRegister Magazine. The photo corresponding story featured her family and their special traditions during the holidays.

Monday, December 17th, Angela Hammett appeared on WAFB Channel 9 to promote Woman's yoga and exercise programs for pregnant moms.

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