Outpatient Surgery Center - Dignity Health - St. John's Regional Medical Center

Outpatient surgery, sometimes called same-day surgery or ambulatory surgery, is a surgical procedure that lets you go home the same day as your operation. Many outpatient surgeries use minimally invasive techniques, which often lead to a faster recovery and fewer complications. At St. John’s Regional Medical Center, your care team will monitor you closely before, during and after the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort.

At Dignity Health St. John’s Regional Medical Center, we perform outpatient procedures in specialty areas such as:

• Ear, nose and throat

• General surgery

• Gynecological surgery

• Ophthalmology

• Orthopedic surgery

• Pain management

• Plastic surgery

• Podiatry

• Urology

As a Surgical Review Corporation Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery, St. John’s Regional Medical Center offers safe, effective, nationally recognized robotic surgery. Minimally invasive surgery, including robotic surgery, offers a range of benefits, including: 

• Faster recovery

• Fewer complications

• Less blood loss

• Less need for narcotic pain medicine

• Quicker return to normal activities

• Shorter hospital stay

• Smaller incisions and less scarring

Many people are candidates for robotic surgery, but it may not be right for everyone. Your doctor can help you decide if robotic surgery is the best option for you. Talk to your doctor to learn more about your options. If you have questions, call us at (877) 753-6248.

As a Blue Distinction Center+ for Bariatric Surgery by the BlueCross and BlueShield Association of California, St. John’s Regional Medical Center’s surgical team has expertise in various weight loss surgery procedures. We will discuss each procedure with you to determine which one is best. We offer a variety of surgeries, including:

• Duodenal switch or "DS" procedure 

• Revision surgery

• Roux-en-Y gastric bypass 

• Single anastomosis gastric bypass 

• Sleeve gastrectomy

Call our program coordinator, Brenna Calabrese, MSN, at (805) 940-2765 to learn more about our weight loss surgery program.

Our surgery weight loss experts typically recommend bariatric surgery for people who have not achieved lasting results with diet and exercise alone. You may be a candidate for weight loss surgery if you:

• Weigh more than 100 pounds over your ideal body weight

• Are ready to make a lifelong commitment to diet, exercise and behavioral changes

• Don’t have mental or behavioral disorders that may interfere with long-term weight loss

• Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher (35 or higher along with certain conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease or sleep apnea)

• Have tried multiple weight loss programs without lasting success

Call our program coordinator, Brenna Calabrese, MSN, at (805) 940-2765 to learn more about our weight loss surgery program.

Coverage for bariatric surgery can vary based on your insurance. You’ll want to call your insurer and ask if bariatric surgery is covered. Our experienced team can help you with this if necessary. If bariatric surgery is not a covered benefit, we have competitive cash rates.

Laparoscopic surgery is less invasive and often heals faster and results in fewer scars. We perform the majority of procedures laparoscopically, so you can get back on your feet quicker, with reduced risk of infection and complications.

At St. John’s Regional Medical Center, we want you to be fully prepared before having surgery. This includes a bariatric surgery education program that prepares you not just for surgery, but also for life afterward. During the program, you will receive nutrition counseling, undergo physical exams and be given a psychological evaluation. In addition, we recommend the following to prepare for weight loss surgery: 

• Exercise regularly

• Quit smoking

• Start a preoperative diet as recommended by your doctor

After surgery, you may experience some pain and discomfort, which will be managed with medication. You may also experience temporary side effects, such as fatigue, chills, body aches, dry skin, mood changes and hair thinning. 

Most patients stay in the hospital for one to two days and return to normal activities within two to three weeks. Your diet will progress in stages, starting with a liquid-only diet the first two weeks, then progressing to pureed and softened foods. By two to three months, you’ll be able to eat regular foods. You’ll need to eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and take recommended vitamins and supplements to maintain proper nutrition during rapid weight loss. Weight loss typically continues for about a year. This period is important for building healthy eating and exercise habits to maintain your results.

Adjusting to life after bariatric surgery can be challenging. Many people take one to two weeks off from work after surgery to prioritize their recovery. You may have lower energy in the early weeks, and you may need assistance with shopping and chores until you can lift and drive, usually in about six weeks. 

While people who undergo bariatric surgery usually do not need intensive help, having support on hand is key. Some of the support needs you might have after surgery include:

• Immediate postsurgery care (food preparation, dressing, chores and self-care)

• Dietary support, including meals, vitamins and supplements prescribed by your doctor

• Physical activity support, following guidelines provided by your medical team