Are you searching for a bariatric weight loss center, but are unsure what to look for? Here are some guidelines to help.
The National Institutes of Health, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) advise that any weight loss surgery should be performed by a board-certified surgeon with specialized training and experience in bariatric and metabolic surgery. Board-certified means your surgeon has completed the required years of residency training in that specialty, and then demonstrated knowledge by successfully completing a comprehensive examination. Specialty boards such as ASMBS certify that surgeons meet additional published standards or skill requirements.
In addition, it is recommended that bariatric surgery is only part of a multidisciplinary team approach for long-term success, with interactions from an entire team of experts, including:
- A mental health professional
- A nutritionist
- An exercise physiologist or specialist
Does Bariatric Surgery Center Accreditation Matter?
Some insurance companies require that the surgery be performed at a specific facility, which should be overseen by accrediting agencies for health care facilities or have the American College of Surgeons (ACS) accreditation. The bariatric surgery center should meet the approved quality standards as put forth by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). Bariatric surgery accreditation not only promotes uniform standard targets, but also supports endless quality improvement. Bariatric centers of excellence meet the highest standards of quality and are desirable choices for patients seeking successful weight loss surgery.
What Accreditation Does Floyd Center for Bariatric Services Have?
Our bariatric surgery center has been accredited as a Comprehensive Center under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®), a joint program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
An Expert, Team Approach to Long-Term Health
The problem with obesity isn't just the weight, but the serious complications that arise from obesity -- from heart disease to Type 2 diabetes to life-threatening cancers. We now know that obesity is a serious disease that can be successfully treated with bariatric surgery. After bariatric surgery and subsequent reduction in weight, most people experience:
- Decreased health risks from chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes
- Increased mobility
- Better quality of life
Finding a nationally accredited bariatric surgery program for your weight loss surgery means that you have an entire team of support after surgery to help you achieve improved, long-term health.
Sources
American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Who is a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
American College of Surgeons. Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program.