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FMC’s Bariatric Surgical Program recognized for excellence
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Feb. 2, 2010
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Flagstaff Medical Center and two local surgeons reached a major milestone, receiving national recognition as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence. FMC’s Bariatric Surgical Weight Loss Center and surgeons, Andrew Aldridge, M.D., F.A.C.S., and Robert Berger, M.D., F.A.C.S., medical director of the center, were recently designated a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. This designation acknowledges the excellence of FMC’s surgical weight loss program and the surgeons who are dedicated to providing high-quality care and services.
To earn the Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence designation, FMC’s Bariatric Surgical Weight Loss Center and bariatric surgeons participated in an extensive and voluntary evaluation process designed to recognize those programs that provide safe bariatric surgical care with excellent short- and long-term results. The evaluation process not only focused on processes, equipment, supplies, training of surgeons and staff, and patient support, but also emphasized positive surgical results including weight loss and resolution of other weight-related health issues.
“We chose to pursue the Center of Excellence designation to demonstrate our commitment to improving the health of the people and communities we serve,” said Bill Bradel, FMC President. “The partnership between the surgeons and FMC has allowed us to provide a high-quality, state-of-the-art surgical weight loss program to those residents in Northern Arizona who are struggling with obesity and the inherent health risks that are associated with obesity.”
FMC’s Bariatric Surgical Weight Loss Center is the only bariatric surgical program in Northern Arizona designed to help ensure each patient achieves their individual weight loss and health goals. The comprehensive surgical program offers laparoscopic gastric bypass, laparoscopic gastric banding and laparoscopic gastric sleeve procedures, and counseling and support groups. In addition, the center offers robotic-assisted bariatric surgery with the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. The interdisciplinary team includes surgeons, physicians, nurses, dietitians and therapists who address the medical, physical and emotional needs of each patient.
FMC began offering bariatric surgery in 2004. Since that time, nearly 500 patients have had bariatric surgery at FMC, and more than 200 people are expected to turn to FMC in 2010 for weight loss surgery to improve their health.
FMC offers free information sessions for those who are interested in learning more about weight loss surgery. The sessions are the second Tuesday of each month from 6 -7 p.m. Prospective patients are required to attend a session prior to making an appointment with one of FMC’s bariatric surgeons. To register for the free informational session, call 928 214-3737.
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