Centegra weight-loss center moves into new digs

Centegra Weight-Loss Surgery Center has been named an American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence.

The designation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of favorable outcomes in bariatric surgery. Dr. Amir Heydari, of Surgical Associates of Fox Valley, is on staff at Centegra Health System.

According to a report released in 2007 by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the number of bariatric surgeries has grown from 16,000 procedures performed in 1992 to 170,000 performed in 2005. Faced with clinical evidence that the most experienced and best-run bariatric surgery programs have by far the lowest rates of complications, the ASMBS Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence program was created to recognize bariatric surgery centers that perform well and to help surgeons and hospitals continue to improve the quality and safety of care provided.

The Centegra Weight-Loss Surgery Center recently moved from Centegra Hospital-Woodstock to Centegra Health Campus-Huntley in an effort to provide a much-needed weight-loss surgery program expansion. Due to about a 200-percent growth over the past four years, the current center outgrew its capacity.

The relocation will provide larger and more private accommodations on the Centegra Health campus, 10350 Haligus Road, Huntley. The new phone number is (847) 802-7230. Hours of operation will be 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Success stories and expert advice from Centegra's clinical team are presented during free monthly informational sessions open to the public. Also provided is information about the benefits, multidisciplinary team approach, surgery options and support available at Centegra.

Videos showcasing patients, as well as the opportunity to speak with former patients who share their success stories are available at the end of each session.

Classes will continue to take place in the evenings and doctor appointments will still be available some evenings. Consultations, screenings, lifelong support and a two-month membership to Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Centers will continue to be available.

The next free informational session is from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, in conference rooms A & B at Centegra Hospital-Woodstock, Route 14 and Doty Road. Register at (877) CENTEGRA or visit centegra.org.