Vista East Accredited as Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence

Vista Medical Center East has been named as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence® by the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the Surgical Review Corporation. The Center of Excellence designation recognizes programs with a demonstrated track record of favorable outcomes in bariatric weight loss surgeries such as gastric bypass and Lap-Band.

“This national accreditation reaffirms the safety, support, quality of care and positive outcomes for our patients,” said Barbara Martin, President and CEO of Vista Health System. “The designation as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence® is the result of years of dedicated service by our surgeons and bariatric staff. We know that when excellence such as this is achieved, our patients are the ones who benefit,” Martin said.

More than 72 million Americans are obese or severely overweight. Each year, obesity causes at least 112,000 deaths in the United States, and it's associated with numerous health problems: Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, gallstones, liver disease, sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heart failure, degenerative joint disease, birth defects, miscarriages, asthma and cancer. People who are more than 100 pounds over their ideal weight may benefit from bariatric surgery.

“Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for morbidly obese patients, but it is not a quick fix,” said Dr. Aaron Siegel, Chairman of Vista's Department of Surgery. “Bariatric surgery is successful when paired with critical lifestyle changes in diet and exercise. Surgery is just one component of the program that includes psychological evaluations, nutritional counseling, support groups and follow-up care which help patients maintain a healthy lifestyle after surgery,” Siegel said.

Vista offers a comprehensive Weight Management Program including a dedicated registered dietician, bariatric unit and surgical team. Vista also offers support groups every month, a one-hour personal session with a registered dietician, and several classes to educate patients in new eating habits, exercise and nutrition.

The Bariatric Surgery Center 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. To earn a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence® designation, Vista Medical Center East underwent a series of site inspections during which all aspects of its surgical processes were closely examined.

For more information regarding Vista Health System's Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence® visit www.vistahealth.com.