North Colorado Medical Center Renewed as National Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence
GREELEY, Colo. (Sept. 25, 2009) — North Colorado Medical Center announced today they have received renewal designation as a “Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence” by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the Surgical Review Corporation.
NCMC, a Banner Health facility, and Dr. Michael Johnell, received the designation after a thorough, detailed examination of the bariatric program components and outcomes, including an on-site survey by medical professionals.
“We are extremely excited and proud about this continued designation for an additional three-year period,” said Rick Sutton, chief executive officer of NCMC. “Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence is an important designation. It allows patients to know that we have a program that has demonstrated a track record of favorable outcomes. We are honored that our bariatric program is among the finest, and our surgeon, Dr. Michael Johnell, and the clinic staff are acknowledged for their commitment to quality and their patients.”
The bariatric surgery program at NCMC offers the latest techniques in bariatric surgery, specializing in the adjustable gastric banding procedure using LAP-BAND® and REALIZE™ bands. Ninety-nine percent of all cases are performed using a laparoscopic approach. Patients receive comprehensive care including an initial informational seminar, pre-surgery evaluation, education and behavioral support, and extensive post surgery follow up care and life-style support. Dr. Michael Johnell began offering bariatric surgery at NCMC in June 2001. He has performed more than 1,500 bariatric surgery operations, including the gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding procedures.
“This renewal designation requires demonstration of excellence in all aspects of the clinical practice of bariatric surgery,” said Michael Johnell, MD, NCMC Bariatric Surgeon. “It reassures patients that we have a well-established program dedicated to providing the highest quality care, the most highly skilled providers, appropriate equipment for this patient population and support of successful weight loss outcomes.”
Obesity is considered a serious medical problem in America and is of great concern in the medical community. Overall, 26.1 percent of U.S. adults were obese in 2008, compared to 25.6 percent in 2007, according to a CDC news release.
Of even greater concern, more than 23 million Americans are considered “morbidly obese,” which means that they have a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 40, exceeding their ideal body weight by at least 100 pounds. One third of these are considered “super obese.”
It is well documented that the cost of this life-threatening condition can be chronic, disabling diseases including diabetes, hypertension and severe pulmonary compromise. These diseases as well as other disorders such as hyperlipidemia, asthma and infertility can be corrected by the rapid, permanent weight loss caused by the surgery and lifestyle changes prompted by the continuing medical support offered by designated ASMBS Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence.
Bariatric surgery is a safe, but complex and challenging undertaking. Many patients are considered high surgical risks because of other serious medical conditions in addition to excessive weight. The psychosocial challenges require highly competent compassionate support after the surgery. Furniture, hospital equipment, instruments and imaging resources also must be suitable to deal with patients who can exceed their ideal body weight by 400 pounds.
For more information go to www.bannerhealth.com/ncmcbariatrics.
