Greeley, CO 11/03/2005—North Colorado Medical Center (NCMC) announced today they have been awarded the "Bariatric Center of Excellence" designation by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS). NCMC, a Banner Health facility, received the designation after a thorough, detailed examination of their bariatric program components and outcomes. This award is peer reviewed by the most competent doctors in the industry.
"We are extremely excited and proud about this designation," said Gene O'Hara, Chief Executive Officer of NCMC. "Bariatric 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, is acknowledged as among the most competent in the nation by this prestigious organization."
The bariatric surgery program at NCMC offers the latest surgical techniques in bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass and the LAP-BAND procedure. 99% of all cases are performed using a laparoscopic approach. Services also include informational seminars, pre-surgical clinical and behavioral evaluation; pre-op education; and post-op nutrition and behavioral support.
Dr. Michael Johnell began offering bariatric surgery at NCMC in June, 2001 He has performed more than 540 gastric bypass surgeries and 270 LAP-BAND weight-loss operations. Dr. Johnell is currently the only Colorado bariatric surgeon offering same-day discharge LAP-BAND surgery.
"We are honored to be among the elite programs in the nation who have received this designation," said Michael Johnell, MD, NCMC Bariatric Surgeon. "This designation re-assures 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."
According to a study released in July 2005 by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the number of US bariatric surgeries more than quadrupled between 1998 and 2002 – from 13,386 to 71,733. Faced with clinical evidence that the most experienced and best-run bariatric surgery programs have by far the lowest rates of complications, the ASBS Center of Excellence program was created to recognize bariatric surgery programs that perform well and to help surgeons and hospitals continue to improve the quality and safety of care provided.
Obesity is considered a serious medical problem in America and is of great concern in the medical community. More than two-thirds of our nation is overweight; a distressing statistic that continues to increase each year.
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 ASBS Bariatric Centers of Excellence.
Bariatric surgery is a 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 must be suitable to deal with patients who can exceed their ideal body weight by 400 pounds.
More information about the bariatric surgery program at NCMC 
About North Colorado Medical Center
North Colorado Medical Center is a fully accredited, private, not-for-profit facility licensed to operate 326 beds. It serves as a regional medical center with community-based and specialty services in a service area including southern Wyoming, western Nebraska, western Kansas, and northeastern Colorado. A family-centered obstetrics unit, cardiac, ortho/neuro, Level II trauma, cardiac surgery, burn/wound care, and acute rehab are among the many services offered through the medical center. Nearly 400,000 square feet of new patient care space will be available to the northern Colorado region when the NCMC opens an expanded facility in December 2005. Included will be the CardioVascular Institute of North Colorado featuring state-of-the-art heart services; expanded birthing center and neonatal care unit and new surgical suites.
About Banner Health
Based in Phoenix, Banner Health is one of the largest, not-for-profit health care systems in the country. Banner has 20 facilities that offer an array of services including hospital care, home care, hospice care, nursing registries, surgery centers, laboratories, rehabilitation services. These facilities are located in seven states - Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, and Wyoming. In addition to emergency and medical services, Banner Health medical centers house a variety of specialized services, including heart care, cancer treatment, delivery of high-order multiple births, organ transplants, bone marrow transplants, rehabilitation services, and behavioral health services.
Contact:
North Colorado Medical Center
1801 16th Street
Greeley, CO 80631
Public Relations Director
Gene Haffner
(970) 350-6133