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Weighing in: Surgical procedures offer additional medical benefits, DRMC surgeons stress.
From staff reports
In response to the increasing rate of obesity in the DFW population, Dallas Regional Medical Center has announced plans to open a Bariatric Surgery Institute on its Mesquite campus on Aug. 1. An educational seminar about weight loss surgery and the Institute is scheduled for 6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 7, in the third floor education classroom of the medical office building, 929 N. Galloway in Mesquite.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, has been proven to be a viable option for morbidly obese individuals - those with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more and are more than 100 pounds over their ideal body weight. The surgical option is also appropriate for individuals with a BMI of 35 who have other obesity-related health issues such as high blood pressure, high blood glucose levels and other conditions.
The Bariatric Institute will offer a variety of weight loss surgery options - laparoscopic and traditional gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y), laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAP-BAND) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve). The surgeons associated with the Institute - Dr. Michel Stephan, Dr. Bassam Zakhour and Dr. George Hariz - bring many years of experience to help patients best deal with their weight loss challenges. These physicians, along with a dedicated team of nurses, psychologists, registered dietitians and others, will work with each patient to develop an individualized plan of care with specific weight loss goals.
National recognition
The opening of the institute comes on the heels of theHealth Management Associates, parent company of Dallas Regional Medical Center has been recently named by Fortune magazine as one of the World’s Most Admired companies in Health Care.
“We are very proud to be a member of the Health Management family,” said the center’s representatives. “This award is powerful evidence of the excellent support Health Management provides to enable Dallas Regional Medical Center to deliver great healthcare to our community. It is also a testament to the dedication to patient care of the Associates and physicians at our hospital and other Health Management hospitals around the country.”
Within the category of Health Care: Medical Facilities, Health Management was named the No. 1 company in Quality of Products/Services and in Social Responsibility.
Fortune compiles the ratings each year based on a survey of businesspeople in each industry who are asked to vote for the companies they admire most. Apple was named this year’s most admired company across all industries. The list will be published in the magazine’s March 19 issue.
The institute
The Bariatric Institute will be located in the Dallas Regional Medical Center surgical services department. Potential patients must meet specific criteria based on guidelines established by the NIH and are carefully screened by an intake nurse. They must be between 18-65 years of age and will be encouraged to attend an information seminar before proceeding with the process. Prospective patients will meet with Dr. Vivian Jones, a family practice physician associated with the Institute, to conduct an initial assessment and discuss all weight loss options before deciding on a final course of treatment. Patients older than 65 years will be considered for the surgery on a case-by-case basis. Prior to surgery, all patients must agree to make significant changes in their eating habits and lifestyle and they must agree to participate in follow up dietary counseling and support group activities.
"Once again, we are utilizing our expertise in minimally-invasive surgery to benefit the significant number of residents in our service area who are looking for quality weight loss surgery options close to home," says Matt Caldwell, DRMC president and CEO. "We know that the patients who use the Bariatric Surgery Institute will not only lose weight, they will improve their overall health and well-being by eliminating other costly chronic diseases that can negatively impact their quality of life."
For more information about the Bariatric Surgery Institute at DRMC, or to register for the upcoming seminar on Tuesday, Aug. 7, call 214-320-7787, or visit www.dallasregionalmedicalcenter.com.
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