NIX Health Care System Recognized as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence

SAN ANTONIO - The NIX Weight Loss Surgery Center has been approved as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, announced John Strieby, CEO of NIX Health Care System. Bariatric surgery, when performed correctly, can help obese patients change their lives. At NIX Health Care System surgeons perform procedures of the highest clinical quality while treating every patient with dignity and respect.

The American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) Center of Excellence Program was created to recognize Bariatric Surgery Centers that perform well. To earn a Center of Excellence designation, The NIX Weight Loss Surgery Center underwent a series of site inspections. During these inspections all aspects of the program's surgical processes were closely examined and data on health outcomes were collected. In reviewing the hospital's request for certification, the ASBS took into account such factors as the training received by surgeons, the short-and long-term outcomes experienced by bariatric patients, the availability and quality of associated clinical and support services that help ensure successful outcomes, and the office and staff resources in place to deal with the physical and emotional needs of Bariatric patients.

The NIX Weight Loss Surgery Center, under the medical direction of J. Keith Wright, M.D.*  and Gerardo Carcamo, M.D.*,  takes a team approach to weight loss surgery. At the center, a new surgical procedure called the LAP-BAND® is available. This procedure is an alternative to the more invasive gastric bypass surgery. The procedure involves small incisions and the placement of an adjustable silicone ring around the stomach. This "band" creates a small gastric pouch that reduces the amount of food a patient requires to feel satisfied and slows the emptying of the stomach, extending the length of time the patient feels full. In addition to the actual surgery, the surgical weight loss program includes patient education and counseling, follow-up care, and ongoing support group meetings.

The Center of Excellence designation confirms that NIX Weight Loss Surgery Center has attained the highest levels of optimal performance required to ensure the best outcome for patients by being committed to delivering quality care to every patient, every time.  Additionally, this achievement now allows the hospital to provide this much needed program to Medicare recipients who suffer from severe obesity.

"We believe that a larger number of dangerously overweight patients can now get their weight to a healthy level," states Strieby. "And, that's so important, especially in San Antonio where more than 31 percent of the population is in the obese category." The Center of Excellence designation opens the door for many individuals who are struggling to find a life-saving solution to their obesity.

For more information about the NIX Weight Loss Surgery Center please, call (210) 579-3161.

*  Independent practitioners and members of the NIX Health Care System active medical staff.