Brooklyn residents battling obesity and looking for a surgical solution should highly consider heading to Borough Park for the procedure.
That after the Maimonides Medical Center, 4802 10th Avenue, has been named a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) in partnership with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. The designation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of favorable outcomes in bariatric surgery.
Bariatric surgery, also referred to as weight-loss surgery, is performed when patients have exhausted non-surgical weight-loss options and have a medical need for significant weight reduction.
“This Center of Excellence designation is more than just an accolade for our Bariatric Surgery Program,” said Dr. Patrick Borgen, Chair of Surgery at Maimonides. “It’s an important accreditation that reflects our commitment to accommodating the needs of each and every one of our patients.”
To earn the prestigious ACS Accreditation and Center of Excellence designation, Maimonides underwent a rigorous process, including a series of site inspections during which all aspects of the bariatric program’s surgical protocols were closely examined and data on health outcomes were collected and evaluated.
“Men and women seeking surgical treatment for severe obesity and its related conditions now have a high-quality choice,” Dr. Borgen added. “Brooklyn residents can be confident that the Maimonides Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence is a nationally-accredited program that meets the highest standards for patient safety and quality of care.”
“We begin by learning the entire health profiles of our patients, in partnership with their referring physicians,” explained Dr. Danny Sherwinter, Director of Bariatric/Weight Loss Surgery at Maimonides. “And then our entire team works with each patient to determine the approach that offers the best opportunity for successful weight loss and continued health.”
The accreditation standards ensure that bariatric surgical patients receive a multidisciplinary program—not just a surgical procedure. This has been shown to improve patient outcomes and long-term success. The accredited Bariatric Center at Maimonides offers pre-operative and post-operative care designed specifically for severely obese patients.
“We don’t abandon our patients after surgery,” added Dr. Sherwinter. “We are committed to the long-term success of every patient and provide follow-up support and care to ensure the best possible outcomes.”
In addition to demonstrating clinical excellence and adherence to the strictest safety measures, Maimonides undertook a number of improvements and modifications to address the needs of larger patients. This included purchasing new equipment: exam tables, wheelchairs, stretchers, scales and toilets with larger weight capacities.
Obesity has become a significant national health issue, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that 66 percent of all US adults are overweight or obese. Morbid obesity is closely correlated with a number of serious conditions that severely undermine the health of overweight patients, including heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.
Obese patients requiring care at Maimonides—regardless of whether they arrive for bariatric surgery or some other medical condition—have specific physical needs. Maimonides Medical Center is now better positioned to meet those needs during the course of any patient’s stay.
Candidates for bariatric surgery include: individuals suffering from morbid obesity, defined as a body mass index of or above 40; those who are 120 pounds above their ideal weight; people who are 80-100 pounds above ideal weight and have been diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea. When bariatric surgery is performed correctly, obese patients are better able to manage these conditions.
To attend a free informational seminar on weight loss surgery, please call 718.283.7403.
Maimonides Medical Center is nationally recognized for clinical excellence across all major specialties. The institution’s accomplished physicians are known for innovation and strengthening our teaching and research programs. With 711 beds, the Medical Center is dedicated to bringing patients the most advanced care available—anywhere. Maimonides continues to grow in response to evolving models of care that better serve patients and families, and is an affiliate of Northwell Health. To learn more, please visitwww.maimonidesmed.org.
