The Center for Weight Management was designated as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) following an intense application process. St. Joseph’s Area Health Services and Innovis Health Park Rapids underwent site inspections,  with patient and health outcomes data collected and scrutinized.

The ASBS awarded St. Joseph’s a three-year designation because they recognize the Center for Weight Management for its proven track record and favorable outcomes. The three-year designation is reserved for those applicants who meet or exceed the requirements as outlined by the ASBS.

Faced with clinical evidence that the most experienced and top-notch bariatric surgery programs have the lowest rates of complications, the ASBS Centers of Excellence program was created to improve the quality and safety of care provided while setting high standards for goal outcomes. The Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) formulated the rigorous standards to which Dr. Danial Smith and his staff must adhere.

“The fact that we earned this Center of Excellence status is a very viable confirmation of the outstanding care provided by this team,” Smith says.

He notes that the Center for Weight Management team (made up of surgical and non-surgical support professionals) derives its uniqueness from the fact that they’ve maintained a very tight-knit core group of individuals committed to providing outstanding care to patients.

Currently, most patients come to the Center for Weight Management for weight-loss surgery locally and from across the state, as well as from North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Canada, and beyond.

Dr. Smith maintains a complication rate which stands significantly better than the national average. While complications are possible with any surgery, the rate of complications from surgery performed at bariatric surgery Centers of Excellence such as the Center for Weight Management is extremely low.

St. Joseph’s patients who have been tracked for five years have lost and maintained an average of 70 to 80 percent of their excess body weight (EBW). This exceeds the industry standard of 50 to 60 percent (EBW) lost and maintained at five years.

Rates of reversal of  co-morbidities (health problems associated with obesity) have been very good. For Center for Weight Management post-operative patients with diabetes, 75 to 80 percent of them are off all insulin and diabetic medication within 18 months of having surgery. In addition, most patients no longer need the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines for their sleep apnea condition.

Results from an 18-month Health Condition and Quality of Life survey revealed that Dr. Smith’s patients demonstrated improvement in regard to the following conditions:

• high blood pressure
• joint problems
• edema
• urinary incontinence
• respiratory problems
• issues with the heart
• headaches
• depression
• anxiety
• fatigue

Respondents to the survey also noted their quality of life changed for the better.  Their ability and willingness to work improved for 78 percent of patients. Over 90 percent now participate in an exercise regime, and 75 percent report their social life has improved.

Leah Walters, bariatrics coordinator and dietitian at the Center for Weight Management, says if patients had any reservations about this program, the Center of Excellence designation should put them more at ease. In addition, insurance companies are more likely to approve surgeries specifically at facilities that have Center of Excellence status.

Last option

Surgery should be the last option for someone trying to lose weight. Only patients considered morbidly obese (having a body mass index greater than 40) or those with debilitating health conditions are candidates for bariatric surgery. Others may find The Center for Weight Management’s non-surgical component an option for them.

Those considering weight-loss surgery should understand it’s not a quick fix. It’s most effective when paired with lifestyle changes. The Center for Weight Management support program promotes smart diet choices and exercise. They also take care to address a patient’s psychological and social habits.