The Center for Bariatric Surgery at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville has been designated as a Center of Excellence by the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric practice which support outstanding outcomes.
The Center for Bariatric Surgery uses a multi-faceted approach that encompasses mind, body and spirit. The program’s board-certified surgeons, Mark Colquitt, MD, and Jonathan Ray, MD, of Foothills Weight Loss Specialists have helped more than 2000 patients and work closely with them to help them understand the steps involved in a bariatric procedure.
Dr. Mark Colquitt and Dr. Jonathan Ray
Two types of bariatric surgery are performed at Fort Sanders: laparoscopic gastric bypass, in which a smaller stomach pouch is created and a portion of the small intestine is rerouted to the pouch, and sleeve gastrectomy, which removes a portion of the stomach and creates a narrower digestive tube.
With improvements in surgery techniques and safety, bariatric surgery is often a more viable option for people who need to lose at least 100 pounds.
“But surgery is only one part of the process – patients need to commit to making those lifestyle changes that will give them success for years to come,” says Dr. Colquitt.
Follow-up care is critical, and the Fort Sanders bariatric surgery program offers support groups and special events to remind patients that they are not making the journey alone.
For more information about weight-loss surgery excellence at Fort Sanders and the comprehensive approach at the Center for Bariatric Surgery, call 865-541-BAR1 (2271) or visit www.fsregional.com/bariatrics.