The Bariatric Center at Parma Community General Hospital has once again been designated as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). The ASMBS Center of Excellence designation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of favorable outcomes in bariatric surgery.

The number of bariatric surgery procedures worldwide has increased dramatically as the obesity pandemic continues. In the United States alone, the case volume for bariatric surgery is estimated at more than 220,000 procedures per year – making it one of the most commonly performed elective abdominal operations, according to the Surgical Review Corporation, which administers the ASMBS Center of Excellence program to recognize quality programs. Bariatric surgery is a proven intervention for the morbidly obese and recognized for its ability to save lives, providing remission not only of obesity, but a number of chronic diseases/comorbidities. By resolving these comorbidities, bariatric surgery can dramatically reduce the primary costs of obesity.

To earn a Center of Excellence designation, the Bariatric Center at Parma Hospital underwent a series of site inspections during which all aspects of the program’s surgical processes were closely examined, including data on surgical outcomes. At Parma Hospital, bariatric patients receive personalized attention, with one-on-one nutritional counseling and an individualized treatment plan. Since Parma Hospital began its bariatrics program eight years ago, over 700 patients have lost more than 25 tons. Procedures performed at Parma Hospital include: Gastric Roux-en-Y Bypass, Gastric Banding and Sleeve Gastrectomy.

“Earning the ASMBS Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence designation signifies our ability to consistently deliver the safest, highest-quality care to bariatric surgery patients,” said Craig Eyman, Medical Director of the Bariatic Surgery Program at Parma Hospital. “This program fosters quality improvement in bariatric surgery, and participation has focused our team on exceeding clinical benchmarks and guidelines. But most importantly, our commitment to excellence improves the health and well-being of our patients.” 

About the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS): The ASMBS is the largest organization for bariatric surgeons in the world. It is a non-profit organization that works to advance the art and science of bariatric surgery and is committed to educating medical professionals and the lay public about bariatric surgery as an option for the treatment of morbid obesity, as well as the associated risks and benefits. It encourages its members to investigate and discover new advances in bariatric surgery, while maintaining a steady exchange of experiences and ideas that may lead to improved surgical outcomes for morbidly obese patients. 

About Surgical Review Corporation: Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the safety, efficacy and efficiency of surgical care worldwide. Initially focused on bariatric and metabolic surgery, SRC has emerged as a leading administrator of center of excellence programs for surgical specialties. The organization manages programs on behalf of top medical societies around the world, setting a global standard for excellence.