Benefits of Having Bariatric Surgery at a Center of Excellence

Gastric sleeve surgery is quickly becoming the top choice for patients seeking a permanent solution to their weight loss needs. In this procedure, a portion of the stomach is surgically removed creating a smaller pouch. The portion of the stomach that is removed is responsible for secreting Ghrelin, an appetite stimulating hormone, thereby reducing appetite and stimulating weight loss. Also, the smaller stomach pouch that is created by the surgery significantly reduces the amount of food the stomach can hold before becoming full, which results in less food being consumed.

Gastric sleeve surgery patients often see huge results with very little complications. In fact, gastric sleeve surgeries have an average mortality rate of 0.19% according to Bariatric Surgery Source, making it about as safe as gallbladder surgery, and decidedly safer than hip replacement surgery and cesarean section surgeries. Major surgical complications occur in about 2% of surgeries, and are often staple line leaks. The results of gastric sleeve surgery are impressive, with many patients experiencing up to 60% reduction in excess weight.

When it comes to planning your surgery, gastric sleeve patients often have several choices. Some surgeries can be performed as an outpatient, but most are performed in either a regular, local hospital or in a hospital with a Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Shillingford performs bariatric surgery in a Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery as designated by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. This prestigious title is bestowed upon facilities who have proven to have the resources to perform safe bariatric surgeries (including equipment, supplies, surgical training, and availability of consultants) in addition to demonstrating excellent short term and long term outcomes.

Facilities, such as Broward County’s Northwest Medical Center, who have been designated as a Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery, often see many benefits that regular facilities do not. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery’s Surgical Resource Center, these benefits often include a 65% decrease in complications, 71% increase in patient safety, 59% increase in patient awareness, and 53% improvement in patient satisfaction.

These important benefits can be had by making the choice to have your surgery performed at a Center of Excellence. In fact, some health insurance carriers will only consent to bariatric surgery when it is performed at a designated Center of Excellence. For those paying out pocket for gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or lap band surgery, the choice to have your surgery performed at a Center of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery is clear.

If you or a loved one is seeking a surgeon to perform gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or gastric band surgery, look no further than Dr. Shillingford, MD, PA. Dr. Shillingford’s is a Center of Excellence Surgeon with a proven track record for helping hundreds of patients each year not only lose weight, but improve the quality of their lives by increasing their mobility, reducing blood pressure, improving blood sugar levels, and promoting overall health and well being.

Dr. Shillingford performs gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and gastric band surgeries at Northwest Medical Center’s Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery, where he proudly serves as the program’s Medical Director.

Dr. Shillingford’s reputation as well as the Center of Excellence designation attract patients from all over Florida, including Boca Raton, Miami, Sarasota, Tampa, Naples, Orlando, and Jacksonville. Call Dr. Shillingford today at (561) 483-8840 to start taking back your life and your health.