Memorial Achieves National Accreditation in Weight Loss Surgery
Since 2016, the Memorial weight loss surgical team has worked tirelessly to gain accreditation through the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). Memorial is one of only 10 facilities in the state that has accomplished this standard to provide patients with a thoughtful and holistic weight-loss experience.
MBSAQIP works to advance safe, high-quality care for bariatric surgical patients through the accreditation of bariatric surgical centers. A bariatric surgical center achieves accreditation following a rigorous review process during which it proves that it can maintain certain physical resources, human resources, and standards of practice. All accredited centers report their outcomes to the MBSAQIP database.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer our patients this level of service at Memorial,” says Memorial Surgeon Director Dr. Kristine Carter. She continues, “Our staff has trained extensively, and we follow specific protocols and guidelines to ensure we meet all the standards set forth by MBSAQIP. This is an exciting new chapter for our bariatric program, and we look forward to sharing it with the community!”
Memorial offers laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve), and the Memorial GI team also offers endoscopic balloon (gastric balloon weight loss system). Nonoperative weight loss counseling and instruction are also available, including a monthly support group for patients led by a bariatric certified RN.
Jessica is just one of the many patients who has had a successful weight loss journey with the help of the Memorial weight loss surgical team. She had the gastric sleeve procedure in 2020 and has since lost 128 pounds. She says, “I was ready to take control over my body and live a healthier lifestyle. This choice has been nothing but amazing. Seven weeks after I had the surgery, I became pregnant with twins. They are now three months old, and my body is still doing as it should!” Jessica reiterates that the surgery is just one tool, but when coupled with other crucial factors such as a healthy diet, increased water intake, and an active lifestyle, success will follow.
To earn MBSAQIP Accreditation, Memorial met essential criteria for staffing, training, facility infrastructure and patient care pathways, ensuring its ability to support patients with obesity.