Overlake Medical Center’s Bariatric Surgery Center Reaccredited

Bellevue, Wash. – Overlake Medical Center announced today its accreditation as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence has been renewed by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). The designation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of favorable patient outcomes in bariatric surgery.

The ASMBS’ accreditation program was developed jointly by the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery to foster patient safety and surgical excellence. This year’s award marks a renewal of Overlake’s initial accreditation in 2010, acknowledging the hospital’s continued commitment to providing high-quality, multidisciplinary, patient-centered care. To earn the Center of Excellence designation, Overlake underwent a series of site inspections, during which ASMBS’ review team closely examined surgical processes and reviewed outcome data.

“To be reaccredited by the ASMBS as a Center of Excellence evidences Overlake’s continued commitment to its patients,” said Craig Hendrickson, Overlake’s Chief Executive Officer. “Bariatric surgery allows morbidly obese individuals to reduce their weight and improve their overall health, particularly associated with metabolic disorders. Overlake continues to enhance its comprehensive bariatric surgery program and looks forward to continually improving the quality of care it provides to this patient population.”

While the number of bariatric surgeries performed in the U.S. peaked in 2008 at 200,000, that number represents just one percent of the population eligible for weight-loss surgery, according to the ASMBS. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of U.S. adults are obese. Bariatric surgery provides a life-saving option for individuals suffering from the severe complications connected to obesity.

The surgeries performed at facilities like Overlake result in patients losing up to 60 percent of their former weight six months after surgery and 77 percent of their weight one year later. Weight-loss surgery also helps address and prevent over 40 obesity-related diseases and conditions including heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.