Hospital Recognized for Weight-Loss Surgery

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The weight-loss surgery program at Northside Hospital-Forsyth has received accreditation from the American College of Surgeons, the hospital announced Monday.

The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) of the American College of Surgeons granted full approval to the hospital’s Bariatric Surgery Program, the Cumming hospital said in a statement. Bariatric surgery involves procedures performed on the stomach or intestines to induce weight loss.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our team of surgeons, registered nurses, dietitians and others who continually assess our bariatric program to provide the best care for our patients,” said Lynn Jackson, administrator of Northside Hospital-Forsyth, in the statement. “This recognition is a direct result of their efforts.”

According to the American College of Surgeons, more than 11 million people suffer from severe obesity and an estimated 93 million people are obese in the United States. “Obesity increases the risks of morbidity and mortality because of its association with type II diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and other diseases and conditions,” the hospital said. “Weight-loss surgery provides the only effective, lasting relief for these patients.”

Northside Hospital offers a team of bariatric experts, including board-certified surgeons, many of whom have been performing weight-loss surgery for more than 30 years. The hospital offers bariatric surgical services at its Forsyth, Atlanta and Cherokee campuses. In addition, pre-surgery informational seminars and aftercare support groups are available. For more information, please click here.