Bayshore Community Hospital's Center for Bariatrics receives ASMBS designation

Feb 24 2013

Bayshore Community Hospital is proud to announce that its Center for Bariatrics has earned the prestigious "Center of Excellence" designation by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). The ASMBS Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence program recognizes surgeons and facilities that demonstrate an unparalleled commitment and ability to consistently deliver safe, effective, evidence-based care.

Since its opening in 2011, the Center for Bariatrics at Bayshore has performed over 125 weight loss surgeries. The Center is led by medical director and bariatric specialist, Karl Strom, M.D. Dr. Strom joined Bayshore with more than 10 years of experience and began building the region's most comprehensive program for bariatric patients. He has changed the lives of thousands of people who have relied on his expertise for bariatric surgery. Dr. Strom previously led the implementation of two other Bariatric Centers, one located at Bayshore's sister hospital Southern Ocean Medical Center. He is board certified in bariatric surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and general surgery, as well as fellowship-trained in minimally invasive surgery.

The Center for Bariatrics at Bayshore is one of the most comprehensive in the region offering free informational sessions, pre-surgical education and evaluation, personal guidance through the surgical process, nutritional support, exercise components, and support groups.

"Research has shown that severe obesity is often caused by a combination of genetics, environment, and lifestyle, says Dr. Strom. "It is characterized as a chronic disease, meaning that its symptoms build slowly over an extended period of time. People who suffer from severe obesity are at an increased risk for a number of health conditions that can seriously impact quality of life and significantly reduce life expectancy. Bariatric surgery works and helps people achieve substantial, long-term weight loss," says Dr. Strom.

The Center for Bariatrics takes a comprehensive approach on bariatric treatment including: counseling, nutrition, exercise and medical/surgical treatment. The Center features the LAP-BAND System, the only U.S. FDA approved, adjustable and completely reversible procedure, which requires less than a 24-hour hospital stay, has no stomach stapling or rerouting, and is 10 times safer than gastric bypass.

"To help our patients succeed, we have built a program that ensures active participation of our patients in their weight-loss journey," says Dr. Strom. "After surgery, we continue to be committed to our patients to ensure positive results by helping them maintain healthy habits. In order to provide our patients the best possible care, we offer access to a team of dedicated specialists including cardiologists, gastroenterologists, pulmonologists, endocrinologists, surgeons, dietitians, exercise, and behavioral health experts, all working together to develop a personalized care plan."

Source: Bayshore Community Hospital