New Year, New You

Have you considered shedding pounds but have not had luck with diet and exercise alone? It may be time to consult a physician who specializes in bariatrics, or weight-loss medicine.

The bariatric program at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center is comprised of the Fort Sanders Center for Bariatric Surgery and the Fort Sanders Weight Management and Nutrition Center. Together, the two Centers allow providers and clinicians to help patients address obesity in order to improve the patient’s overall quality of life and in hopes of preventing other serious conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or heart disease.

Bariatric services offered at Fort Sanders Regional focus on the “why” behind obesity and help patients take steps toward life-long changes to prevent obesity-related medical conditions. An educational approach is key in overall success.

Accredited Surgical Care

The Fort Sanders Center for Bariatric Surgery is accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). The Center has treated more than 4,300 patients who collectively have lost more than 365,000 pounds since the program opened.

Deciding Between Surgical and Non-Surgical Options

It is sometimes difficult to determine if you just need additional support in your weight lost goals or if it’s time to turn to surgical options. Surgical candidates typically have a body-mass index (BMI) of 35-40 with two comorbid conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or sleep apnea, or a BMI of 40 with no comorbid conditions. The non-surgical candidate typically has a BMI of 27 or higher. Patients who fit criteria for the non-surgical option participate in a 12- week program that includes nutrition, exercise, medical management and emotional psychological work.

For more information about Fort Sanders Regional’s bariatric services, visit FSRegional.com/ Bariatrics.

Why Weight-Loss Surgery?

Weight-loss results are more than cosmetic. Studies show that significant weight loss can greatly reduce or eliminate obesity-related illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure. If you are struggling to lose weight, bariatric surgery may be an option that can also provide benefits to overall health.

Fort Sanders Center for Bariatric Surgery is accredited as a Comprehensive Center under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program.

The Center offers:

• Board-certified Director of Bariatric Surgery at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center – Mark Colquitt, MD
• Certified bariatric nurses
• Minimally invasive robotics technology
• Post-surgery support groups
• Dietician consultations
• FREE six-month post-surgical fitness program

Interested in learning more about bariatric surgery? We invite you to attend one of our free informational seminars to learn
more about the bariatric surgery process. Find a seminar near you by visiting FSRegional.com/Bariatric-Surgery and call
(865) 541-4500 to register today!

A Non-Surgical Approach to Weight Loss

The non-surgical program offered by Fort Sanders Weight Management and Nutrition Center is designed for adults with a BMI of 27 of higher who need to lose moderate to significant amounts of weight.

Services include:
• Therapeutic diet education for chronic health conditions including diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and heart disease
• Nutrition counseling for weight management
• Weekly meetings with a nurse practitioner
• Monthly support groups and health education classes
• Lab testing
• Optional B12 injections

To learn more about the Fort Sanders Weight Management and Nutrition Center, please call (865) 331-2290.