By Kyle LoJacono
Pasco Regional Medical Center started its bariatric surgery program in 2002 and the Dade City facility was recently given one of the discipline’s top certifications.
The Bariatric Surgery Center Network of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) accredited the hospital’s service as a Level 1 program. Criteria for the distinction include meeting standards for overall outcomes after surgery, accessibility to equipment needed for the procedure and patient satisfaction with their treatment.
“We’re thrilled because we’ve all put a lot of hard work into making our bariatric program the best,” said program coordinator Bonnie Lamb. “It’s taken a lot of teamwork.”
The procedure done in the bariatric program is called Lap-Band surgery. A surgeon places a band around the top of someone’s stomach. This constricts the space for food, making the person feel full faster to help them lose weight.
One reason Pasco Regional went for the accreditation is it makes it easier for patients to get coverage from their health insurance provider to help pay for the operation, according to Lamb.
“That way people don’t have to go outside of the area to get the procedure done and paid for by the healthcare provider,” Lamb said. “It’s a selective surgery, so patients also shop around for the best place to have bariatrics done. This will help people see we’re one of the top places in the state.”
Dr. Lee Grossbard has performed many Lap-Band procedures at Pasco Regional and even had the surgery done on himself.
“It is safe, reversible and does not require stomach stapling or cutting of the intestines like other surgical options,” Grossbard said. He added that people can eat normal food without fear of losing nutrients.
The other main type of surgery to help with weight loss is gastric bypass, which involves removing a part of the intestines to prevent calories from being absorbed by the body. That is a much more invasive option and also prevents a large amount of vitamins and minerals from being taken in.
Lap-Band is put on using arthroscopic surgery using a much smaller hole than a bypass requires. The band is also adjustable, which is especially important for women who plan on having children later in life.
The actual surgery takes about 20 minutes and patients are usually headed home only a couple of hours after the procedure.
Pasco Regional also has a lecture about the Lap-Band option the first Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the hospital, 13100 Fort King Road, in Classroom A. One of the bariatric surgeons is always at the class to answer questions.
For more information about the bariatric program at Pasco Regional, call (352) 518-1090 or visit www.PascoRegionalmc.com.
