St. Luke's Weight Loss Surgery Program Accredited

St. Luke's Weight Loss Surgery program has been reaccredited by the American College of Surgeons (ACS).

The level two accreditation from the ASC's Bariatric Surgery Center Network demonstrates St. Luke's program's commitment to delivering the highest standard of care to bariatric surgery patients.

To renew the accreditation, which has been held by St. Luke's since 2010, the bariatric surgery program underwent a site visit by an experienced bariatric surgeon, who reviewed program data, the facility and process, staff knowledge and education and equipment.

"Our patients like that we really get to know them," said Dr. Jay Lenz (pictured), the medical director of bariatric surgery at St. Luke's. "We have a very good team that helps our patients to overcome their weight issues. Every week we see patients whose lives are changed because of what they've done."

According to the ACS, more than 15 million Americans suffer from severe obesity, which increases the risks of associated diseases and conditions, such as type II diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

The weight loss surgery program at St. Luke's offers three types of procedure: gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and gastric banding. In addition to meeting with Dr. Lenz, patients also work with a dietitian and psychologist, both before and after surgery, to prepare for and work through the lifestyle changes needed for lasting effect.

Physician assistant Carolyn Jahr coordinates the program, and says it's a unique area of medicine.

"There aren't too many areas of medicine where you can take people off medication over time," she said. "We see resolutions to diabetes and blood pressure issues. People start to enjoy physical activity and can do things they haven't been able to in 30 years."