NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL SURGEONS PERFORMS FIRST
SINGLE-INCISION LAP-BAND SURGERY IN GEORGIA
Surgeons at Northside Hospital in Atlanta have completed the first single-incision lap band weight-loss surgery in Georgia, reducing the number of incisions and thereby the number of scars associated with traditional lap-band surgery.
“As surgeons, we always want to provide our patients with the most minimally invasive options and the best possible outcomes,” said John Daly, M.D., bariatric surgeon and the physician who performed the first single incision lap band surgery at Northside. “This single-incision procedure is the same operation as that of the multi-incision procedure except that it offers less pain and scarring, a faster recovery and a quicker return to everyday activities.”
The adjustable laparoscopic banding (lap band) procedure involves surgically placing a silicone gastric band around the top of the upper part of the stomach. The band reduces the amount of food that the stomach can hold at one time; therefore, helping the patient to control their food intake and supporting long-term, sustainable weight loss. Rather than the traditional five incisions used for lap band surgery, surgeons at Northside used a single 4.5-centimeter incision, often at the bellybutton so as to reduce the appearance of scarring. Northside Hospital was the first hospital in Georgia to perform the single incision lap-band procedure.
A leader in providing state-of-the-art surgical services, surgeons on staff at Northside Hospital have been performing lap band bariatric surgery for three years and has been designated a Center of Excellence in weight loss surgery by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). In 2007/08, consumers ranked Northside number one in Atlanta for Bariatric Surgery in the National Research Corporation’s annual Healthcare Market Guide Study. The hospital’s established bariatric program consists of an interdisciplinary team of surgeons, bariatric specialists, registered nurses, dietitians and others who continually assess the program to provide the best care for patients. All bariatric surgeons on staff at Northside are active members of ASMBS.
“Northside Hospital leads the way in groundbreaking procedures for better outcomes and less invasive surgery,” said Vicki Barnett, RN, director of surgical services, Northside Hospital. “Many of the surgeons on staff at Northside are pioneers in laparoscopic surgery and are nationally recognized for their expertise in this and other minimally invasive techniques available at Northside Hospital.”
Having weight loss surgery is a life-changing decision but has the potential to resolve or improve many serious health issues. Weight loss surgery has potential risks and it isn’t for everyone. At Northside Hospital, each patient is assigned a bariatric specialist to guide him or her from their one-on-one pre-op teaching in pre-testing through the operation and recovery – to answer any questions the patient has along the way.
Northside Hospital offers bariatric surgery – including Lap Band, Gastric Bypass and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. For more information about Northside’s Bariatric Services, call 404-845-5457 or visit www.northside.com
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