The Presbyterian Bariatric Center, a MBSAQIP Accredited Comprehensive Center, offers treatment of severe obesity (a body mass index, or BMI, of 35 or higher) and obesity-related health conditions through surgery by our bariatric surgeons. We are proud of our MBSAQIP Comprehensive Center accreditation, as well as our designations as members of the Aetna Institute of Quality and Optum/UnitedHealthcare Center of Excellence programs.
Bariatric surgery, also called metabolic or weight-loss surgery, modifies the stomach and in some cases the stomach’s connections. While bariatric surgery provides a physical tool to assist with weight loss, the entire process takes a life-long commitment to making mental, emotional and lifestyle changes.
Our program offers several different surgical options to patients. The weight loss surgeries performed at our program are the gastric sleeve, the gastric bypass and the loop duodenal switch. We are the only bariatric program in New Mexico that offers the loop duodenal switch, also known as the stomach intestinal pylorus-sparing surgery (SIPS). Our providers will go over these procedures in detail with you at your clinic appointment and help you determine which procedure may be best for you.
What are the benefits of bariatric surgery?
Having bariatric surgery has many benefits to your health over the long term beyond losing extra weight. Bariatric surgery can help reduce your risk of possibly life-threatening weight-related health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and some cancers.
For people who are significantly overweight, having weight loss surgery can help extend your years of life and improve your quality of life overall. After surgery, you’ll be able to move around better and be more physically active. You may have better moods and self-confidence. You might be able to lower or stop some of the prescription medications taken for chronic health issues.
Are you ready to start your surgical weight loss journey?
Previous myocardial infarction (also known as a heart attack) requiring hospitalization
Arthritis of the hip/knee which requires joint replacement
Obstructive sleep apnea on treatment with BiPAP or CPAP
Treatments / Tests Performed
Gastric bypass surgery
Loop duodenal switch/stomach intestinal pylorus sparing surgery (SIPS)
Sleeve gastrectomy surgery
Medical weight loss
Nutrition services
Psychological support
Our Providers
Our team includes bariatric surgeons, medical weight loss physicians, and advanced practice clinicians, as well as nutritional and behavioral health support. Our clinic support staff include nurses and medical assistants. Our team will work closely with your primary care provider to help coordinate your care before, during and after participation in our program.
Learn more about Presbyterian's Bariatric Center, different bariatric surgery options, and see answers to frequently asked questions and further patient resources.
How do I qualify for bariatric surgery at Presbyterian?
To qualify for bariatric surgery, you must:
Be at least 18 years old
Have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40
Or, have a BMI greater than 35 with other weight related health issues, such as diabetes, heart issues, or sleep apnea
Your BMI is calculated using your weight and height, estimating your body fat percentage. BMI charts are the same for adult men and women, although male and female body fat percentage may be slightly different.
Are these weight loss management options covered by insurance?
Many health plans cover weight loss surgery programs if you meet their pre-qualifying criteria. However, specific benefits may vary depending on your health plan policy. Contact your health plan to find out more about your policy coverage and referral requirements.
You may not need a referral from your primary care provider (PCP) before contacting our program. If your insurance requires a referral from your PCP, we can help you with this.
Once you have determined that your current insurance covers bariatric surgery, contact our office for a pre-screening evaluation. This evaluation will help determine whether you are eligible for the bariatric program, based on your health plan coverage and criteria.
What are the potential benefits of bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery helps with weight loss and may also improve other obesity-related health conditions such as:
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Gastric reflux or heartburn
Obstructive sleep apnea
Is there a reason why I might not qualify for bariatric surgery?
If you have any of the following conditions, you may not qualify for this service. Please discuss with your healthcare provider to determine if you qualify.
Currently smoking or using other nicotine products
Recent drug or alcohol abuse (within one year)
Currently being treated for any type of cancer
Active eating disorder (within one year)
Recent suicide attempt or mental health hospitalization (within one year)
Are not able to walk or have great difficultly walking or moving
What types of bariatric surgeries does Presbyterian Bariatric Center perform?
Gastric bypass surgery: This surgery creates an upper stomach pouch and “bypasses” the majority of the stomach as well as the first part of the intestine. The bypassed stomach is still alive and drains so it is not removed. The new stomach pouch is smaller so you will feel full with less food. Bypassing some of your original digestive system also changes absorption of the foods you eat as well as some medications that you may take. There are several different types of gastric bypass surgery (including the Roux-en-Y pictured, which is the most commonly performed type). Smoking of any type and NSAID medications (ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, etc.) are not allowed after this surgery as they will lead to ulcer formation and other complications.
Loop duodenal switch/stomach intestinal pylorus sparing surgery (SIPS): This surgery removes a large portion of your stomach, and also reroutes or bypasses part of your small intestine. SIPS surgery keeps your pyloric valve intact which controls how quickly food leaves your stomach. Bypassing some of your original digestive system also changes absorption of the foods you eat, as well as some medications that you may take. By connecting the small bowel to another piece of small bowel (instead of to the stomach like in the gastric bypass) patients can take NSAID medications (ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, etc.) after this procedure without increasing the risk of complications. This is like a merging of the sleeve and the gastric bypass.
Sleeve gastrectomy surgery: This surgery simply removes a large portion of your stomach. The stomach that is left is much smaller so you will be able to eat less before you feel full. This surgery does not change the position or function of your small intestine. There is no effect on absorption of the foods you eat or the medications you take. The weight loss with this procedure is very good but it is slightly less than the other procedures. Also, the remission of diabetes with this operation is not as good as the other procedures. Patients can take NSAID medications (ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, etc.) after this procedure without increasing the risk of complications.
Why should I have my surgery at the Presbyterian Bariatric Center?
We provide monthly pre- and post-operative support groups.
We provide nutrition education and behavioral health.
All of our services are in one centralized location for the convenience of our patients.
As a Presbyterian Medical Group patient, you have secure online access to your electronic health records through your MyChart account. MyChart also allows you to message your care team, review test results, and much more.
You will have access to a nutrition and weight tracking app, which will allow you to set goals and log your daily intake of fluids and food, as well as exercise, weight, and measurements.
Procedures are performed laparoscopically, which may reduce your recovery time and risk of complications.
Does the Presbyterian Bariatric Center offer support or therapy?
Our team is here to help you thrive and be successful with your health goals after bariatric surgery. Social support is important to your success!
We offer post-operative support groups as a way for you to learn from and share with others. Our clinical team will pick a topic to start the conversation, but our time together is meant for you to ask questions and share experiences with other people who have had bariatric surgery.
Sessions are virtual (or telehealth), held the second Monday of every month from noon to 1 p.m. You can attend as often as you would like, but you must schedule an appointment to attend. These support groups are currently only offered to patients who have had bariatric surgery at Presbyterian Rust Medical Center with Dr. Rice or Dr. Holt.
To schedule your support group appointments, call the Presbyterian Bariatric Center at
Important Note: Support groups are billed as behavioral health group therapy. These group sessions will be charged the same as if you were having an in-person appointment, including any applicable out-of-pocket costs. Please check with your health insurer if you have any questions. For some insurances, these group sessions are provided at no cost to you.Additional support persons are not permitted to attend at this time.
Date
Time
Topic
January 8, 2024
Noon - 1 p.m.
How to Get Back on Track
February 12, 2024
Noon - 1 p.m.
Habit Formation
March 11, 2024
Noon - 1 p.m.
Exercise 101
April 8, 2024
Noon - 1 p.m.
Emotional Eating
May 13, 2024
Noon - 1 p.m.
What to Expect Before and After Surgery
June 10, 2024
Noon - 1 p.m.
Nutrition 101: Back to the Basics
July 15, 2024
Noon - 1 p.m.
Vitamins
August 12, 2024
Noon - 1 p.m.
Non-Scale Victories
September 9, 2024
Noon - 1 p.m.
Mindful Eating
October 14, 2024
Noon - 1 p.m.
Bariatric Grocery and Meal Prep Ideas
November 11, 2024
Noon - 1 p.m.
Eating Over the Holidays
December 9, 2024
Noon - 1 p.m.
Social Eating
Am I able to receive care at the Presbyterian Bariatric Center if I have had my bariatric surgery at another facility?
We recommend that you seek regular follow-up care with the surgeon who performed your surgery so they can monitor you for complications and nutritional deficiencies. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the closest emergency department.
The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) offers other helpful information and recommendations here: ASMBS Patient Learning Center
At the Presbyterian Bariatric Center, we are proud to have achieved national accreditation and designations from several organizations.
MBSAQIP Accredited Comprehensive Center: Presbyterian Bariatric Center received accreditation by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program in 2016 (MBSAQIP) by successfully achieving a rigorous review process proving that we provide safe, top-quality surgical care and maintain standards of practice.
The MBSAQIP maintains a national registry of surgery outcomes, and provides ongoing clinical education for its members. Accreditation by this program promotes standard high-quality benchmarks for bariatric surgeons and supports continued education and improvements in surgical techniques for bariatric procedures. Annual compliance is verified by the MBSAQIP with a full on-site facility and program inspection every three years to maintain accreditation.
Aetna Institute of Quality: This program works to ensure that its bariatric program members fulfill five important benchmarks of quality: Experience, quality standards, support before and after surgery, efficiency of the facility, and accreditation by a national association. The Presbyterian Bariatric Center has met all of these benchmarks and in addition, have in place a quality improvement program for ongoing education and advancements in bariatric surgery, a quality follow-up program for all of their patients, and an organized aftercare program for a year following surgery to include medical and nutritional follow-up, as well as patient support and education.
Optum/UnitedHealthcare Center of Excellence: The Optum program also requires a level of high standards for a bariatric surgery program to participate. These standards include a higher level of successful procedures than other comparable programs, with high standards for specialty care. Presbyterian Bariatric Center undergoes an annual review of its surgical and aftercare practices in order to maintain good standing with this program.
