Bariatric Surgery
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 designation as a member of the Optum/UnitedHealthcare Center of Excellence program.
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What is bariatric surgery and how does it work?
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?
Services / Conditions Treated
Weight-related health issues such as:
Cardiomyopathy
Congestive heart failure (CHF)
Documented type 2 diabetes mellitus
Hypertension
Obesity-hypoventilation syndrome
Overweight with body mass index (BMI) greater than 35
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.
PMG Provider DirectoryCLINICS & FACILITIES
Bariatric Center in Rio Rancho at Rust Medical Center
FAQs & Patient Resources
Learn more about Presbyterian's Bariatric Center, different bariatric surgery options, and see answers to frequently asked questions and further patient resources.
The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) offers other helpful information and recommendations here: ASMBS Patient Learning Center
Patient Resources
Related Services / Programs
Medical Weight Loss (Nonsurgical) Primary Care
Bariatric Center Accreditations
At the Presbyterian Bariatric Center, we are proud to have achieved national accreditation and designations from several organizations.
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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.
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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.