Presbyterian Healthcare 
2003 News Releases
Bariatric Center Offers Surgical Weight Loss
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August 5, 2003 Contact: Tammy Baker, Presbyterian Healthcare, 704-384-9671 |
Presbyterian Healthcare will open the Charlotte region's first comprehensive center for weight loss surgery on August 11. The Presbyterian Center for Bariatric Surgery will give patients access to specialists from all disciplines involved in the treatment and support of surgical weight loss, including surgeons trained in bariatric medicine, psychologists, nutritionists and exercise physiologists all in one location.
"The unique aspect of the new center is its multidisciplinary approach," said Dr. David Voellinger, a co-director of the center. "Since this is major surgery, patients are carefully screened to make sure they are suitable candidates with a good chance for long-term success," he added. "Candidates not only must be physically able to handle the surgery itself, but they must also commit to making permanent changes in their diet to accommodate a reduced stomach volume." Two other physicians, Drs. Rhonda Wachsmuth and Michael Melkonian, also will serve as co-directors of the center.
Many factors contribute to the development of obesity, including genetics, heredity, the environment, and metabolic and eating disorders. Bariatric surgery alleviates the serious physical, emotional and social consequences associated with this debilitating disease.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an increase of 20% or more above a patient's ideal body weight becomes a health risk. Nationally, the number of morbidly obese people has increased by more than 60 percent since 1991. Applying national rates of obesity to both Carolinas, more than 800,000 residents of the two states could be eligible for the surgery by 2010. Today in Mecklenburg County, an estimated 50,000 people may be candidates for bariatric surgery.
Health conditions associated with morbid obesity may include Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, gastoesophageal reflux, osteoarthritis, infertility, urinary stress incontinence and menstrual irregularities.
Surgeons trained in bariatric medicine will use the latest surgical techniques, including minimally invasive surgery. Located in Suite 320 of the Midtown Medical Plaza, 1918 Randolph Rd., the center will accommodate obese individuals with the latest in medical equipment. For more information, call 704-316-8000.
"The unique aspect of the new center is its multidisciplinary approach," said Dr. David Voellinger, a co-director of the center. "Since this is major surgery, patients are carefully screened to make sure they are suitable candidates with a good chance for long-term success," he added. "Candidates not only must be physically able to handle the surgery itself, but they must also commit to making permanent changes in their diet to accommodate a reduced stomach volume." Two other physicians, Drs. Rhonda Wachsmuth and Michael Melkonian, also will serve as co-directors of the center.
Many factors contribute to the development of obesity, including genetics, heredity, the environment, and metabolic and eating disorders. Bariatric surgery alleviates the serious physical, emotional and social consequences associated with this debilitating disease.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an increase of 20% or more above a patient's ideal body weight becomes a health risk. Nationally, the number of morbidly obese people has increased by more than 60 percent since 1991. Applying national rates of obesity to both Carolinas, more than 800,000 residents of the two states could be eligible for the surgery by 2010. Today in Mecklenburg County, an estimated 50,000 people may be candidates for bariatric surgery.
Health conditions associated with morbid obesity may include Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, gastoesophageal reflux, osteoarthritis, infertility, urinary stress incontinence and menstrual irregularities.
Surgeons trained in bariatric medicine will use the latest surgical techniques, including minimally invasive surgery. Located in Suite 320 of the Midtown Medical Plaza, 1918 Randolph Rd., the center will accommodate obese individuals with the latest in medical equipment. For more information, call 704-316-8000.
