Buffalo General Medical Center’s Bariatric Program Nationally Recognized for High-Quality Care in Bariatric Surgery

Center for Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery Designated ASMBS BSOE Center of Excellence

Buffalo, NY – (December 3, 2014) The Center for Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at Buffalo General Medical Center has again been named an American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence (ASMBS BSOE). The Center of Excellence designation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of favorable outcomes in bariatric surgery. In addition to this year, the program received this designation in 2007 and 2011.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that nearly 35 percent of all U.S. adults are obese. Morbid obesity typically defined as being 100 lbs. or more over ideal body weight or having a Body Mass Index of 40 or higher, has become a significant national health issue.

“Kaleida Health recognizes the importance of Bariatric Surgery to the region, and has made unprecedented investments in support of our program,” said Aaron Hoffman, MD, chief of surgery, Kaleida Health and medical director, Center for Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery. “Given the high rates of obesity and diabetes in Western New York, our Center is committed to providing world-class bariatric care right here in Western New York at the epicenter of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus."

According to the National Institute of Health, Bariatric surgery is the only effective therapy for morbid obesity and its complications, including heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Bariatric surgery, when performed correctly, can help morbidly obese patients manage these conditions with the additional commitment from patients to practice a healthy lifestyle of diet and exercise. By definition, surgeons with ASMBS Center of Excellence designations practice only top-quality care, ensuring efficacy of the procedure with each patient to the best of their abilities.

Faced with clinical evidence that the most experienced and best-run bariatric surgery programs have by far the lowest rates of complications, the Centers of Excellence program was created to recognize bariatric surgery centers that perform well and to help surgeons and hospitals continue to improve the quality and safety of care provided.