Tempe St. Luke's Hospital's Metabolic and Surgical Weight Management Program is accredited as a Comprehensive Center by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®), a joint Quality Program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). It is also recognized as a Bariatric Center of Excellence (COE) by the Clinical Sciences Institute of Optum.
The MBSAQIP Standards, Optimal Resources for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, ensure that metabolic and bariatric patients receive multidisciplinary medical care, which improves patient outcomes and long-term success. MBSAQIP-Accredited centers offer preoperative and postoperative care designed specifically for patients with obesity. Tempe St. Luke’s met essential criteria for staffing, training, facility infrastructure and patient care pathways, ensuring its ability to support patients with obesity. The center also participates in a national data registry that yields semiannual reports on the quality of its surgical outcomes and identifying opportunities for quality improvement. The MBSAQIP Standards, Optimal Resources for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, are published by the ACS and the ASMBS.
The Optum Bariatric COE requires meeting rigorous criteria including less complications and mortality rates than other, non-designated programs; reaching set annual volume of surgeries; the number and experience of the surgeons in the program; the length of the programs existence; and having a multi-disciplinary team. On average, Optum Centers of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery have 60% lower morality rates compared to non-COE programs; 38% lower inpatient hospital readmissions; and a 43% lower reoperation rate for bariatric procedures. Plus, surgical procedures completed at an Optum COE cost almost $5300 less than those performed at other facilities.
Weight Loss Surgery and Treatments at Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital and Mountain Vista Medical Center
The Bridges Center for Surgical Weight Management at Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital and Mountain Vista Medical Center is multidisciplinary weight management program that features preoperative education, weight loss surgery, nutritional education and guidance and postoperative support---all designed to help you achieve and maintain your weight loss goals.
Ready to get started? Take the first step in your weight loss journey by signing up for a seminar or participating in our webinar.
Connect with the Bridges Center
The Bridges Center is on Facebook! Connecting with the Bridges Center on social media gives patients and potential patients the opportunity to learn more about the journey of weight loss surgery, hear from other patients who have gone through the process and to share milestones of their own within our close-knit community. Followers also get-to-know the team members at the Bridges Center and are able to ask questions pertinent to them.
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Why Choose The Bridges Center?
- Our weight loss surgeons are board-certified in bariatric surgery and leaders in their field.
- The Bridges Center has a proven track record of more than 900 surgeries a year.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body mass index (BMI) is a mathematical measurement of a person’s weight in relation to their height. It is used to determine if a person is underweight, at a healthy weight, overweight or obese. Determining your BMI is an effective way to find out if your weight puts you at risk for serious health issues, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and sleep apnea.
Calculate your BMI by using the calculator below to see your Body Mass Index number. Then reference the BMI Table to determine your category. If your BMI is over 40 (and, in some cases, over 35), you may be an eligible candidate for surgical weight loss at The Bridges Center for Surgical Weight Management.
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Should I Consider Weight Loss Surgery?
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Weight Loss Classes and Support Groups
Hearing from others and gaining the support of people going through the same process as you can be a powerful thing. Classes are held at the Bridges Education Room, Suite 105 and are free of charge.
For a complete class schedule listing or to register for an upcoming class or support group, please contact your patient advocate or Bridges Center at 602-251-8828.
The Bridges Center Team
In addition to board-certified bariatric surgeons, the Bridges Center team also consists of knowledgeable health care professionals --- all dedicated to making your experience with the Bridges Center a positive one. Our staff includes:
- Assigned patient advocates to walk patients through the insurance process and various consultations needed pre and post-surgery.
- Registered dietitians to provide patients with nutritional guidance throughout their journey.
- Bariatric trained registered nurses to provided specialized care for patients during surgery.
- Psychologists to assist patients with the psychological support needed throughout the journey.
- New to Bridges, a Family Medicine Physician Board Certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine, also known as a Bariatrician, to assist with the management of obesity health.
A Letter from Our Medical Director
