Center Of Excellence
Dr Champion and his weight loss surgery practice, Videoscopic Institute of Atlanta PC, had been recognized as an “ASBS Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery”.
This designation provides the public with the assurance that our practice provides complete care for patients undergoing weight loss surgery and we have a proven track record verified by an independent review organization.
They began laparoscopic weight loss surgery in 1995 performing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, Vertical Banded Gastroplasty, and Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (Lap Band), REALIZE band and the Gastric Sleeve.
Why Should Patients Want a Center of Excellence For Their Surgery?
Centers of Excellence were developed by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery as a guide to assist the public in choosing an experienced surgeon and hospital program after they recognized some surgeons where performing weight loss operations with little training or educational support for the patients and many hospitals lacked the equipment and personnel to take care of severely obese patients. Complications were higher and patients lacked the support to get their best weight loss in these locations.
Dr Champion served on the executive council of the ASBS in 2002 and proposed that rules be developed for weight loss surgery programs that would protect the public and increase safety. He was one of the three founding officers of the Surgical Review Corporation which was created to establish “Centers of Excellence” in the U.S., and he was instrumental in establishing standards for the surgeons and hospitals to follow. In addition, Dr Champion has served on the American College of Surgeons Bariatric Advisory Committee for its Bariatric Centers Network program which is similar to the ASBS Centers of Excellence program.
If patients desire optimal care for bariatric surgery, choosing a “Center of Excellence” provides a guide to an experienced surgeon with a complete and comprehensive educational program. This provides access to nutritionists, psychologists, trained nurses, radiologists and anesthesia personnel that are important for your recovery and success.
Complications can and do occur after bariatric surgery, as with any major operation. An experienced surgeon and hospital team which are available 24/7 providing optimal care reduces the risk of a problem and gives patient the best opportunity for success.
Medicare and many private insurers have recognized the importance of “Centers of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery” and now require patients to have weight loss surgery at a designated facility.