This month the Nebraska Medical Center’s new Bariatrics Center will open its doors to patients seeking to make positive and dramatic health changes
in their lives.
Patients will have a designated space on campus to visit experts in both the medical and surgical treatment of obesity. These experts will provide individualized care to help patients achieve a healthy weight sustainable for a lifetime.
The new space is designed with size-appropriate accommodations in an effort to make patients feel comfortable in their surroundings and confident to make positive change for their health.
The center will also have a private entrance and front-door parking for patients with mobility challenges.
The clinic is 5,650 square feet. There are six examination rooms, a private consultation room and a classroom which will be used for classes and information sessions.
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“This is the most comprehensive program of its type in the area,” says Birgit Khandalavala, M.D., obesity medicine specialist. “We offer all treatment modalities for weight loss and weight-related complications. Our focus is on improving a person’s general health such as diet, exercise, sleep, mental health and smoking.”
“There is no cure for obesity,” says Corrigan McBride, M.D., bariatrics center medical director and surgeon. “Surgery is one tool that can be used to treat obesity. It is an effective and safe option that can help a person lose 50 to 75 percent of their excess weight.”
The Nebraska Medical Center’s bariatric surgeons perform more than 200 bariatric surgeries annually. Dr. McBride and her surgical partners, Vishal Kothari, M.D., and Matthew Goede, M.D., have the longest running positive track record in the area taking on complicated cases and revisions. The center received the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Center of Excellence® designation in 2009.
“In order for both medical weight loss and surgical weight loss to be effective, patients must be able to identify and understand their current relationship with food and how to change that relationship,” says psychologist Kim Vacek, Ph.D. “Behavior modification is important throughout the entire process.”
Supporting the patient beyond surgery is a critical service difference provided at the Bariatrics Center that is not available elsewhere.
Now wouldn't it be great if UNMC would put obesity coverage back in their insurance coverage provided by BCBS! So that the employees could feel they are viewed as important . It's wonderful we have such a place and a shame that UNMC decided the cost of complications out weighed the benefit of surgery?
It is sad though that employees of the medical center cannot have this advantage to help with weight loss also.
Nice center but it does UNMC employees no good. UNMC did not add this treatment to the only policy employees are offered through BCBS and the cost is too high to pay out-of-the-pocket for most people. Marian
Keep those comments coming maybe we can get this policy chaged!!!! To those who have emailed and Thanked me for starting the conversation.. Speak up let your voice be heard!!!!!!!!!!!