For more information, contact: Scott Clark Media and Public Relations 254-724-9724 or 254-724-3047 Pager: 254-762-1406 sdclark@swmail.sw.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 27, 2007

Bariatric surgery program receives top accreditation
- Full approval given to weight control surgery -

TEMPLE, Texas – Scott & White has been given full approval for its bariatric surgery program by the American College of Surgeons. For sufferers of extreme obesity this means the health care center is recognized as meeting the highest standards for this special area of surgery. It also means that Medicare patients and those whose insurance companies will pay for treatment received only at a Level 1a accredited bariatric center can now choose to come to Scott & White.

Bariatric surgery refers to procedures where some of the stomach is removed or restricted by a band, reducing the amount of food that can be consumed and absorbed. For a patient with severe obesity, bariatric surgery is the treatment of choice.

The American College of Surgeons’ Level 1a Accredited Bariatric Center designation recognizes that Scott & White provides complete, high quality care to bariatric surgery patients.

“What this means is we are now recognized as a ‘center of excellence,’ and patients with Medicare will be able to seek weight loss surgery at Scott & White,” said Dr. Richard Symmonds, director of bariatric surgery at Scott & White. “Bariatric surgery is the last hope for morbidly obese patients to lose weight and improve their health, their quality of life, and their life expectancy.”

Cost is a real concern for potential patients. For patients who must consider bariatric surgery as an option for improving or recovering their health, the Level 1a accreditation opens the door for possible Medicare or other insurance coverage and is a tremendous benefit.

According to the American College of Surgeons, more than 11 million people suffer from severe obesity in the United States. Complications from obesity include diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, sleep apnea, and some forms of cancer. The ACS says that surgery is currently the only effective and lasting relief from severe obesity.

Since 2000, Scott & White surgeons have performed more than 1,400 bariatric operations including both the gastric bypass and the LAP-BAND® System procedures.

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