Alabama Weight Loss Surgery Specialists

At Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center (RMC), we understand that weight loss can be challenging. In Alabama, more than a third of residents are considered to be obese, meaning that they have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. In Calhoun County, nearly 40 percent of residents are considered to be obsese, and that percentage increases every single year.

All across Alabama weight loss surgery is an effective option for those who have been struggling and need something other than traditional methods.

Why Choose Stringfellow Memorial Hospital For Your Needs

Even if weight loss is difficult, it’s never too late to take your health into your own hands. RMC Health System’s Stringfellow Memorial Hospital campus is a Comprehensive Bariatrics Center, accredited by the MBSAQIP and the BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama Designated Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery. 

This distinction means that we can offer our patients proven solutions and compassionate support when all traditional options have failed. Stringfellow Memorial Hospital is here to provide men and women like you with the information, resources, and options necessary to make the best decision about weight loss surgery options. 

Our patients come from all over the state to receive our bariatric services at RMC’s Stringfellow Memorial Hospital. Keep reading to find out why we’re a notable Alabama weight loss program.

An Effective Way To Lose Weight

It can be incredibly difficult to lose weight, especially if you have a substantial amount to lose. For those who need to lose 100 pounds or more to lose, it can feel like an impossible feat. For some, weight-loss surgery offers a surgical solution for those who have tried everything else with no success. 

Bariatric surgery offers a life-transforming option. It is an opportunity for individuals looking to lead a more active and satisfying life.

Is Bariatric Surgery Right For Me?

If you’ve been looking into bariatric surgery but you’re not sure if it’s right for your situation, we’re here to help you make an informed decision. Our bariatric surgery program includes our team of trained surgeons and staff that are ready to meet all of your pre- and post-operative needs. 

It’s important to note that weight loss surgery requires a lifelong commitment. And the professionals at our hospital are dedicated to providing you the best follow-up care close to home, right here in Alabama.

If you’re considered obese by medical professionals, meaning that your BMI is 30 or above, then weight loss surgery may be a viable option for your health needs. The Bariatric Surgery Center at Stringfellow provides the education and support that potential patients need to encourage and empower them through every step of their weight loss journey.

ONLINE BARIATRIC WEBINAR 2022 DATES:

Tuesday, October 25th

Tuesday, December 27th

Bariatric Walk 

Saturday, October 15th at Choccolocco Park

Time: 8:00 AM at the Children’s Pavilion

For more information, join us for our bariatric webinar every other month HERE. Or watch our past webinars on our YouTube Channel.

What Are Your Bariatric Surgery Options?

At Stringfellow Memorial Hospital, our weight loss surgery program provides each potential patient with the education and support that they need to make decisions about their weight loss needs. We begin before your weight loss surgery begins and continue to support you through recovery to ensure success. 

Our weight loss surgery program includes nutrition and fitness education for all patients. Our goal is to provide each patient with the tools and resources necessary to maintain long-term weight loss. Our surgical team has extensive experience with all different types of surgical weight loss options. 

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

The sleeve gastrectomy procedure is an innovative surgical solution for individuals who are morbidly obese, meaning they have a BMI of 40 or higher. During this bariatric weight loss surgery, a portion of the stomach is removed and sealed with staples, creating a tube shape that is 10-15% of its original size.

This surgical procedure, also known as the vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is performed with a minimally invasive laparoscopy. Sleeve gastrectomy is a permanent weight loss solution that requires a lifelong commitment, but it does have several advantages over other surgical weight loss options.

Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

There are several types of gastric bypass surgery, but all of them bypass part of the small intestine that absorbs nutrients as food passes through it. This method is a tried and true bariatric method for weight loss. 

The gastric bypass technique involves stapling off an area of the stomach, creating a smaller pouch. Another option for laparoscopic gastric bypass is to remove part of the stomach through surgery. Both of these options create a smaller stomach in patients. 

Stringfellow is an MBSAQIP Accredited Center for Bariatrics, being part of an accredited center allows us to monitor our outcomes. These reports reflect our success rates as shown in 2021:

• 105 procedures, including 79 Gastric Sleeve Procedures
• Post Op Occurrence Rate 1.3%
• Surgical Site Infections-0
• Serious Events-0
• Readmissions-3

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band

Gastric band surgery, also known as lap band surgery, is a less-invasive bariatric weight loss surgery that places a device around the upper part of the stomach to make patients feel full sooner and longer.

Lap band surgery is a healthy—and reversible—way to lose a significant amount of weight. Also, because it is a laparoscopic adjustable lap band, surgeons can easily change the diameter of the band to meet weight-loss needs. This technique also offers a quicker recovery time than other medical surgery options.

How Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center (RMC) Can Help

Stringfellow Memorial Hospital is an outstanding Alabama weight loss surgery center. If you are ready to start your medical weight loss journey and would like more information about bariatric surgery, please contact our Bariatric Coordinator at (256) 235-8904.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the safest form of weight loss surgery?
A: The simplest and safest weight loss procedure is gastric banding. 

Q: What insurance covers weight loss surgery in Alabama?
A: BCBS Alabama offers a number of obesity weight loss procedures including the gastric sleeve or sleeve gastrectomy and the gastric bypass and duodenal switch.

Q: Does Alabama Medicaid cover weight loss surgery?
A: Yes. However, Medicaid covers this type of surgery for obesity-related conditions for eligible recipients aged between 18 and 64 years old who have a BMI greater than 30.