About the Program
Our surgeons are fellowship trained and have extensive training in bariatric surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, robotic and advanced laparoscopic techniques. Our hospital is prepared to take care of morbidly obese patients with specialized equipment. We have 24-hour in house surgeon coverage for all of our patients.
Our comprehensive program features:
- Experienced board-certified surgeons affiliated with the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
- A multi-disciplinary team, including specialty trained providers, skilled physician assistants, dietitians, nurses, and behavioral health specialists
- Bariatric procedures using state-of-the-art robotic and laparoscopic techniques resulting in fewer complications and faster recovery
Our team is devoted to the practice of bariatric surgery and weight loss management, ensuring our focus on state-of-the-art service. Our dietitians, behavioral health specialists and bariatric nurse coordinator will support your personal efforts preparing you for surgery. Your program will be personalized to you from your first visit through post procedure follow-up care. You’ll have guidance through each step along the way by our dedicated bariatric nurse coordinator.
Our program works closely with you and your insurance payer to determine your bariatric surgery coverage. You will be required to participate in medically supervised weight loss with our dieticians. The program can take up to eight months before surgery depending on insurance requirements.
Accreditation
Central Maine Bariatric Surgery was established in 2007. Since 2012, our program has been accredited through The American College of Surgeons as a Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®). The American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) combined their respective national bariatric surgery accreditation programs into a single unified program to achieve one national accreditation standard for bariatric surgery centers, the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®).
MBSAQIP works to advance safe, high-quality care for bariatric surgical patients through the accreditation of bariatric surgical centers. A bariatric surgical center achieves accreditation following a rigorous review process during which it proves that it can maintain certain physical resources, human resources, and standards of practice. All accredited centers report their outcomes to the MBSAQIP database.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has recognized Central Maine Medical Center and allows expanded Medicare coverage of bariatric weight loss surgery for beneficiaries of all ages who have been diagnosed with other health problems associated with obesity. Medicare coverage has been limited to procedures performed in facilities certified by the American College of Surgeons or the American Society of Bariatric Surgery.
Preferred Status with Insurance Payers
Central Maine Bariatric Surgery has a preferred status as a center of excellence with the following insurance payers:
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Center of Excellence
- Aetna Bariatric Institute of Quality
- Cigna Certified Hospital for Bariatric Surgery
- Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery and Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, an independent licensee of Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
Programs and Services
Central Maine Bariatric Surgery offers you the opportunity to participate in numerous meetings and support groups before and after surgery to help contribute to your successful outcome. Patient groups are particularly helpful as they can share their experiences and provide the encouragement and reinforcement you need to succeed in changing your lifestyle behaviors. We offer:
- Bariatric Surgery Information Seminar
- Bariatric Surgery Support Group
- Weight Loss Video
- Nutrition Resources
- Behavioral Health Resources
Central Maine Bariatric Surgery provides patients with ongoing support before, during and after surgery. This includes pre-operative nutrition, behavioral health counseling and post-operative support with our physician assistant and dieticians. Patients are seen in the clinic at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and annually thereafter. We highly encourage and desire patients to continue with life-long bariatric follow-up and support.
Bariatric Surgery Support Group
One of the most important keys to achieving success with bariatric surgery is having a strong support system. Individual patient experiences are invaluable resources that are beneficial for the whole group. We have created a private online support group through Facebook. This forum is facilitated by a licensed professional and moderated for appropriate content. Discussions include health goals, dietary requirements, exercise expectations, psychological preparation, role of family, short and long-term challenges, pre-op and post-op phases, etc. The Central Maine Bariatric Support group is open to patients who have undergone weight loss surgery, as well as those who are considering the procedure. For information on how to submit a request to join this private group, please contact the office and they will provide you steps for joining.
Weight Loss Video – Get Answers from the Experts
Considering a life-changing weight loss procedure? Have lots of questions or concerns? You owe it to yourself to learn more by viewing the weight loss video from Central Maine Bariatric Surgery. The video is presented by our board-certified and fellowship trained surgeon and offers the information (and inspiration!) you need to make the right decision for your life.
Topics Include:
- Different types of surgery we offer, including laparoscopic options for less pain and faster recovery
- Benefits, risks and expected results of each procedure
- Dietary and lifestyle changes needed for lasting success
- How we support you at every step, from pre-op to follow-up
- Qualifications for surgery to help determine if you’re a candidate
Have Questions?
Please contact us if you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment.
Nutrition Resources
The nutrition portion of the bariatric program is designed to help you get ready for the surgery by providing education on the dietary requirements and key lifestyle habits that lead to long-term success. In the first visit, be prepared to openly share your current eating and drinking routines, food restrictions and preferences, and the personal challenges you face when trying to eat healthier and lose weight. Future visits will focus on reviewing a few specific areas of lifestyle change at a time in each of the six modules, and reviewing your progress towards implementing these changes and problem-solving together around any barriers as needed. We will use food tracking and monthly weight checks as tools for accountability and feedback. Remember, the dietitian is on your side to help and support you! Ask for what you need! The ultimate goal by the end of your nutrition pre-surgery program is that you will be “walking the walk” of a bariatric surgery patient, making your post-surgery recovery and journey as successful as possible.
Pre-Operative Diet
All patients will start a pre-operative diet two to three weeks before surgery.
2 WK Pre-OP Diet
3WK Pre-Prep-Surgery Diet
Post-Operative Nutrition Guidelines
Vitamin and Mineral Supplements list
Protein Meal Replacement