For individuals considering weight loss surgery, comprehensive information is crucial. The NEA Baptist Weight Loss Surgery Clinic aims to equip potential patients with the necessary resources to make informed decisions. Factors such as medical history and weight loss goals play a significant role in determining the appropriate procedure. Understanding the operation, its potential risks, and the lifestyle changes required is essential when evaluating weight loss surgery options.
The NEA Baptist Bariatric Surgery Process
Choosing to undergo bariatric surgery at NEA Baptist involves a structured process. It starts with attending an informative seminar led by Dr. Jones, a metabolic and bariatric surgeon. These seminars provide patients with information regarding insurance, support groups, day-of-surgery details, and the necessary pre-op diet.
Realistic Weight Loss Expectations
It's important to have realistic expectations regarding weight loss after surgery. While individual results vary, patients generally lose between 40% and 75% of their excess weight. Setting a goal weight that is 10 to 40 pounds over the ideal weight is often more realistic and equally healthy.
The Importance of Diet and Lifestyle Changes
Maintaining weight loss after surgery requires a significant lifestyle change, with diet being a crucial component. Adjustments are necessary due to the changes made to the stomach during surgery. Key dietary recommendations include:
- Chewing food slowly and thoroughly to reduce it to very small pieces.
- Being cautious with alcohol consumption.
- Planning meal times and avoiding snacking.
Dr. Jones: A Qualified and Experienced Surgeon
Dr. Jones has been performing bariatric surgery since 1989 and is certified in Surgery by the American Board of Surgery. A graduate of Vanderbilt Medical School, Dr. Jones is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a fellow of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons and a participant in the ASMBS bariatric database. Furthermore, Dr. Jones has a Focus Practice Designation in Metabolic Bariatric Surgery through the American Board of Surgery. His specializations include general, minimally invasive, bariatric surgery, and therapeutic endoscopy. Dr. Jones is also an advocate for excellent healthcare in the community, serving on various leadership boards and committees.
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The Role of the Bariatric Coordinator
Dr. Gayla serves as the Bariatric Coordinator for the NEA Baptist Bariatric Surgery program. As a Registered Nurse with national certifications in case management and bariatric nursing, she works closely with surgeons to ensure patients receive excellent care. Her primary goal is to support, educate, and prepare patients for their weight loss surgery journey.
NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital: High-Performing in Several Areas
NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro, AR, has been rated high performing in multiple adult procedures and conditions. U.S. News & World Report generates hospital rankings by evaluating data from nearly 5,000 hospitals. To achieve a national ranking in a specialty, a hospital must demonstrate excellence in treating the sickest and most medically complex patients.
Specific Areas of High Performance
NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital is recognized for its performance in the following adult specialties, procedures, and conditions:
- Cancer: Including Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma, Colon Cancer Surgery, and Lung Cancer Surgery. The hospital's performance in procedures and conditions related to cancer, such as Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma, Colon Cancer Surgery, and Lung Cancer Surgery, is rated as "As Expected."
- Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery: Including Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair, Heart Attack, Heart Arrhythmia, Heart Bypass Surgery, Heart Failure, and Pacemaker Implantation.
- Diabetes & Endocrinology: For Diabetes care.
- Gastroenterology & GI Surgery: Specifically for Colon Cancer Surgery.
- Geriatrics
- Neurology & Neurosurgery: Including Back Surgery (Spinal Fusion) and Stroke.
- Obstetrics & Gynecology: For Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy).
- Orthopedics: Including Hip Fracture, Back Surgery (Spinal Fusion), Hip Replacement, and Knee Replacement.
- Pulmonology & Lung Surgery: Including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Lung Cancer Surgery, and Pneumonia.
- Rehabilitation
- Urology
Patient Experience at NEA Baptist
Patient experience is an important factor in evaluating a hospital. Scores are based on surveys given to patients after leaving the hospital. The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey is required of most hospitals and asks patients to rate their hospital stay. Each hospital receives an overall score in each category, covering aspects like:
- Overall satisfaction with the hospital.
- Willingness to recommend the hospital to others.
- Communication with patients.
- Patient safety.
Socioeconomic Representation and Demographic Data
NEA Baptist also focuses on socioeconomic representation in access to care, including:
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- Representation of low-income patients treated at the hospital (those insured by Medicaid).
- Representation of people from vulnerable neighborhoods, based on the Area Deprivation Index.
- Demographic representation, comparing the percentage of patients treated for elective procedures to the community demographics.
- Representation of non-white, Black, Asian American and Pacific Islander, Hispanic, and Native American patients.
Addressing Outcomes Disparities
NEA Baptist is aware of and works to address potential disparities in patient outcomes. This includes monitoring how successful the hospital is in enabling Black patients to live at home during their first 30 days of recovery, compared to White patients.
U.S. News & World Report Methodology
U.S. News & World Report uses a comprehensive methodology to evaluate hospitals. They analyze data from multiple sources, including Medicare and Medicare Advantage claims, to assess risk-adjusted outcomes such as 30-day survival, 30-day readmission, and length of stay. Variables linked to quality of care, including the number of patients treated, nurse staffing & communication, and participation in public data registries, are also considered. Patient satisfaction scores from the HCAHPS survey are factored into the ratings for all procedures and conditions.
BBB Accreditation and Rating
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) provides additional information and ratings for businesses. While BBB Business Profiles should be used to assist in exercising your own best judgment, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles. When considering complaint information, the company's size and volume of transactions should be taken into account.
Patient Testimonials
Patient testimonials offer valuable insights into the experiences of others who have undergone treatment at NEA Baptist. Several patients have shared positive feedback regarding Dr. Jones and his staff:
- One patient described Dr. Jones as patient, understanding, and knowledgeable, with an awesome and helpful office staff.
- Another patient praised Dr. Jones' bedside manner and the friendliness of the staff, recommending him to anyone considering lap-band or bypass surgery.
- A patient appreciated Dr. Jones' focus on safety and realistic goals, as well as his willingness to move patients back to eating "normal foods" instead of supplements.
- Several patients highlighted Dr. Jones' compassion, non-judgmental attitude, and expertise, with one patient calling him an "angel" who saved their mother's life.
- A patient who had their gall bladder removed by Dr. Jones attributed their painless and quick recovery to his excellent surgical skills.
NEA Baptist's Commitment to Patient Care
NEA Baptist is committed to providing high-quality patient care, as recognized by leading healthcare organizations. Waiting rooms are conveniently located near nurses' stations, and visitors are asked to keep noise to a minimum to support patients' rest and recovery. The hospital offers a wide range of medical care services, from advanced diagnostic imaging to specialized surgical care.
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Support Services and Community Collaboration
NEA Baptist provides a chaplain for crisis counseling, emotional support, and spiritual guidance. The hospital also collaborates with various community service organizations to further its mission of healing, teaching, and preaching. Information about financial assistance is available to those in need.
Non-Discrimination Policy
NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital adheres to Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, admitting and treating all persons without regard to race, color, sex, age, disability, or national origin.