Medical Center earns elite status

White Rock Medical Center is now accredited as a Comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Center with Adolescent Care and Obesity Medicine.

White Rock Medical Center joins 10 other healthcare facilities nationally that have achieved the three designations required for this elite level of accreditation, and is only second in Texas to earn this recognition.

The accreditation was awarded by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®), a joint program of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

To achieve accreditation, a center must adhere to established best practice standards, meet rigorous reporting requirements regarding medical care that show positive outcomes and quality of care, and undergo an on-site review.

“The accreditation is a testament to our commitment to clinical expertise and compassionate patient care. It’s one of the reasons people come from across Texas and neighboring states to place their care in the hands of our expert bariatric surgeons and the holistic support program that offers a higher quality of life,” said Shawn Lovelady, chief operating officer of White Rock Medical Center.

White Rock Medical Center offers comprehensive care through in-house medical specialties, including cardiology, radiology, nephrology and intensive care, among others. Comprehensive bariatric centers perform higher volumes of bariatric surgeries and adhere to the disciplined practice of evidenced-based procedures endorsed by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

White Rock Medical Center’s bariatric surgery program employs the latest surgical advancements, including robotic minimally invasive surgery that dramatically improves recovery time and reduces risk of post-surgery complications.

“The accreditation affirms our practice as a bariatric center of excellence. We are committed to improving our patients’ health by achieving weight loss that reduces life-threatening risk factors, improves self-esteem, and enhances all aspects of life,” said Charlotte Hodges, MD, director of bariatric surgery.

My New Beginning

White Rock Medical Center’s My New Beginning bariatric clinic employs a holistic approach to weight loss, including not only bariatric surgery but also medical weight loss, on-site psychological support, nutrition counseling and more.

Managing obesity with these tools can improve chronic health issues, such as reversing diabetes, lowering blood pressure, decreasing depression, reducing sleep apnea, and many other quality of life benefits, explained Dr. Hodges.

“I am so proud of our patients who partner with us to take steps toward a healthy, active life,” she added.

One of those partner patients is Lynzee Stock, a Mansfield Kindergarten teacher. A survivor of thyroid cancer, she began to gain weight as a result of her thyroid condition. Though she tried to manage her weight with exercise, a trainer, a nutritionist and other ways, she was not able to lose on her own. She had reached a point of feeling depressed and hopeless, she explained.

“Weight loss surgery with Dr. Hodges and the My New Beginning team completely changed my life,” Stock said. “You hear stories about people who gain weight back. But this isn’t your uncle’s weight loss surgery. This is a new age where you receive the tools for better health if you’re inspired enough to use it.”

Indeed, Stock hopes her story will inspire others. She shares details of her journey and continued healthy efforts on Instagram: @lowcarblynzee.

“It’s hard and some days I still struggle. But I continue to focus on my health. I share my story because maybe there is someone who needs to hear that you can do it. I am proof there is hope. Listening to others’ stories is what inspired me to take steps toward healing and health.”

About obesity

In 2018, obesity prevalence in the U.S reached more than 42%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Obese adults have a BMI of 30 or higher.

Obesity is a complex disease characterized by storage of excessive body fat. There are several factors that play a role in the development of obesity, including genetic, biochemical and

physiological factors. Certain biological factors such as environmental, cultural, socioeconomic and psychological issues also contribute to the development of obesity.

Learn more about obesity in the U.S., prevention strategies and the latest research at cdc.gov/obesity.

Learn more about bariatric surgery accreditation at www.facs.org/quality-programs/mbsaqip.

About White Rock Medical Center

White Rock Medical Center is a 200-bed acute care hospital that has been serving the East Dallas community for many years. White Rock Medical Center is known for expert medical services that include bariatrics, cardiology, orthopedics, women’s health and emergency care. The hospital offers a range of recovery and wellness programs that include physical therapy and cardiac rehab, a sleep center, women’s imaging and more. For more information about our expertise and care, including bariatrics, please visit www.whiterockmedicalcenter.com.