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Bariatric Surgery

ASMBS Center of Excellence sealMercy Center for Weight Reduction has been designated a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. 

“Center of Excellence” distinguished features include:

  • Safe bariatric surgical care with excellent short- and long-term outcomes;
  • Low rates of complications from surgery;
  • Highly experienced minimally-invasive (laparoscopic) physicians, Dr. Mark Smolik and Dr. Steve Cahalan;
  • Top quality facilities and technology ;
  • Recognition as a “Top Performing Center.”

Click to see Sandi's weight loss success story.

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to the National Institutes of Health, bariatric surgery is the only long-term effective treatment for morbid obesity. Diets, pills and exercise are not effective for 98% of those patients classified as morbidly obese, which is defined as being 100 pounds over one’s ideal weight and causing such health problems as heart disease, diabetes and depression.

MCWR offers two bariatric surgical procedures, gastric bypass and LAP-BAND®. Mercy Surgical Affiliates surgeons, Dr. Mark Smolik and Dr. Steve Cahalan, are highly experienced and advanced minimally-invasive (laparoscopic) surgeons. Together, both surgeons perform over 95 percent of their bariatric surgeries using this minimally-invasive technique, which patients benefit from:

  • less scaring;
  • shorter hospital stays;
  • less blood loss;
  • less risk of infection.


Mercy's bariatric surgery program has a team approach to weight-loss. Patients meet with physicians, dietitians and psychologists, among other health care specialists, who help evaluate co-morbidities (illnesses or conditions associated with obesity) such as hypertension, heart disease, pulmonary disease, sleep apnea and diabetes.

MCWR has a registered dietitian on staff dedicated to the health and dietary needs of all bariatric surgery patients before and after surgery. MCWR also has a relationship with the Mercy Wellness Center, which has dedicated exercise programs for all patients.


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QUICK INFO

Mercy Center for Weight Reduction
Mercy Capitol

603 E. 12th Street                  View Map

Des Moines, IA 50309

Phone: (515) 643-0556

Toll-free: (800) 282-1130
E-mail: Mercy Center for Weight Reduction

For bariatric surgery lecture registration, please call (515) 643-0556.


Mercy Center for Weight Reduction has been designated a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

Mercy bariatric surgery patients benefit from:

  • Safe bariatric surgical care;
  • Low rates of complications from surgery;
  • Highly experienced and advanced minimally-invasive (laparoscopic) surgeons,
    Dr. Mark Smolik and Dr. Steve Cahalan;
  • Top quality facilities and technology.


Virtual Tour

Tour the Mercy Center for Weight Reduction online. Just click below.


Body Mass Index

Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women.