EDINA, Minn.(November 10, 2005) -- The Fairview Southdale Weight Loss Surgery Program was named a national Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS). One of only a few centers of excellence in the country, officials from the ASBS commended Fairview Southdale Hospital for its outstanding efforts to create a comprehensive weight loss program, designed around meeting the needs of patients to live longer, healthier lives.

Fairview Southdale Weight Loss Surgery has been created with the patient in mind – providing not only superior clinical outcomes, but listening carefully to patients in order to provide opportunities for success. Patients work closely with nurses, physicians and dieticians to examine their lifestyle. They also interact with past participants to build common bonds and support systems for lifelong weight loss.

“Our goals are centered on providing a caring, comprehensive team-based approach that combines education, surgical options, proper nutrition, exercise and counseling,” said Paul Benn, M.D., Fairview Southdale Weight Loss Surgery Program medical director

The certification required a site visit on June 1 from ASBS officials to ensure the program has all the components to perform safe bariatric surgery, and that excellent short and long-term outcomes are achieved.

“We are extremely proud to have received this certification,” said Brad Beard, president of Fairview Southdale Hospital. “ To be one of only three ASBS Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence in the Twin Cities is a remarkable achievement. The certification recognizes that the Fairview Southdale Weight Loss Surgery program has all the comprehensive components necessary to provide patients with a safe and successful surgery experience.”

For more information on Fairview Southdale Weight Loss Surgery, go to www.southdale.fairview.org or call 952-915-8626.