The Center for Weight Loss Surgery at Wood County Hospital has received accreditation from two key organizations in the field of bariatric surgery. The recognition underscores the organization’s commitment to the highest levels of quality and patient safety for bariatric procedures.

The Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery has named the facility as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence (BSCOE). To earn this accreditation, the Center for Weight Loss Surgery underwent a series of site inspections during which its procedures were closely examined and data on past outcomes was collected. Medicare requires that bariatric surgery be completed by a BSCOE accredited facility to be eligible for benefit coverage.

In addition, the center has been accredited by the Bariatric Surgery Center Network of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The designation means that the facility and staff have met rigorous performance requirements designed to ensure the highest quality of care for patients.

Wood County Hospital pioneered weight loss surgery more than 30 years ago, and since then, more than 2,000 patients have taken advantage of the most comprehensive weight loss approach in Northwest Ohio.

The Medical Director of the Center for Weight Loss Surgery, Dr. Peter Lalor, is a board certified general surgeon with fellowship training in minimal invasive surgery. “We’re proud to have earned the designation as a Center of Excellence and the accreditation by the American College of Surgeons. Both honors are further acknowledgement of our strong commitment to providing our patients with a safe and high quality approach to manage their obesity issues,” said Dr. Lalor. He adds, “It also speaks to our comprehensive approach that leads to a better quality of life, and longer lifespan for the patients who come to us.”