Bon Secours St. Francis Surgical Weight Loss has been named the No. 1 robotic bariatric program in the Upstate. In 2022, the program saw 129 robotic bariatric procedures, more than any other program across Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson counties.
Studies show obesity affects more than one-third of Americans, and it the second-leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Nearly 40 percent of working-age Americans, ages 40 to 59, classify as obese and conditions associated with obesity, such as diabetes, add to the physical and financial toll of obesity. Bariatric surgery has proven to be an effective tool in reducing the long-term personal, clinical and economic costs of obesity.
“Everybody can say you should lose weight with diet and exercise, but that doesn’t work for everyone or if it does, it takes a long time. Patients who already have medical comorbidities, like diabetes or high blood pressure, are at risk of having those conditions worsen. So, it might be safer for them to have surgery to lose the weight and improve those medical comorbidities faster than trying medication or diet and exercise, because they could have a heart attack waiting for that weight loss to happen,” explained Dr. Jessica Gonzalez Hernandez, bariatric surgeon. “Every day, weight loss medications and surgery are becoming safer and helping patients have a healthier life.”
Bon Secours began offering robotic bariatric procedures in 2020. Using this technology allows physicians to have better visualization during surgery, which can lessen the chance of complications. Robotic procedures also lead to a shorter length of stay, shorter recovery time and less pain for patients.
“Nothing makes us happier than to see our patients come back to us with more confidence, living a healthier lifestyle that they’re truly enjoying. So, our bariatrics team will continue to work tirelessly, participate in regular program evaluations, meet safety requirements and improve our processes to provide the very best bariatric care possible to our patients,” said Katie Nowakowski, surgical weight loss program manager.
The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) designated the Bon Secours St. Francis Surgical Weight Loss program as an accredited Comprehensive Surgical Program in 2011. It has also been recognized as a Blue Distinction Center+ by Blue Cross Blue Shield, an Aetna Institute of Quality and a Center of Excellence through Optum Health. Programs that earn these designations perform more successful bariatric procedures than many other facilities nearby and patients undergoing the procedures experience fewer complications.
The Bon Secours St. Francis Surgical Weight Loss team consists of two bariatric surgeons – Dr. David Anderson and Dr. Jessica Gonzalez Hernandez – as well as physician assistant Ashley Colatriano, and dietitian Joanna Smyers. For more information about the program and how you can get started, learn about our bariatric and weight loss programs.