4 Key Questions to Ask When Evaluating Surgical Weight Loss Programs

1. Is your program accredited?

Surgical weight loss programs that are accredited meet very high program standards, have established track records on patient safety, and consistently deliver quality care.

Northern Light Surgical Weight Loss has achieved the highest level of accreditation with the American College of Surgeons.

In July 2022, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center achieved a Center of Excellence in accreditation from Surgical Review Corporation in Robotic Surgery. Ours is the first facility in Maine to hold the designation, which means that our robotic surgical team passed rigorous inspections, meeting internationally recognized standards in surgical quality and safety in these areas. Learn more.


2. What level of experience does your program offer?

Established programs and experienced surgeons offer patients safe, high quality care. All programs you consider should be able to provide current quality data for comparison.

Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center has been offering surgical weight loss for more than 30 years. Since 2004, we have performed nearly 300 cases each year, double the amount required for an accredited program. Learn more about our level of experience from our quality data.


3. What types of weight loss surgery do you offer?

There are different kinds of weight loss surgery, and each offers its own benefits and challenges.

Northern Light Surgical Weight Loss was the first program in Maine to offer the choice between sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and gastric banding. Since 2010, between 80-90% of weight loss surgeries at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center have been performed laparoscopically with robotic instrumentation. This method offers greater benefits for more patients and results in decreased risk of complications and quicker recovery times.


4. What do you offer for pre and post surgery care?

Surgical weight loss is so much more than the procedure itself. It’s important to find a program that offers a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to weight loss. Our comprehensive approach begins before patients are even accepted into our program.

People interested in our program attend a free educational class where they receive a comprehensive overview of our approach to weight loss surgery. At this time, prospective patients also attend a weight loss surgery support group so they can develop an understanding of life after surgery. 

Before surgery, patients participate in an extensive evaluation to help determine if surgical weight loss is the right choice for them. This evaluation includes meetings with a dietitian, physical therapist, psychologist, surgeon, and other specialists as needed. 

We understand that post surgery support is a key to successful weight loss for our patients. We offer our patients frequent follow-up appointments with their surgeon and dietitian, body composition testing and measurement of metabolism, monitoring of lab work to prevent deficiencies, ongoing free monthly support group meetings, and newsletters for educational and emotional support.

I knew I needed long term change, so I started exploring weight loss surgery as a viable option. This would be a totally dramatic change for me and I was very cautious about it. I knew that some people viewed bariatric surgery as controversial, but I also knew that I was at a breaking point for myself.

- Mathy's Weight Loss Success Story