LVMC Achieves Accreditation from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program

Patients seeking surgical treatment for obesity and its related conditions now have a high-quality choice for receiving care from the nationally accredited program at LVMC, which meets the highest standards for patient safety and quality.

The MBSAQIP Standards, Optimal Resources for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, ensure that metabolic and bariatric patients receive multidisciplinary medical care, which improves patient outcomes and long-term success. MBSAQIP-Accredited centers offer preoperative and postoperative care designed specifically for patients with obesity. LVMC’s program is led by Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Director Dr. Farida Bounoua, FACS, and Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Christopher Taglia, D.A.B.S., D.A.B.O.M.

Lompoc Valley Medical Center’s commitment to quality care begins with expertly trained staff and the leadership of experienced bariatric surgeons.

“We are pleased to learn our Bariatric Surgery Program received its official accreditation as a Comprehensive Center by the MBSAQIP,” said LVMC Chief Executive Officer Steve Popkin. “This is the gold standard of accreditation and is a testament to the outstanding work done by bariatric surgeons, Dr. Taglia and Dr. Bounoua, as well as our excellent LVMC staff.”

Dr. Bounoua noted that the accreditation is for a “safe and high standard of care, following rigorous pathways, aiming for excellent outcome.”

Dr. Taglia concurred.

"To become an MBSQIP-accredited Comprehensive Center for Bariatric Surgery is a massive deal,” he said. “It means that Lompoc Valley Medical Center is providing the Gold Standard of care when it comes to treating patients with obesity-related disease and performing weight loss surgery. I am enormously proud of the hard work put in by all the members of our team. Without them, this would not be possible.”

Dr. Taglia said the work is not done, however.

“Every day my goal is to improve the care we provide even more so that we can keep the members of this community healthy,” he said.

To earn MBSAQIP Accreditation, Lompoc Valley Medical Center met essential criteria for staffing, training, facility infrastructure, and patient care pathways, ensuring its ability to support patients with obesity. The center also participates in a

national data registry that yields semiannual reports on the quality of its surgical outcomes and identifying opportunities for quality improvement.

During its MBSAQIP Accreditation, LVMC underwent an extensive review by an experienced bariatric surgeon who evaluated the center's structure, processes, and clinical outcomes data. LVMC’s accreditation was awarded for a specific designation level, based on how many patients it serves annually, critical care capabilities, the types of procedures provided, and whether it provides care to patients under the age of 18.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates about 93 million adults in the United States are affected by obesity and that number continues to increase. The disease of obesity increases the risks of morbidity and mortality because of the diseases and conditions that are commonly associated with it, such as type II diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, among other health risks. Metabolic and bariatric surgery has proven to be effective in the reduction of comorbid conditions related to obesity.*

*Buchwald H, Avidor Y, Braunwald E, et al. Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA. 2004;292(14):1724-1737. DOI:10.1001/jama.292.14.1724.

About the American College of Surgeons

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical education and practice and to improve the quality of care for surgical patients. Its achievements have placed it at the forefront of American surgery and have made the College an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 82,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world.

About the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) is the largest organization for metabolic and bariatric surgeons in the world, with more than 4,200 members. It is a not-for-profit organization that works to advance the science of metabolic and bariatric surgery. The ASMBS is committed to educating medical professionals and the lay public about metabolic and bariatric surgery, including the associated risks and benefits, as a treatment option for obesity.