You might say the patients of Coastal Carolina Bariatric Center have lost a "ton" of weight since the center opened at Summerville Medical Center in February of 2011, but that would fall short. A recent check revealed the group had collectively lost close to 2,500 pounds -- more than a 2,000-pound ton.
"It has been a great year," says bariatric surgeon Dr. Neil McDevitt, who relocated his practice because of the opportunity he saw here. "Summerville Medical Center was the perfect location to set our program up. The hospital embraces our patient-centered philosophy."
Coastal Carolina Bariatric Center helps people who are obese achieve long-term weight changes to bolster health and confidence while opening doors to opportunities that were once off limits. The center's bariatric procedures promote weight loss by restricting food intake, typically in one of the following ways:
reducing the stomach's size with the insertion of a band
removing part of the stomach
sectioning off the stomach and rerouting food so fewer calories will be absorbed.
Because bariatric surgery is a life-altering commitment, Dr. McDevitt has established a comprehensive program with a support team that includes a dietician and exercise physiologist.
In 2011, Coastal Carolina Bariatric ranked in the top four out of almost 600 medical practices with HCA Physician Services for patient satisfaction. In addition, Dr. McDevitt received a 2011 Frist Humanitarian Award from SMC for his dynamic contributions to the hospital and his devotion to his patients.
"He listens to everything you have to say. You can't ask a dumb question," says patient Amanda Kaye Smithson. "He always has encouraging words to help you along."
Smithson started her journey with Coastal Carolina Bariatrics after attending an information session with Dr. McDevitt in June. She once reached 230 pounds, due in part to a food obsession and the side effects of a medication she took for a year. While she had tried a variety of diets and exercise, nothing worked until Dr. McDevitt reduced the size of her stomach with the insertion of a LAP-BAND.
Because her insurance required a delay before the surgery, Smithson had time to adjust to Dr. McDevitt's recommendations for eating and exercise beforehand. Since having the procedure done in March, she already has dropped more than 30 pounds to 197.
