Accredited Bariatric Program
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7405 Shallowford Road Suite 160
Chattanooga, TN 37421
(423) 899-1000
Office Hours:
Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Weight loss isn't always simple, but it's easier when you have a great program and caring people supporting you. CHI Memorial Metabolic and Bariatric Care offers comprehensive non-surgical and surgical weight loss solutions to help individuals struggling with obesity lose weight and keep it off. Whichever you choose, you'll get a program that's specifically designed to help you reach your weight loss goals and live the life you were meant to live. Everyone has different challenges when it comes to losing weight – that’s why we offer an individual approach based on your medical history and specific concerns.
Weight loss surgery is usually for people who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above, or those who have a BMI of 35 or above with other conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease or sleep apnea. Ready to take the first step? Call (423) 899-1000
Our obesity medicine program is a non-surgical option that includes a a customized plan based on your medical history and weight loss challenges. Call (423) 899-1000 to schedule an appointment.
CHI Memorial Bariatric and Metabolic Care offers free educational seminars for patients ages 18-69, who are interested in finding out more information about bariatric surgery including laparoscopic gastric band, sleeve and bypass. You will need to register for this seminar video to be sent to you via the free app, Go Further. One we receive the email registration, you will later get an email invitation to download the free Go Further app to your phone. Once you register, we will later message you within the app with the seminar video link to watch. We will communicate via the app to get you the new patients forms. You will then receive a message back with further instructions on how to get started in our program. We look forward to meeting you and assisting you on your weight loss journey.
Did you know that our practice allows you to check in online ahead of time? You can confirm your appointment via text message or email, and check in online prior to your visit. You can also check in on your own device when you arrive. Ask us about using mobile registration to make your next visit simpler and faster!
We are partnering with Phreesia to help you save time registering for your appointment. Use mobile check-in to register from any smartphone, tablet or computer from the privacy of your own home. Checking in on your device saves you time and ensures your information is always up to date!
Losing weight and keeping it off is difficult, and we recognize that each person has special needs. Understanding those needs allows us to promote the strong motivation and long-term commitment that are crucial to modifying eating behaviors. Jaime Ponce, MD, bariatric surgery and obesity medical director, and Rishabh Shah, MD, lead a team of advance practice providers, a registered dietician, and a licensed clinical social worker to support patients on their weight loss journey.
Bariatric Surgeon, Medical Director of CHI Memorial Metabolic and Bariatric Care
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Metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) applies to individuals who are obese, but remain free from high cholesterol and other metabolic health problems.
Five-year trial results show that gastric band patients experienced significant weight loss and beneficial health outcomes.
People who are obese may face major risks when they are admitted to the hospital for emergency surgery.
Bariatric surgeons and people struggling with obesity need to be aware a new study about weight loss and AFib.
Research has shown that patients advised to lose weight by their physicians dropped more pounds on average than those who didn’t receive a recommendation.
Two studies indicate that bariatric surgery before a joint replacement operation may substantially improve outcomes for patients.
Advice, whether it comes from family or strangers or even healthcare providers, is a frustrating oversimplification of a problem many don’t understand.
Experts believe that it could be just years away. In addition to an increased risk of cancer, obesity can also have an impact on one’s chance of surviving certain cancers.
CHI Memorial Metabolic and Bariatric Care has helped hundreds of patients lose weight. We are honored that our patients are willing to share their success stories.
We believe that education is the most important aspect of any bariatric surgery. Our seminar provides potential patients, family, and other support persons the opportunity to learn more about the procedure, insurance and financial issues, as well as meet an actual patient in a casual environment at no cost, before they commit to a consultation appointment. We realize that everyone is busy which is why we offer these seminars in the evening in order to decrease missing work or other important appointments.
In order to evaluate you for transfer of care, we will need a surgical report and copy of your adjustments as well as a current health history form and reason for your need or want to transfer before we can evaluate you as a patient. All transfer patients must see our surgeon.
As long as you are committed to the pre-operative requirements and are committed to coming back to see us at least four times in the first year after surgery, we will take care of out of town patients. If you feel that the distance may be an obstacle to your follow up care, then we will refer you to a doctor closer to you to perform the surgery.
We work with most all commercial insurances. Check with your insurance to see if Dr. Ponce is in or out-of-network. If we are out-of-network with your insurance, as long as you have out-of-network coverage and benefits we will still accept your insurance.
We operate at CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga, 2525 deSales Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404.
CHI Memorial is accredited by the ASMBS (American Society for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery) and the ACS (American College of Surgeons) under the MBSAQIP (Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program).
CHI Memorial Metabolic and Bariatric Care
7405 Shallowford Road Suite 160
Chattanooga, TN 37421
(423) 899-1000
Office Hours:
Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.