Bariatric center opens at Southern Regional

As part of its efforts to bring in more revenue, Southern Regional Health System opened a new surgery center for obese patients.

The bariatric center specializes in adjustable gastric banding surgery, said hospital spokesman Kari Hilyer.

“It is less invasive than gastric bypass and requires no stapling, rerouting or stomach cutting,” she said. “The entire surgery takes approximately one hour and patients typically go home the same day.”

The center — located in an office building adjacent to the Riverdale hospital — features chairs, beds, doorways and bathrooms for obese patients, Hilyer said.

In addition to the surgeries, the center will host support groups and monthly seminars.

The center, which cost about $150,000 in renovations, is part of the hospital’s ongoing efforts to increase revenue.

In January, the Clayton County Commission voted to back a $40 million bond for the cash-strapped hospital.

The Riverdale bariatric center is the only one in south metro Atlanta, Hilyer said. The closest bariatric facility is at Emory University Hospital.

• Topic: Metro Atlanta Hospitals
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