Merit Health Wesley nationally accredited for its weight loss surgery

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Merit Health Wesley has recently been nationally accredited for its weight loss surgical services.

Bariatric surgery director, Dr. Wesley Girod and his staff make sure patients go through a consultation, dietary and psychological evaluation, as well as a liquid diet prior to surgery. After the surgery, patients have to go on a six-week liquid diet to help with healing.

"We approach the patient more long-term. So what we're really trying to do is break bad habits of eating over a long period of time. And we're trying to get the patient to use the surgery as a tool to help them lose weight. We have free seminars once a month, and that gives a really good overview of the program and what all they're going to have to do to get prepared to have the surgery," said Girod.

Patients also receive a free year-long membership to Merit Health Wesley's Wellness Center after their surgery.