Clinic provides individualized treatment plans, support
BEST WEIGHT-LOSS CLINIC Saline Weight Loss Center>> BEST BARIATRIC SURGEON Kristin Patton, M.D.>> BEST DIETITIAN Chelsie Tull, M.S., RDN, LD>>
Offering an expert team comprised of weight-loss physicians, a dedicated bariatric coordinator and a dietitian, the Saline Weight Loss Center supports patients on every step of their weight-loss journey. The center, which first earned accreditation in 2017, serves patients 18 and older through various surgical and nonsurgical weight-loss options.
It is a journey that physician and patient take together, starting with the very first visit, said Chelsie Tull, bariatric coordinator.
“At Saline Weight Loss Center, our surgeons or nurse practitioner will meet with patients during the very first consultation, which is a lot sooner than most other weightloss centers,” Tull said. “This helps our staff get a better understanding of each patient’s goals so that we can cater to each person’s weight-loss plan to best fit his or her needs.”
These achievements were recognized as the organization took top honors for Best Weight-Loss Clinic; Dr. Kristin Patton as Best Bariatric Surgeon; and Chelsie Tull, M.S., RDN, LD, as Best Dietitian in the 2023 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s Best of the Best voting.
“It is very humbling to receive this recognition,” Tull said. “We are very passionate about helping our patients reach their weight-loss goals, and it feels good knowing that people recognize that.”
Clinicians have several weight-loss treatments at their disposal, including gastric band (lap band) which is usually considered for patients who have a body mass index above 30 with one or more obesity-related issues, such has diabetes, sleep apnea or high blood pressure. Another option is gastric sleeve, which may be considered for patients with a BMI above 35.
Other options include gastric bypass (stomach stapling), which is generally for patients looking to lose 90 pounds or more, and overstitch, a new endoscopic procedure for people who have regained significant weight years after weight-loss surgery.
Nonsurgical options include the Orbera balloon and medically supervised weight loss, which includes customized diet plans, fitness goals and, when medically necessary, prescription weight-loss medications.
“We also have a very engaged online support group so that patients have a strong support system throughout their weight-loss journey,” Tull said.
The Saline Health System Weight Loss Center is nationally accredited by the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. The center operates weight-loss clinics in Benton, El Dorado and Russellville, serving Little Rock, Bryant, Benton, Harmony Grove, Bauxite, Sheridan, Hot Springs Village, Hot Springs, Russellville, El Dorado, Texarkana and surrounding communities.