Written By:
Nora Wallace - Marketing and Public Relations Manager 

Lompoc Valley Medical Center is pleased to announce it has been designated an Aetna Institute of Quality® bariatric facility for treating people living with morbid or extreme obesity. 

A facility earns IOQ status by consistently delivering evidence-based, safe and effective care for individuals living with morbid or extreme obesity. To earn the designation, LVMC had to meet strict volume, clinical outcome and safety benchmarks established by Aetna. 

Aetna makes information about the quality and cost of that care available to its members. This helps them identify facilities that meet their special health care needs. 

LVMC’s bariatric program is led by Dr. Christopher Taglia, FACS, FASMBS, DABOM, who is also an SRC Master Robotic Surgeon. 

“Lompoc Valley Medical Center is proud to earn this designation from Aetna, which reflects the high standards of quality, safety and patient-centered care our bariatric team provides,” said LVMC Chief Executive Officer Yvette Cope, RN, MSN. “This recognition is especially meaningful because it validates the expertise and dedication of Dr. Taglia and our entire multidisciplinary team. Patients in our community can feel confident knowing they have access to a nationally recognized bariatric program close to home.” 

LVMC offers two surgical treatment options for weight loss: the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy. LVMC also offers prescription-based weight loss treatment. 

Patients considering weight loss options at LVMC are evaluated for their medical history and ongoing medical conditions and must undergo a rigorous pre-surgical evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of clinical staff, dietitians, behavioral health specialists and support staff.  

Bariatric surgery assists in weight loss but can also help treat conditions tied to obesity. Studies show that bariatric procedures can reduce or eliminate symptoms of obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Weight loss surgery can also lower the chances of heart disease, stroke and cancer.