Roller Weight Loss opens bariatric surgery center

Roller Weight Loss & Advanced Surgery, a Fayetteville-based bariatric surgery clinic, recently invested about $8 million to open a 10,000-square-foot standalone ambulatory surgery center that’s adjacent to the clinic.

Roller Surgery Center at 1695 E. Rainforest Drive is dedicated to advanced bariatric, general, gynecological and plastic surgeries. Rather than working exclusively at the hospital, the practice can now offer services at the center and send patients home the same day.

According to a news release, it’s the first accredited bariatric ambulatory surgery center in Arkansas and one of 28 centers nationwide. The new center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons as a Surgical Quality Partner and under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program.

“Patients can now have weight loss surgery and recover in the comfort of their own home,” said Dr. Josh Roller, the center’s medical director. “Being able to have weight loss surgery and recover at home reduces the stress and anxiety that surrounds every surgery. It’s also a much more cost-effective option for patients.”

As of Jan. 1, a new state law requires private health insurance plans to cover bariatric surgery along with pre- and post-operative care.

Surgeries the new center offers include the modified duodenal switch, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric bypass, as well as general surgery such as reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery, gynecologic surgery, endoscopy and gynecologic oncology surgery.

The surgery center includes four operating rooms and four rooms for overnight stays. The center has 15 full-time and five part-time staff.