Latest News

Are you looking for things to read this Summer?

If so, check out our Bariatric Summer Reading List! Here, you'll learn about resources for free & inexpensive books, podcast sources, good books by category, and more!

As we approach the holiday season, we are holding a food drive to collect items for those in need. Our food drive will run from November 1st - 15th. If you would like to participate, we have two options available. You may either donate items in person or give a...

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield has recognized Iowa Specialty Hospital with a Blue Distinction Center® designation in the area of bariatric surgery, as part of the Blue Distinction® Specialty Care program. The designation places Iowa Specialty Hospital among the nationally designated facilities shown to deliver quality specialty care based...

Telehealth* brings you the same great care you’ve come to expect, now in the comfort of your home. Through virtual appointments, you will connect with your provider in real-time. Available Telehealth Services Family Medicine Counseling and Therapy Dietitian Services Ear, Nose & Throat Gastroenterology General Surgery Obstetrics/Gynecology Orthopedics Pain Management...

One of the greatest epidemics we will face in our lifetime is obesity. Iowa now ranks as the fourth heaviest state per capita with an obesity rate of 36%. Obesity rates have risen significantly from 21% in 2000 and 12% in 1990. Excess weight is causing a variety of diseases...

Patients seeking surgical treatment for severe obesity and its related conditions have a high-quality choice for receiving treatment at a nationally accredited program that meets the highest standards for patient safety and quality of care in the greater Iowa area. Bariatric Program Coordinator at Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics announced...

You will often see Bariatric Center of Excellence used by certain insurance carriers and hospitals will often advertise that they have been accredited. Some private insurance companies will occasionally stipulate that a surgery has to be performed at a COE certified hospital. COE stands for Center of Excellence. Hospitals have...

Iowa Weight Loss Specialists has been named a Center of Excellence from UnitedHealthcare. UnitedHealthcare is one of the leaders in identifying Centers of Excellence (COEs) that use evidence-based, quality-of-care protocols to help deliver cost-effective care for complex medical procedures at leading treatment centers. Members who seek care from a COE...

Join us on September 16th for a special support group at West Lake's Hy-Vee. Lead by our IWLS Dietitians and Hy-Vee Dietitian, Natalie Hoefing, the tour will focused on healthy eating following bariatric surgery. Please meet in front of the customer service counter. The tour will begin at 10:00 am....

Wellmark® Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® has recognized Iowa Specialty Hospital in Belmond to receive a Blue Distinction® Center+ designation in the area of bariatric surgery by the Blue Distinction® Centers for Specialty Care program.