The surgeons of Grinnell Bariatrics at Surgical Associates have performed more than 2000 bariatric surgeries. In 1980 under the leadership of Warren Bower, MD, Surgical Associates began providing care for bariatric patients.

At the core of Grinnell's bariatrics program is Grinnell Bariatrics, a part of Surgical Associates. Its board-certified surgeons David D. Coster, MD and Stephen M. Sundberg, MD perform the bariatric surgeries, with the assistance of board-certified PA Jarrod Phelps. Stefanie H. Noun, PA (also board certified) directs the program at Surgical Associates, which includes a medical as well as surgical weight-loss option for patients.

In February of 2006, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services determined that bariatric surgery benefits would be covered for patients for whom the surgery was "reasonable and necessary" but would only be covered at designated centers that had met strict quality measures, volume measures, and proven outcomes. These centers were named Bariatric Centers of Excellence and were certified by either the American College of Surgeons or the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (later renamed the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery).

In December of 2006, Grinnell Regional Medical Center (GRMC) received Iowa's first 1A national accreditation as a Bariatric Center of Excellence by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). In September of 2010, GRMC received a reaccreditation for the program.

Surgical Associates, LLP of Grinnell has provided advanced surgical care in Central Iowa for more than 30 years. In 1980 under the leadership of Warren Bower, M.D., Surgical Associates began providing care for bariatric patients. He had the unique opportunity to train directly with Ed Mason, M.D., PhD; the father and creator of modern gastric-bypass surgery; thus he too became a pioneer in this challenging field. He was later joined by surgeon Victor Wilson, M.D.; and in 1991 by David D. Coster, M.D..

Keeping pace with advancements in the field, this group of talented surgeons consistently applied new techniques in bariatric surgery. In response to their growing reputation, Grinnell Bariatrics was formed within Surgical Associates, LLP of Grinnell. Today, under the leadership of surgeons David D. Coster, M.D. D.O. and Stephen M. Sundberg, M.D., Grinnell Bariatrics has the largest team of bariatric specialists in Iowa, providing 24-hour coverage to care for the specific needs of our patients.

Grinnell Bariatrics works with Grinnell Regional Medical Center (GRMC) to provide a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to ensure our patients success. In addition to our expert surgeons, our team also includes a family practice physician, internal medicine physician, physician assistant, bariatric program director, psychologist, psychiatrist, dietician, social worker, care coordinator, physical therapist, and exercise specialist. We also work closely with cardiologists, pulmonologists, radiologists, and other specialists in the coordination of patient care. We care for our patients before surgery, throughout the recovery period, and for many years beyond surgery. In addition, we offer a support group comprised of patients, surgeons, and hospital staff that meets on a monthly basis.

The surgeons of Surgical Associates, LLP of Grinnell are also pioneers in the advanced techniques of minimally invasive surgery — including robot-assisted surgery — and have made Grinnell Regional Medical Center a center of excellence in the field of advanced laparoscopy. In addition, our surgeons have published important research; particularly in the management of patients with reflux disease.

The Grinnell Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery was created in the mid-1990's to encourage research, publication, and the development of new techniques in this highly specialized field. In addition to bariatric and general surgeons, Surgical Associates LLP also includes specialists in orthopedics and urology.