SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Sanford USD Medical Center has been named to Money’s “Best Hospitals for Bariatric Surgery 2025” list, making it the only hospital in South Dakota to receive the recognition. The distinction places the Sioux Falls hospital among 75 facilities nationwide recognized for their excellence in bariatric care.
The ranking is based on key indicators of quality, including exceptional outcomes, patient satisfaction and safety records. Hospitals on the list must meet specific standards of care that demonstrate a specialization in high-quality weight loss surgeries.
The bariatric program at Sanford in Sioux Falls offers a range of surgical options, including duodenal switch, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and sleeve gastrectomy. The program also provides revisional surgery and management of the lap band.
Morgan Feenstra, a bariatric coordinator for the program, said care is individualized for each patient. “Our goal with surgery is to improve the health and quality of life for each of our patients,” Feenstra said. “The weight loss is a bonus side effect.”
She added that obesity-related conditions such as hypertension, acid reflux and infertility can improve or completely resolve as a result of the surgery.
Beyond surgery, the Sanford program provides additional resources for patients, including health coaching, nutritional classes, exercise options, and support groups. These services are part of a comprehensive approach to help patients with weight loss.