Bariatric Weight Loss Services

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Losing weight can be extremely difficult. For people who have 100 pounds or more to lose, it can be even more challenging. For some, weight loss surgery may offer a solution where other methods have failed. Bariatric surgery can be life transforming, offering individuals an opportunity to lead a more active and satisfying life.

Commonwealth Health's bariatric surgery program provides education and support that begins before surgery and extends through recovery to help ensure individuals are set up for success. Our experienced surgeons specialize in bariatric surgery and offer proven weight loss techniques, such as:

• Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy – Through small incisions, the surgeon removes approximately 80 percent of the stomach, leaving a narrow gastric tube or sleeve. This “new” stomach has a much smaller capacity, which means patients feel full or satisfied after eating only a small amount of food. The procedure has also proven to reduce the appetite hormone called Grehlin. Less appetite combined with a smaller stomach makes it even easier to eat less food and lose weight.
• Gastric Bypass – There are several types of procedures that are used, but all of them bypass part of the small intestine that absorbs nutrients. Bypass techniques involve stapling off an area of the stomach to create a smaller pouch. Gastric bypass also reduces production of the appetite hormone Grehlin, making it easier to eat less.
• Revision and Conversion Surgery – For a variety of reasons, patients may experience the need for revisions, corrections or conversions of their original operation. Our bariatric surgeons can evaluate each situation and recommend appropriate treatment.

Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for Me?
You may be a candidate for bariatric weight loss surgery if:

• Your body mass index (BMI) is 40 or over.
• Your BMI is 35 or higher and you also suffer from one or more health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension or obstructive sleep apnea.
• Your serious attempts to lose weight have had only short-term success.
• You are prepared to make substantial changes in your eating habits and lifestyle.
• Talk to your doctor to find out whether bariatric surgery is a good option for you.

Attend a Seminar
Commonwealth Health offers free seminars to help you determine if you are a candidate for weight loss surgery. Click here to register for one of our seminars in the Scranton or Wilkes-Barre area.

Patient Resources
Are you ready to change your life? At Commonwealth Health, we make becoming a patient easy. Just follow the steps below and take the first step today.

Step One: Attend a Free Weight Loss Seminar
The best way to find out if you are a candidate for weight loss surgery is to attend a seminar with our bariatric team. The interactive session includes discussion about the program as well as questions and answers regarding surgical options, the insurance process and the risks and rewards of bariatric surgery. Register to attend a seminar today by choosing a location near you.

Regional Hospital of Scranton
Thomas P. Saxton Medical Pavilion

Step Two: Consultation
The next step in the process is a consultation with the surgeon. This is where you and your doctor will evaluate your condition and discuss your options. If surgery is indicated, a pre-surgical plan will be developed especially for you.

Step Three: Education
Our educational program has three components:

1. Patient education class, which includes the following topics:
• Nutrition
• Instructions on how to prepare for surgery
• Introduction to exercise
• Assessment of your understanding and readiness for surgery
• Postoperative resource materials
2. Final visit before surgery where you will:
• Review the preparation process
• Receive instructions for activity

Step Four: Surgery

Step Five: Follow Up Care
At Commonwealth Health, we have developed a program of follow-up care designed to meet your individual needs. Our bariatric team is here to help you with any physical, emotional and other challenges that might arise. In the early days after surgery, our team will work closely with you and your primary care physician to ensure your physical recovery stays on track. Our support groups offer ongoing education and encouragement from other bariatric surgery patients as well as our professional staff.

Why Choose Us?
Commonwealth Health's bariatric surgery program has been evaluated and recognized for excellence by several organizations. These accreditations and designations mean Commonwealth Health's weight loss surgery program has been evaluated for maintaining high standards and its surgeons have access to all the resources necessary for optimal patient care, including skilled and experienced bariatric nurses as well as specialized equipment and accommodations that help provide a safe and comfortable hospital stay.

Our awards and accreditations include:

• Optum Bariatric Resource Services (BRS) Center of Excellence (COE)
• Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery/Gastric Banding - BlueCross BlueShield of Pennsylvania
• Blue Distinction Center+ for Bariatric Surgery/Gastric Stapling - BlueCross BlueShield of Pennsylvania

Bariatric weight loss options at Commonwealth Health include:

• Gastric bypass
• Sleeve gastrectomy
• Revision and conversion surgery

Commonwealth Health's bariatric surgery program provides education and support that begins before surgery and extends through recovery to ensure individuals are set up for success.

Obesity contributes to the risk of developing serious medical conditions including respiratory and cardiac problems, depression, cancer, and is the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Don’t be a statistic. Get informed and find out how you can change your future and well-being.

To begin your journey towards a healthier lifestyle, contact Commonwealth Health's Bariatric Coordinator at (570) 552-1287.

Register For a Seminar
Commonwealth Health offers free seminars at the Thomas P. Saxton Medical Pavilion in Kingston or at Regional Hospital in Scranton to help you determine if you are a candidate for weight loss surgery. Choose a location to register for an in-person seminar.