Your new life starts here....starts here. Weight-Loss Surgery Guide Weight Management Center 2 LEHIGH VALLEY HEALTH NETWORK You have taken the first step toward improving your health,

Your new life starts here.

Weight-Loss Surgery Guide

Weight Management Center

2 LEHIGH VALLEY HEALTH NETWORK

You have taken the first step toward improving your health, living longer and making the most of your life by considering Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) for your weight-loss surgery.

This booklet contains information about the types of weight-loss surgeries we offer, benefits of each surgery, steps you will take to qualify for weight-loss surgery, as well as answers to common questions about life after weight-loss surgery.

We understand you are fighting a very personal battle. Our team is comprised of surgeons, specially educated bariatric physicians, patient navigators, certified registered nurse practitioners, physicians assistants, registered dietitians and behavioral health specialists who will help you evaluate and choose the best path for successful weight loss. We believe each patient is unique, and there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. We will personalize your journey to meet your unique needs so you can move forward and live a healthier life. You can learn more about our weight-loss surgery options and meet our providers by attending one of the free information events we hold several times each month.

LEHIGH VALLEY WEIGHT MANAGEMENT CENTER LOCATIONS LVPG Bariatric Medicine–1243 Cedar Crest LVPG Bariatric Medicine–Palmer Township LVPG General, Bariatric and Trauma Surgery–Cedar Crest LVPG General, Bariatric and Trauma Surgery–Muhlenberg

NEPA AND POCONO WEIGHT MANAGEMENT CENTER LOCATIONS LVPG General, Bariatric and Trauma Surgery–Plaza Court | PoconoLVPG Surgery–Health & Wellness Center | Hazleton

BARIATRIC SURGERY LOCATIONS Lehigh Valley Health Network offers bariatric surgery at the following hospitals: Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton Lehigh Valley Hospital–Pocono Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill

Welcome and congratulations.

Robin Schroeder, MD Medical Director, Weight Management Center Diplomate, American Board of Obesity Medicine

Richard Boorse, MD Director, Bariatric Surgery Program Chief, Division of General Surgery

VISIT LVHN.ORG CALL 888-402-LVHN 3

LIVE FREE INFO EVENTS That’s why we offer convenient day and evening free information events for you to learn about Lehigh Valley Health Network’s weight-loss surgery program, find out what you can expect pre- and post-surgery and most importantly, ask questions of our team. Information sessions run about 90 minutes, and parking is free.

LEARN MORE ONLINE For people who have a distance to travel or have challenges getting around, we offer an option to complete your education online through a series of videos you can view at your convenience in the comfort of your home. These videos, located at LVHN.org/surgicalweightloss, cover the key points shared at live information events. You will hear from our staff and patients about various aspects of our program and learn the answers to frequently asked questions about insurance, surgical procedures and diet. These videos also may be a useful reference for the future as you progress through your journey.

Get StartedPeople say the first step is sometimes the hardest. We want your first step to be as easy as possible.

Want to hear how others achieved their goals? Visit LVHN.org/weightloss-stories.

Jennifer NewlandAfter beating stage 4 colon cancer, this single mom focused on living healthier, starting with her weight. Combining weight-loss surgery with a can-do attitude led to a transformation even she can’t believe.

Carlos Torres For Carlos, family is everything. His nieces and nephews are the center of his life. At 490 pounds, he found enjoying simple things like going to restaurants of taking them on rides was a struggle. That was before weight-loss surgery helped him lose more than 300 pounds.


Weight-Loss Surgery QualificationsWhen you consider having weight-loss surgery, we strongly encourage you to include your primary care provider (PCP) in your decision. Although your medical needs will be addressed by the weight management team, your PCP can supply additional documentation and offer support as you navigate your weight-loss journey.

ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY? HERE’S A CHECKLIST

• Are you 18 years of age or older?

• Do you have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40 or above? If your BMI falls between 35 and 40, and you have other serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or sleep apnea, you also may qualify for weight-loss surgery.

• Are you willing to make long-term lifestyle changes and participate in follow-up care with our team?

• Have any drug or alcohol abuse/dependency problems been resolved for at least one year?

• Are you willing to take vitamins and minerals as prescribed?

• Have you attempted weight loss in the past without sustained long-term weight reduction?

WHAT IS BMI? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?• Your body mass index (or BMI) is a calculation based on your height

and weight. In adults, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal, while a BMI of more than 25 is considered overweight. A person is considered obese if the BMI is greater than 30 and morbidly obese if the BMI is 40 or greater.

• Your BMI is one of the factors that will determine if weight-loss surgery is appropriate for you.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

WEI

GH

T IN

PO

UN

DS

ZONE 1 MEDICAL CANDIDATE Call 888-402-LVHN to schedule a consult and learn more about nonsurgical options for weight loss.

ZONE 2 POSSIBLE SURGICAL CANDIDATE You may be a surgical candidate if you have other serious health conditions.

ZONE 3 SURGICAL CANDIDATE

5’0 5’2 5’4 5’6 5’8 5’10 6’0 6’2 6’4

120 23 22 21 19 18 17 16 15 15

130 25 24 22 21 20 19 18 17 16

140 27 26 24 23 21 20 19 18 17

150 29 27 26 24 23 22 20 19 18

160 31 29 28 26 24 23 22 21 20

170 33 31 29 27 26 24 23 22 21

180 35 33 31 29 27 26 24 23 22

190 37 35 33 31 29 27 26 24 23

200 39 37 34 32 30 29 27 26 24

210 41 38 36 34 32 30 29 27 26

220 43 40 38 36 34 32 30 28 27

230 45 42 40 37 35 33 31 30 28

240 47 44 41 39 37 35 33 31 29

250 49 46 43 40 38 36 34 32 30

260 51 48 45 42 40 37 35 33 32

270 53 49 46 44 41 39 37 35 33

280 55 51 48 45 43 40 38 36 34

290 57 53 50 47 44 42 39 37 35

300 59 55 52 49 46 42 41 39 37

310 61 57 53 50 47 44 42 40 38

320 62 59 55 52 49 46 43 41 39

330 64 60 57 53 50 47 45 42 40

340 66 62 58 55 52 49 46 44 41

350 68 64 60 56 53 50 47 45 43

HEIGHT

Underweight BMI: <18.5 Normal weight BMI: 18.5-24.9 Overweight BMI: 25-29.9 Obese BMI: 30-34.9 Severely obese BMI: 35-39.9 Morbidly obese BMI: 40 or above

1

2

3

Know Your BMIFor a free and easy way to calculate

your BMI, visit LVHN.org/bmicalculator.


How to Prepare for Weight-Loss SurgeryBefore you head out on a long trip, you take time to prepare. That same philosophy holds true with weight-loss surgery. Preparation in the months before your surgery will lay the groundwork for your success after surgery. Please note that the length of time required for pre-surgery preparation is often determined by your insurance, which is why we provide three-month (90-day) and six-month (180-day) programs.

During the preparation phase, our multidisciplinary team will prepare you for surgery and your life after surgery, especially physical and emotional adjustments that come with such profound transformation. Through individual and group meetings, we will help you discover new eating and exercise habits and explore other aspects of the new lifestyle you’re adopting. You also will learn how your particular surgery will impact your short- and long-term weight-loss results.

PREPARING FOR WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY MEANS YOU WILL: • Learn how to make positive changes to your diet and approach

to meal planning• Take steps to improve your physical fitness• Understand the emotional and environmental triggers that may

influence eating habits • Quit smoking and using tobacco products

Register for a Support Group

Call 888-402-LVHN for information about locations and registration.

Support GroupsBeyond the support your LVHN team offers, group meetings will connect you with other participants in the pre-surgery stage. Meetings will cover topics like pre- and post-surgery nutrition; the importance of physical activity; how stress can impact the way you eat; and overall lifestyle management. These meetings also provide a place where you can share ideas, ask questions, learn from our facilitators and other participants in the group, and build friendships and relationships with people pursuing the same goals.

Christian RandeauFor years, Christian harbored a secret dream to go skydiving. Only one thing stopped her: her weight. It was her motivation for weight-loss surgery. “I used to reward myself with food. Now I take my kids to the trampoline park or buy a new dress.” And yes, she fulfilled her dream to go skydiving.

Read how Christian overcame a difficult childhood to reach her goals. Visit LVHN.org/weightloss-stories.


Insurance Having health insurance coverage is not a guarantee that your individual plan covers weight-loss surgery or that you will be approved for surgery.

Call your insurance carrier to determine if your plan provides coverage for weight-loss surgery and if there are any exclusions. You will need to provide your insurer with the following insurance code information:

Adjustable Gastric Band (Lap Band) CPT code 43770Gastric Sleeve CPT code 43775Gastric Bypass CPT code 43644

HERE ARE TWO IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO REVIEW WITH YOUR HEALTH INSURER:1. Does my insurance plan provide coverage for bariatric (weight-loss) surgery?2. Does my insurance cover surgery at Lehigh Valley Hospital?

If the answer to both questions is “Yes,” ask your health insurer:

• What are the specific requirements of the pre-surgery educational program?

• What length of time is required for the pre-surgery program: three months (90 days), six months (180 days) or another specific length of time?

• Does my plan cover the three types of weight-loss surgical procedures provided by Lehigh Valley Health Network (adjustable gastric band, gastric sleeve and gastric bypass)?

• Does my insurance have an out-of-pocket maximum, and what is my deductible?

Please note: Completion of the pre-surgery program does not guarantee approval for surgery.

Jennell Morcombe Foot pain, knee pain and back pain were all taking a toll on this busy working mom, and she knew the cause: her weight. Since surgery, she’s pain-free and back to her favorite shoes: her heels!



PATIENT NAVIGATOR Your patient navigator is a registered nurse who is available to answer your questions and provide information and support as you navigate your weight-loss journey. Your patient navigator will provide professional guidance beginning with your first appointment and pre-surgery educational program, through surgery and postoperative care. Your patient navigator will be available for long-term follow-up to help you achieve your desired results from weight-loss surgery.

CERTIFIED REGISTERED NURSE PRACTITIONER (CRNP) You will see the CRNP monthly leading up to and following surgery. In addition to recording your medical history, your CRNP/physician assistant/physician will monitor your progress.

WEIGHT-LOSS SURGEON During your weight-loss surgery consult, your surgeon will discuss your surgical options and help you determine which procedure is best-suited to help you improve your health and meet your weight-loss goals. Any tests or necessary medical clearances will be determined during this visit. When needed, your surgeon will work closely with your primary care provider or specialist to ensure continuity of care.

How Our Weight-Loss Team Will Help YouDuring pre-surgery preparation, here are a few of the health care professionals in individual and group settings, as appropriate:

REGISTERED DIETITIAN (RD) During your pre-surgery preparation, our RD will complete an individual nutrition assessment for you, which includes customized dietary goals. The RD also will lead interactive group sessions where you and other patients will learn about pre- and post-surgery diet plans. The RD remains available following weight-loss surgery to encourage your ongoing lifestyle change.

EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST (EP) Your success depends not only on what you eat, but what you do. Physical activity is a proven calorie-burner, so the EP will show you how to get started and stay committed to “move it and lose it.”

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALIST (BHS) Our behavioral health specialists will work with you on skills and strategies that will help you attain long-term weight-loss success. The BHS team can help you address emotional eating issues, manage challenging eating environments and provide you with the support needed to live a more active lifestyle.

Tyler Krewson As a high school linebacker, Tyler’s size made him a tough competitor. As a sous chef weighing more than 400 pounds, it made navigating the kitchen a challenge. Despite his passion for creating desserts, since his bariatric surgery Tyler says he doesn’t miss the sweets he used to crave. Hear how bariatric surgery helps people make better food choices.

Watch Tyler’s journey at LVHN.org/weightloss-stories.


Weight-Loss Surgery Options Offered With more than 900 bariatric surgeries performed each year, the surgical team at Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) leads the region with the highest annual volume of bariatric surgeries.As a candidate for weight-loss surgery, you and your surgeon will discuss the surgical option or options that will offer you the safest and healthiest opportunity for successful weight loss.

RESTRICTION VS. MALABSORPTION As you learn about weight-loss surgery procedures, you will hear the terms “restriction” and “malabsorption.” These terms describe how weight-loss surgery causes weight loss.

Restriction: Reduces size of the stomach. This reduction is done either by surgically reducing size of the stomach (such as with gastric bypass or gastric sleeve) or by using a device such as a gastric band. Because stomach space is smaller, you will feel full quickly and eat less food.

Malabsorption: Limits absorption of calories and nutrients. Gastric bypass surgery bypasses a portion of the small intestine, causing an effect called malabsorption. When part of the small intestine is bypassed, it means fewer calories and nutrients are absorbed by the body, resulting in weight loss. This also means necessary vitamins and minerals are not absorbed. If you have gastric bypass surgery, you will need to take specific vitamin and mineral supplements, as explained by your physician.

Get to Know Our Weight-Loss Surgeons

Richard Boorse, MD Bariatric surgery LVH–Cedar Crest

LVHN.org/Boorse


Paul Cesanek, MD Bariatric surgery LVH–Cedar Crest

LVHN.org/Cesanek

Guillermo Garcia, MD Bariatric surgery LVH–Muhlenberg

LVHN.org/Garcia LVHN.org/Garciaenespanol

T. Daniel Harrison, DO Bariatric surgery LVH–Cedar Crest

LVHN.org/Harrison

Jonathan Perry, MD Bariatric surgery LVH–Hazleton

LVHN.org/Perry

Nicolas Teleo, MD Bariatric surgery LVH–Pocono


Sleeve gastrectomy (Gastric sleeve surgery)

LAPAROSCOPIC | EFFECT: RESTRICTION

• Can help you lose up to 70 percent excess body weight within two years1 • Lower risk for vitamin deficiency • Reduces production of appetite-stimulation hormone ghrelin

The gastric sleeve procedure removes about 75 percent of your stomach2 through laparoscopic surgery. What remains is a narrow tube (or sleeve) of stomach. This limits the amount of food you can eat and helps you feel full sooner. It also allows for normal digestion and absorption, so you get the nutrients and vitamins you need. During the procedure, the part of your stomach that curves outward, called the fundus, will be removed. The fundus contains most of the glands in your stomach that secrete an appetite-stimulating hormone called ghrelin. Because ghrelin may be partly responsible for making you feel hungry, taking out this part of your stomach may help you lose weight afterward.

Gastric bypass surgery (Roux-en-Y)

LAPAROSCOPIC | EFFECT: MALABSORPTION AND RESTRICTION

• Can help you lose up to 80 percent excess body weight within five years3 • Is the most common type of weight-loss surgery • Our board-certified surgeons have performed more than 1,100 successful

gastric bypass surgeries since our program began.

During laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, your surgeon will reform your stomach to create a smaller stomach pouch. A section of the small intestine will attach directly to the pouch. This allows food to bypass a portion of the small intestine that absorbs calories and nutrients. You will feel fuller sooner and eat less because your stomach pouch holds less food. Gastric bypass also may effectively treat acid reflux disorder because the acid-producing part of the stomach is separated from the esophagus.

Adjustable gastric banding (LAP-Band®, Realize™)

LAPAROSCOPIC | EFFECT: RESTRICTION

• Can help you lose 50 to 60 percent excess body weight within three years4 • Prolonged sense of fullness after small meals

Adjustable gastric banding is performed laparoscopically through small incisions. Your surgeon will place a silicone band around the top portion of the stomach, leaving a smaller pouch available for food. The small pouch means you will feel full after eating only small amounts of food, helping you lose weight. The band’s volume can be adjusted to regulate the amount of food restriction. If necessary, the procedure can be reversed.

EXCISED STOMACH

EXCLUDED PORTION OF STOMACH

ALIMENTARY OR ROUX LIMB

ESOPHAGUS

GASTRIC SLEEVE

SMALL GASTRIC POUCH

PYLORUS

PYLORUS

1. American Family Physician, October 2011 2. American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery 3. Arquivos de Gastroenterologia, September 2014 4. Annals of Surgery, January 2013

HOW WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY WORKS Watch videos at LVHN.org/weight-surgeries.


DAY BEFORE SURGERY You will receive a phone call from Lehigh Valley Hospital with the time you are to report to the hospital. It is necessary that you follow any instructions your surgeon has given you, such as special diet and medications you should take or not take prior to surgery.

DAY OF SURGERY Upon arriving at the hospital, please enter through the main entrance of the hospital. Let the main desk attendant know you are here for surgery. You will be directed to the surgical staging unit, where you will prepare for surgery and have the opportunity to speak with a member of the bariatric surgical team. All of your information will be reviewed with you at this time.

AFTER YOUR SURGERY Post-anesthesia care unit (PACU): Immediately following your surgery, you will be taken to the PACU (recovery room). Your surgeon will speak with your family or authorized friends. You will remain in the PACU until you are fully awake. You will then be taken to your hospital room.

NOURISHMENT You may start clear liquids the night of your surgery. Nourishment and hydration will be provided through an intravenous (IV) line.

PAIN MANAGEMENT It is important for you to inform your nurse if you are having pain or discomfort. You will be encouraged to get up and walk around the unit, which is an important part of the recovery process.

About Your Hospital Stay What to expect

LEAPFROG The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization that focuses on the improving the quality and safety of health care. The grades provide a resource for patients, and a benchmark for hospitals, to determine how the care at one hospital compares to others in the region. In 2018, Lehigh Valley Hospital locations in Allentown and Bethlehem as well as LVH-Hazleton and LVH-Pocono all received A grades from Leapfrog.

Jillian WexlerAs a child, Jillian remembers the pain of being bullied about her weight. She found strength in roller derby, but wanted more. After weight-loss surgery, she became a roller-derby all-star, even traveling to Spain to compete.

Randy Zimmerman Bread, potatoes and pasta–Randy loved them all. In fact, he called himself “The Italian Dutchman.” But that’s all behind him since his weight-loss surgery helped him drop 240 pounds.



About Your Post-Surgery Diet

Postoperative Eating ScheduleIN-HOSPITAL Sugar-free, clear liquids only

WEEK 1 Sugar-free, clear liquids and protein shakes

WEEKS 2-3 Full liquids – includes clear liquids, protein shakes and foods like Greek yogurt or strained soup. In addition, you will take vitamins. This stage is typically two weeks.

WEEKS 4-5 Puréed foods – such as scrambled eggs, minced chicken, fish or turkey, applesauce, puréed fruits and vegetables, and hot cereals. Protein shakes and vitamins also are included.

WEEKS 6-7 Soft phase – such as egg substitute, cottage cheese, and moist baked chicken and fish. Protein shakes and vitamins also are included.

WEEK 8 AND BEYOND Regular texture – includes foods high in protein and fiber, and low in fat and sugar. Protein shakes and vitamins also are included. This is the lifetime maintenance diet.

NUTRITION Once your surgical team determines you are ready to begin drinking, you will receive small amounts of clear liquids including clear juice, tea, broth and sugar-free gelatin.

EATING AFTER WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY After surgery, you will progressively put into practice all aspects of the new diet you learned during your surgery preparation. The first few days after surgery you will follow a sugar-free, clear-liquid diet. Once you have been cleared by your surgeon, you will gradually begin incorporating foods on a scheduled basis. At right is a brief outline of the post-surgery diet. You will receive a patient guidebook that provides detailed information about each stage along with appropriate food options and tips. Patients will progress at different rates based on their procedure and overall health.

Æ Æ

Gina Burton Crippling foot pain made walking unbearable for Gina. Exercise was out of the question, and foot surgery failed to give her relief. High heels? Forget it. That’s when she decided weight-loss surgery might help. And it did. Nearly 100 pounds lighter, Gina often walks 25,000 steps a day. She’s got a bounce in her step, but what people really notice is her smile. “I’m happy.” Find out how she took the first step to becoming healthier and happier.

Watch Gina’s journey at LVHN.org/weightloss-stories.


Join Our Post-Surgery CommunityAs important as the weight-loss surgery support group meetings were before your surgery, they are even more important after surgery.

As a patient who has been through weight-loss surgery, you can offer your insights to others and continue to learn how your weight-loss surgery tool will help you achieve long-term success.

GROUP MEETING TOPICS INCLUDE:• Body image • Motivation • Protein and water consumption • Stress management • Making healthy choices • Relationships • Intimacy after weight-loss surgery• Physical activity and exercise

Guidelines for a Healthy HomecomingYou can usually go home within one to two days after surgery, at the discretion of your surgeon. Here are some general discharge instructions regarding your activity level post-surgery:

• Movement is strongly encouraged as increased periods of sitting or resting increase your risk for blood clots.

• Pace yourself. Feeling tired for several weeks after surgery is normal.

• Do not lift more than 10 pounds for at least the first two weeks after surgery. No heavy lifting for three weeks.

• Climb stairs in moderation.

• You will work with your surgeon to determine when you can return to work. This decision is based on your type of weight-loss surgery and the physical demands of your job. Plan to be out of work for at least two to three weeks.

• No driving for one week post-surgery. Consider making arrangements for your transportation home prior to your arrival for surgery. Typically patients go home the day following surgery.

APPOINTMENTS AFTER WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY• Schedule a follow-up appointment with your surgeon

seven to 10 days after your procedure.

• Postoperative appointments will occcur with your surgeon at one- and three-month intervals. Nutrition and behavioral health team members are also available for follow-up appointments.

• Support groups are offered several times a month at sites throughout Lehigh Valley Health Network. To sign up for a support group, go to LVHN.org/calendar or call 888-402-LVHN for a complete list of dates.

Plastic Surgery OptionsFor more information about plastic surgery after

weight loss, visit LVHN.org/plasticsurgery.

Register for a Support Group

Call 888-402-LVHN for information about locations and registration.


The Benefits of Weight-Loss Surgery…a Healthier YouYou are fully aware of the impact your extra weight makes in your daily life. Here are the ways weight-loss surgery provided by Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) may benefit you:

TYPE 2 DIABETES Medical research continues to find that weight-loss surgery can put type 2 diabetes into remission.1 This is particularly true for patients who have had Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, but also is experienced by patients with gastric sleeve and is sustained over time. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE Weight-loss surgery and the resulting weight loss usually improve or resolve high blood pressure.2

HIGH CHOLESTEROL Most patients who have had weight-loss surgery experience an improvement in their cholesterol levels.3

OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA Losing weight can positively improve obstructive sleep apnea, a type of sleep-disordered breathing.4

MORTALITY RISK The risk for death for patients who have had weight-loss surgery drops 89 percent5 because chronic conditions that cause early death are reduced or resolved. 1. Journal of the American Medical Association, June 2014 2. Journal of the American Medical Association, June 2013 3. Journal of the American Medical Association, June 2013 4. Surgery, March 2007 5. Annals of Surgery, September 2004

Paula MeyersOn her wedding day, this 4-foot-9 Hellertown hairstylist weighed just 98 pounds. As she neared her 40th birthday, she found herself weighing 210 pounds. She could no longer join her family for ATV outings, and forget anything involving wearing a swimsuit. Inspiration to consider weight-loss surgery came from a co-worker. Today, paddleboarding, kayaking and enjoying the outdoors are not just Paula’s pastimes, they are her passion. And her experience inspires others. Find out why.

Watch Paula’s transformation at LVHN.org/weightloss-stories.


Nonsurgical Weight Management ProgramsIf you decide surgery isn’t for you, LVPG Bariatric Medicine has additional options to help you lose weight.

MEDICAL WEIGHT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Medically supervised weight loss is a program managed by a team of professionals who specialize in obesity and includes physicians, dietitians, nurses, exercise physiologists and behavioral health specialists. Our clinicians can tailor a safe and effective program of diet, nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes just for you. In addition to our medically supervised program, the Weight Management Center offers other nonsurgical options to help you achieve your goals.

Robin Schroeder, MD Robin Schroeder, MD, is medical director of the Weight Management Center. She helps people throughout the Lehigh Valley achieve their personal weight-loss goals, and she also knows firsthand exactly what it’s like to battle obesity.

“I struggled with my weight for my entire life. I want to help people discover the weight-loss option that will work best for them,” she says. As she approached her 50th birthday (in 2008), Schroeder took a huge step. “I decided it was time to explore weight-loss surgery.”

Schroeder chose adjustable gastric banding, and in the years since surgery has lost 90 pounds and changed her life. Already board-certified in family medicine, Schroeder is also a diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. As she guides people through their weight-loss journey, she shares her story with them. “I feel great,” she says. “I want to help others feel the same way.”

Read Schroeder’s story at LVHN.org/weightloss-stories.


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Your new life starts here....starts here. Weight-Loss Surgery Guide Weight Management Center 2 LEHIGH VALLEY HEALTH NETWORK You have taken the first step toward improving your health,