Weight-Loss Surgery Guide

Your new life starts here.

Weight Management Center Welcome and congratulations.

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 Richard Boorse, MD to qualify for weight-loss surgery, as well as answers to common Director, Program questions about life after weight-loss surgery. Chief, Division of General 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 . 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 Robin Schroeder, MD attending one of the free information events we hold several times each Medical Director, Weight Management Center month. Diplomate, American Board of Medicine

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 | Pocono LVPG 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

2 LEHIGH VALLEY HEALTH NETWORK Get Started People say the first step is sometimes the hardest. We want your first step to be as easy as possible.

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 . These videos also may be a useful reference for the future as you progress through your journey.

Jennifer Newland Carlos Torres After beating stage 4 colon cancer, this single mom For Carlos, family is everything. His nieces and nephews focused on living healthier, starting with her weight. are the center of his life. At 490 pounds, he found enjoying Combining weight-loss surgery with a can-do attitude simple things like going to restaurants of taking them on rides led to a transformation even she can’t believe. was a struggle. That was before weight-loss surgery helped him lose more than 300 pounds.

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

VISIT LVHN.ORG CALL 888-402-LVHN 3 Weight-Loss Surgery (BMI)

HEIGHT Qualifications 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 When you consider having weight-loss surgery, 130 25 24 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 we strongly encourage you to include your 140 27 26 24 23 21 20 19 18 17 primary care provider (PCP) in your decision. 150 29 27 26 24 23 22 20 19 18

Although your medical needs will be addressed by the weight WEIGHT IN POUNDS 160 31 29 28 26 24 23 22 21 20 management team, your PCP can supply additional documentation 170 33 31 29 27 26 24 23 22 21 and offer support as you navigate your weight-loss journey. 180 35 33 31 29 27 26 24 23 22 190 37 35 33 31 29 27 26 24 23 ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY? 200 39 37 34 32 30 29 27 26 24 HERE’S A CHECKLIST 210 41 38 36 34 32 30 29 27 26 • Are you 18 years of age or older? 220 43 40 38 36 34 32 30 28 27 • Do you have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40 or above? If your 230 45 42 40 37 35 33 31 30 28 BMI falls between 35 and 40, and you have other serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, or , 240 47 44 41 39 37 35 33 31 29 you also may qualify for weight-loss surgery. 250 49 46 43 40 38 36 34 32 30 1 • Are you willing to make long-term lifestyle changes and participate 260 51 48 45 42 40 37 35 33 32 in follow-up care with our team? 270 53 49 46 44 41 39 37 35 33 • Have any drug or alcohol abuse/dependency problems been 280 55 51 48 45 43 40 38 36 34 resolved for at least one year? 290 57 53 50 47 44 42 39 37 35 • Are you willing to take vitamins and minerals as prescribed? • Have you attempted weight loss in the past without sustained 300 59 55 52 49 46 42 41 39 37 long-term weight reduction? 310 61 57 53 50 47 44 42 40 38 2 320 62 59 55 52 49 46 43 41 39 330 64 60 57 53 50 47 45 42 40 WHAT IS BMI? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? 340 66 62 58 55 52 49 46 44 41 • Your body mass index (or BMI) is a calculation based on your height 3 and weight. In adults, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered 350 68 64 60 56 53 50 47 45 43 normal, while a BMI of more than 25 is considered . A person is considered obese if the BMI is greater than 30 and BMI: <18.5 morbidly obese if the BMI is 40 or greater. Normal weight BMI: 18.5-24.9 Overweight BMI: 25-29.9 • Your BMI is one of the factors that will determine if weight-loss Obese BMI: 30-34.9 surgery is appropriate for you. Severely obese BMI: 35-39.9 Morbidly obese BMI: 40 or above ZONE 1 MEDICAL CANDIDATE Call 888-402-LVHN to schedule a consult and learn more about nonsurgical options for weight loss. Know Your BMI ZONE 2 For a free and easy way to calculate POSSIBLE SURGICAL CANDIDATE your BMI, visit LVHN.org/bmicalculator. You may be a surgical candidate if you have other serious health conditions. ZONE 3 SURGICAL CANDIDATE

4 LEHIGH VALLEY HEALTH NETWORK How to Prepare for Support Weight-Loss Surgery Groups Before you head out on a long trip, Beyond the support you take time to prepare. your LVHN team offers, That same philosophy holds true with weight-loss surgery. Preparation in group meetings will the months before your surgery will lay the groundwork for your success connect you with other after surgery. Please note that the length of time required for pre-surgery participants in the preparation is often determined by your insurance, which is why we provide three-month (90-day) and six-month (180-day) programs. pre-surgery stage. During the preparation phase, our multidisciplinary team will prepare you Meetings will cover topics like for surgery and your life after surgery, especially physical and emotional pre- and post-surgery ; adjustments that come with such profound transformation. Through the importance of physical individual and group meetings, we will help you discover new eating activity; how stress can impact and habits and explore other aspects of the new lifestyle you’re the way you eat; and overall adopting. You also will learn how your particular surgery will impact your lifestyle management. These short- and long-term weight-loss results. meetings also provide a place where you can share ideas, PREPARING FOR WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY MEANS YOU WILL: ask questions, learn from our • Learn how to make positive changes to your diet and approach facilitators and other participants to meal planning in the group, and build friendships • Take steps to improve your physical fitness and relationships with people • Understand the emotional and environmental triggers that may pursuing the same goals. influence eating habits • Quit smoking and using tobacco products

Register for a Support Group Call 888-402-LVHN for information about locations and registration.

Christian Randeau For 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.

VISIT LVHN.ORG CALL 888-402-LVHN 5 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 43770 Gastric Sleeve CPT code 43775 Gastric 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!

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

6 LEHIGH VALLEY HEALTH NETWORK REGISTERED DIETITIAN (RD) During your pre-surgery How Our Weight-Loss preparation, our RD will complete an individual nutrition assessment Team Will Help You for you, which includes customized dietary goals. The During pre-surgery preparation, here are a few RD also will lead interactive group sessions where you and other of the health care professionals in individual patients will learn about pre- and and group settings, as appropriate: post-surgery diet plans. The RD remains available following weight-loss surgery to encourage your ongoing lifestyle change. PATIENT NAVIGATOR Your patient navigator is a registered nurse who is available to answer EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST (EP) your questions and provide information and support as you navigate Your success depends not only your weight-loss journey. Your patient navigator will provide professional on what you eat, but what you guidance beginning with your first appointment and pre-surgery do. Physical activity is a proven educational program, through surgery and postoperative care. Your calorie-burner, so the EP will show patient navigator will be available for long-term follow-up to help you you how to get started and stay achieve your desired results from weight-loss surgery. committed to “move it and lose it.”

CERTIFIED REGISTERED NURSE PRACTITIONER (CRNP) BEHAVIORAL HEALTH You will see the CRNP monthly leading up to and following surgery. SPECIALIST (BHS) In addition to recording your medical history, your CRNP/physician Our behavioral health specialists assistant/physician will monitor your progress. will work with you on skills and strategies that will help you attain WEIGHT-LOSS SURGEON long-term weight-loss success. During your weight-loss surgery consult, your surgeon will discuss The BHS team can help you your surgical options and help you determine which procedure is address emotional eating issues, best-suited to help you improve your health and meet your weight-loss manage challenging eating goals. Any tests or necessary medical clearances will be determined environments and provide you during this visit. When needed, your surgeon will work closely with with the support needed to live a your primary care provider or specialist to ensure continuity of care. 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.

VISIT LVHN.ORG CALL 888-402-LVHN 7 Get to Know Our Weight-Loss Weight-Loss Surgeons 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 Richard Boorse, MD Paul Cesanek, MD of bariatric surgeries. Bariatric surgery Bariatric surgery LVH–Cedar Crest LVH–Cedar Crest As a candidate for weight-loss surgery, you and your surgeon will discuss the surgical option or options that will offer you the LVHN.org/Boorse LVHN.org/Cesanek 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 Guillermo Garcia, MD T. Daniel Harrison, DO as with gastric bypass or gastric sleeve) or by using a device Bariatric surgery Bariatric surgery such as a gastric band. Because stomach space is smaller, LVH–Muhlenberg LVH–Cedar Crest you will feel full quickly and eat less food. LVHN.org/Garcia LVHN.org/Harrison LVHN.org/Garciaenespanol Malabsorption: Limits absorption of calories and . Gastric bypass surgery bypasses a portion of the , 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.

Jonathan Perry, MD Nicolas Teleo, MD Bariatric surgery Bariatric surgery LVH–Hazleton LVH–Pocono

LVHN.org/Perry

8 LEHIGH VALLEY HEALTH NETWORK HOW WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY WORKS

Watch videos at LVHN.org/weight-surgeries.

Sleeve gastrectomy (Gastric sleeve surgery) GASTRIC SLEEVE LAPAROSCOPIC | EFFECT: RESTRICTION EXCISED • Can help you lose up to 70 percent excess body weight within two years1 PYLORUS STOMACH • Lower risk for vitamin deficiency • Reduces production of appetite-stimulation hormone 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.

ESOPHAGUS Gastric bypass surgery (Roux-en-Y) SMALL GASTRIC LAPAROSCOPIC | EFFECT: MALABSORPTION AND RESTRICTION POUCH EXCLUDED 3 • Can help you lose up to 80 percent excess body weight within five years PORTION OF • Is the most common type of weight-loss surgery STOMACH • Our board-certified surgeons have performed more than 1,100 successful ALIMENTARY gastric bypass surgeries since our program began. OR ROUX LIMB 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 PYLORUS 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.

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

VISIT LVHN.ORG CALL 888-402-LVHN 9 About Your Hospital Stay What to expect

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. LEAPFROG The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit AFTER YOUR SURGERY organization that focuses on the improving Post-anesthesia care unit (PACU): Immediately following your surgery, you will be taken to the PACU (recovery room). Your surgeon will speak the quality and safety of health care. The with your family or authorized friends. You will remain in the PACU until grades provide a resource for patients, and a you are fully awake. You will then be taken to your hospital room. benchmark for hospitals, to determine how the care at one hospital compares to others NOURISHMENT in the region. In 2018, Lehigh Valley Hospital You may start clear liquids the night of your surgery. Nourishment locations in Allentown and Bethlehem as well and hydration will be provided through an intravenous (IV) line. as LVH-Hazleton and LVH-Pocono all received A grades from Leapfrog. 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.

Jillian Wexler Randy As a child, Jillian remembers the pain Zimmerman of being bullied about her weight. She Bread, potatoes and pasta–Randy loved found strength in roller derby, but wanted them all. In fact, he called himself more. After weight-loss surgery, she “The Italian Dutchman.” But that’s became a roller-derby all-star, even all behind him since his weight-loss traveling to Spain to compete. surgery helped him drop 240 pounds.

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

10 LEHIGH VALLEY HEALTH NETWORK Postoperative About Your Eating Schedule IN-HOSPITAL Post-Surgery Diet Sugar-free, clear liquids only WEEK 1 NUTRITION Sugar-free, clear liquids and shakes Once your surgical team determines you are ready to begin drinking, you will receive small amounts of clear liquids WEEKS 2-3 including clear juice, tea, broth and sugar-free gelatin. Full liquids – includes clear liquids, protein shakes and foods like Greek yogurt or EATING AFTER WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY strained soup. In addition, you will take After surgery, you will progressively put into practice all vitamins. This stage is typically two weeks. aspects of the new diet you learned during your surgery WEEKS 4-5 preparation. The first few days after surgery you will follow Puréed foods – such as scrambled eggs, a sugar-free, clear-liquid diet. Once you have been cleared minced chicken, fish or turkey, applesauce, by your surgeon, you will gradually begin incorporating puréed fruits and vegetables, and hot foods on a scheduled basis. At right is a brief outline of the cereals. Protein shakes and vitamins also post-surgery diet. You will receive a patient guidebook that are included. provides detailed information about each stage along with appropriate food options and tips. Patients will progress at WEEKS 6-7 different rates based on their procedure and overall health. 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 Æ Æ sugar. Protein shakes and vitamins also are included. This is the lifetime maintenance diet.

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.

VISIT LVHN.ORG CALL 888-402-LVHN 11 Guidelines Join Our for a Healthy Post-Surgery Homecoming Community You can usually go home within one to As important as the two days after surgery, at the discretion weight-loss surgery support of your surgeon. Here are some general group meetings were before discharge instructions regarding your your surgery, they are even activity level post-surgery: more important after surgery.

• Movement is strongly encouraged as increased periods As a patient who has been through of sitting or resting increase your risk for blood clots. weight-loss surgery, you can offer your • Pace yourself. Feeling tired for several weeks after insights to others and continue to learn surgery is normal. how your weight-loss surgery tool will help you achieve long-term success. • Do not lift more than 10 pounds for at least the first two weeks after surgery. No heavy lifting for three weeks. GROUP MEETING TOPICS INCLUDE: • Climb stairs in moderation. • Body image • You will work with your surgeon to determine when you • Motivation can return to work. This decision is based on your type of • Protein and water consumption weight-loss surgery and the physical demands of your job. • Stress management Plan to be out of work for at least two to three weeks. • Making healthy choices • No driving for one week post-surgery. Consider making • Relationships arrangements for your transportation home prior to your • Intimacy after weight-loss surgery arrival for surgery. Typically patients go home the day • Physical activity and exercise 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 Register for up for a support group, go to LVHN.org/calendar or a Support Group call 888-402-LVHN for a complete list of dates. Call 888-402-LVHN for information about locations and registration.

Plastic Surgery Options For more information about plastic surgery after weight loss, visit LVHN.org/plasticsurgery.

12 LEHIGH VALLEY HEALTH NETWORK The Benefits of Weight-Loss Surgery…a Healthier You You 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 OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA Medical research continues to find that weight-loss Losing weight can positively improve obstructive surgery can put into remission.1 sleep apnea, a type of sleep-disordered breathing.4 This is particularly true for patients who have had Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, but also is MORTALITY RISK experienced by patients with gastric sleeve and is The risk for death for patients who have had sustained over time. weight-loss surgery drops 89 percent5 because chronic conditions that cause early death are HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE reduced or resolved. Weight-loss surgery and the resulting weight loss usually improve or resolve high blood pressure.2 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 HIGH CHOLESTEROL 4. Surgery, March 2007 Most patients who have had weight-loss 5. Annals of Surgery, September 2004 surgery experience an improvement in their cholesterol levels.3

Paula Meyers On 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.

VISIT LVHN.ORG CALL 888-402-LVHN 13 Nonsurgical Weight Management Programs If 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 . 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.

14 LEHIGH VALLEY HEALTH NETWORK VISIT LVHN.ORG CALL 888-402-LVHN 15 Follow us: