Bariatric Services at St. Luke's Hospital - Allentown Campus
St. Luke's Hospital - Allentown Campus and the St. Luke's Bariatric Services Awarded Center of Excellence Designation
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Morbid Obesity - Weight Loss Options Are Available
Extreme, or morbid obesity, affects more than eight million Americans and is growing at an alarming rate. Obesity does not come from just a lack of willpower as many may imply, but rather a problem of metabolism affected by genetics, environment and behavior.
Obesity can cause diabetes, coronary artery disease, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and even some cancers just to name a few diseases. Morbid obesity is characterized by being 100 pounds or more over one's ideal healthy weight and with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or by a BMI of 35 to 39.99 and suffering from an obesity-related disease such as diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea.
Bariatric Surgery Can Help - Gastric Bypass, Roux-En-Y, Lap Band
For these individuals, dieting and lifestyle changes may seem like a rollercoaster ride in which sustained weight loss is simply not achieved. Studies have shown that for the clinically morbidly obese person, bariatric surgery is the best way to reach sustainable weight loss. Because of this, more people are choosing bariatric surgery to achieve permanent weight loss and regain their lives.
St. Luke's offers a comprehensive program of care, from the initial consult to ongoing follow-up and support, for people considering weight-loss surgery. Patients benefit from a compassionate, knowledgeable care team and access to counseling, a dedicated web forum and a bariatric support group.
*Not all St. Luke's surgeons are designated BSCOE members.
