Our Services

Bariatric/Gastric Bypass Surgery 

More than 50 percent of Americans are overweight and 5 percent have serious weight-related medical problems. Clinically severe or morbid obesity is defined as a body mass index [weight (kg)/height in m²⁾ )] greater than 35 with significant medical problems, or more than 100 pounds over the ideal body weight. Severe obesity carries a six- to 12-fold increase in overall mortality when compared to non-obese individuals. Co-morbid conditions associated with severe obesity may include any of the following conditions:

• Diabetes
• Hyperlipidemia or hypercholesterolemia
• Asthma
• Sleep apnea
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Coronary artery disease
• Hypertension
• Menstrual problems
• Urinary incontinence
• Venous stasis of the lower extremities
• Degenerative joint disease
• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Fatty liver hepatosteatonecrosis

Surgical weight loss, or bariatric surgery, may be an option for severely obese patients who fail to maintain weight loss after trying medical weight loss strategies such as modifications in diet, behavior and exercise, and medically supervised weight loss regimens.

For more information on gastric bypass, visit the Gastric Bypass web site.

Facts:

• Most patients experience significant improvement or resolution of weight-related medical problems following bariatric surgery.
• Other benefits include improved body image and self-esteem, more energy, and return to normal activities including employment.
• Bariatric surgery should be considered when the medical benefits of weight loss outweigh the risk of complications related to surgery.

A multidisciplinary approach means better outcomes

• Comprehensive pre-surgical assessment and post-surgical follow-up including behavior modification and nutrition counseling are critical for sustained weight loss. Working with referring physicians, our therapists and dietitians teach patients to eat properly and use the stapled stomach to assist weight loss.
• All patients undergo psychological screening and nutrition counseling to help identify uncontrolled depression, psychosis, eating disorders, a history of substance abuse and any other emotional issues that might interfere with the patient’s ability to comply with post-surgical instructions.

Choosing the best operative technique

The gastric bypass operation performed at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center promotes weight loss by restricting food intake and causing rapid passage of sweet foods, called dumping. Robert Cooney, M.D., director, surgical weight loss program, performs the procedure via an open technique through a small (six to 10 inch) abdominal incision.

Randy S. Haluck, M.D., director, Penn State Minimally Invasive Surgery Program, offers the option of laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery. The laparoscopic technique follows the same principles as the open procedure: create a small gastric pouch to create a sense of fullness after as small meal; restrict the gastric outlet to slow down gastric emptying; and perform a partial intestinal bypass.

Benefits of a laparoscopic approach include

• Less postoperaive pain.
• Faster recovery.
• Better cosmesis.
• Fewer wound complications such as hernia or infection.

Transition of care

Referring physicians receive

• Educational material.
• Phone consults.
• Routine follow-up instructions

For appointments call Penn State MD Network at 800-233-4082.