University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center is prepared to turn New Year's weight loss resolutions into reality

Center for Bariatric Surgery changed the life of Geauga County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy

GEAUGA COUNTY – With the start of the New Year, resolutions to lose weight are made by people throughout the Geauga County region. For many who have repeatedly been unsuccessful with standard diet and exercise methods, the fully accredited Center for Bariatric Surgery at University Hospitals (UH) Geauga Medical Center is equipped to make their weight loss resolutions a safe, healthy reality.

“Since 2010 UH Geauga Medical Center has helped its bariatric surgery patients lose nearly seven tons of weight – the equivalent of 56,000 sticks of butter,” says Barbara Klick, RD, MPH, Program Manager, Bariatric Surgery, University Hospitals. 

Those who are obese or with a body mass index (BMI) over 35 with obesity-related health problems often find it difficult to lose a large amount of weight and keep it off, especially if they have been overweight all their lives. “Obesity is now recognized as a disease by the American Medical Association, and the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology now recommend weight loss surgery for obese patients,” says Leena Khaitan, MD, MPH, Director, Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery, UH Geauga Medical Center. “As a result, there is a great deal of new data showing that weight loss surgery is a good thing for people who qualify.”

Each January, the Center for Bariatric Surgery at UH Geauga Medical Center sees an increase in the number of people considering and committing to weight loss surgery. The facility offers three advanced laparoscopic procedures: Gastric Bypass, Adjustable Gastric Banding and Gastric Sleeve. Scott A. Hildenbrand, Geauga County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy, had his life changed for the better following Gastric Sleeve surgery in July.

“After years of dieting, I decided the sleeve procedure was right for me,” says Deputy Hildenbrand. The surgery resections the stomach into a small pouch and safely induces weight loss by helping patients feel full faster on a smaller amount of food. “I’ve lost 75 pounds so far and will continue to lose weight for a total of 12 to 14 months.”

Deputy Hildenbrand is spending those months naturally creating new eating habits and enjoying a healthier lifestyle. “I feel better and I have more energy,” he says. “Before the procedure my knees hurt all the time and now I have no pain. I would recommend the Center for Bariatric Surgery and UH Geauga Medical Center for anyone who believes surgery could help them.”

For many in the Geauga County area, that belief becomes top-of-mind following the holiday season. “Obesity is not only a barrier to a better quality of life, but is also likely to lead to major health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure or cancer,” says Igal Breitman, MD, general and bariatric surgeon, UH Geauga Medical Center. “Bariatric surgery can change every aspect of a person’s life forever, from daily activities and social status to employment and financial status.”

Positive changes also often include a rapid decrease in obesity-related illnesses and medications, and an increase in the exploration of exciting opportunities. “I see how weight loss surgery helps our patients gain confidence and become the person they truly are,” adds Dr. Khaitan. “At Geauga Medical Center, the Center for Bariatric Surgery is here to help you to lose weight, get healthier and be able to do the things you want to do in your daily life.”

If you are considering a weight loss procedure, register to attend a free online or in-person new patient information session by calling UH Geauga Medical Center at 440-285-7757, or by visiting www.uhgeauga.org or www.uhhospitals.org/weightloss.