Our program includes:

• A preoperative program of medically monitored weight loss with multidisciplinary education.
• A two-night hospital stay for laparoscopic Roux-en-Y surgery and gastric sleeve surgery; outpatient or one-day for gastric band placement.
• Comprehensive postoperative supervision and education tailored to each patient.
• Monthly support groups.
• Annual lifetime office visits.

Personal Consultation

Multidisciplinary approach.

Wilkes-Barre General Hospital’s Weight Loss Surgery Program takes a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Led by surgeons Clark Gerhart, M.D. and Gary Neale, M.D., our team includes skilled laparoscopic surgeons, a bariatric coordinator, registered dietician, psychologist, exercise specialists, diabetes experts, dedicated surgical technicians and hospital nurses—all specially trained in bariatric-surgery care. Together, these professionals provide highly personalized care, intensive medical supervision and support for a lifetime.

Insurance Coverage

Does your insurance cover bariatric surgery? What about pre and post-counseling, exercise and nutrition? Don't know? We'll find out for you. After you have attended an information session and filled out some paperwork, we'll send a predetermination packet to your insurance company to get coverage questions answered. This process can take four to six weeks.

For the majority of patients who have insurance coverage, we can find out how much your insurance will cover and what the remaining balance will be. Deductibles, ceilings and limits can sound intimidating, so we'll take care of all of that for you.

As one of the few bariatric surgery providers in Northeastern Pennsylvania, we believe it is our responsibility to work with each patient every step of the way to ensure a great outcome. Our financial planners can work with each individual on payment terms and plans.

Counseling

Just by visiting our Web site and reading this material, our team has learned something about you—you want to change your life. You recognize the problem. You are ready to make changes. Most importantly, you know you need help.

Our team of nurses, dieticians, behaviorists, exercise specialists and physicians are here for you every step of the way.

At Wilkes-Barre General Hospital’s Weight Loss Surgery Program, we view our comprehensive program as an essential element to your success. Because we have specialists in all areas of pre- and postoperative care, you have the support and knowledge necessary to meet your goals.

The psychology of weight management is one of the keys to success. If you don't understand the psychological and emotional triggers that led to your weight problem, you can't avoid the same traps and pitfalls in the future.

Your psychological care begins before surgery. As a preoperative patient, you will meet with a psychologist for an evaluation that is geared toward finding your unique strengths, needs and challenges.

Psychological care may take the form of one-on-one counseling, support groups and information sessions. One key aspect of psychological care is creating realistic goals and expectations. It is also an opportunity for you to discuss your options, fears and hopes. We help you face changes and challenges, celebrate successes and work for solutions to roadblocks. You are choosing to pursue a life-changing event, and it is essential that you select a provider that cares for you before, during and after your surgery, not as a patient, but as a person.

Nutrition

Good nutrition is a key component to successful weight loss following bariatric surgery. Eating the correct foods, in the correct amounts will not only help a patient lose weight, it will also contribute to overall good health and well-being. Wilkes-Barre General Hospital’s Weight Loss Surgery Program registered dieticians are part of the team that cares for you every step of the way.

Protein is the only macronutrient that the body cannot manufacture and produce from "scratch." Therefore, protein must be obtained from an outside source. To be more specific, the nine essential amino acids that are the building blocks to protein need to be obtained from food.

With only a small amount of space in the new stomach, patients are advised to put in only what is most nutritious and will contribute to overall good health and well-being. Eating a minimum of 60 grams of protein a day will minimize or prevent muscle loss and muscle wasting. If a patient fills up his or her stomach with foods containing carbohydrates instead of protein, much of the initial weight loss will be due to the loss of muscle.

Our nutrition appointments will dramatically improve your ability to achieve overall success. We provide a tremendous amount of information regarding what and how you are supposed to eat before surgery and for the rest of your life. Our registered dieticians will be your conscience while you adjust to your new life. The nutrition appointments also allow patients to share with each other and gather advice from the dieticians.

Exercise

Understanding your lifestyle will play an important part in determining your fitness program. Our exercise physiologist works with each patient individually to develop an exercise program tailored to each patient's unique needs.

Our team of physicians, nurses, exercise specialists and nutritionists pay close attention to your overall health pre- and post-surgery to ensure that you can safely begin a regular exercise program, and they will help you remain focused on your goals.

Wellness

Many people choose the Weight Loss Surgery Program because we're a multidisciplinary team of professionals helping you every step of the way. Our team approach treats your mind, body and spirit to help give you the greatest chance of reaching your goals for a new life.

Since we are all creatures of habit, getting used to a new daily routine takes some effort. The first step is to stay focused on your goal of having a strong, healthy body. To achieve this goal, it is important that you follow your physician's orders and eat three meals a day, drink 40 to 60 ounces of fluids and exercise.

Register today!

Call 570-552-THIN to register for our free Weight Loss Surgery Information Session or Support Group.  Or CLICK HERE to register online.

Learn more about our surgeons and your weight loss options by visiting www.wilkes-barrebariatriccenter.com.