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People who have undergone bariatric surgery know the importance of selecting a comprehensive program that is close to home. Quality and convenience are very important because most programs include physician visits, evaluations and testing prior to the surgery and post-procedure follow-up. In Washington County, Monongahela Valley Hospital is the only health system whose Bariatric Surgery Program is accredited by the American College of Surgeons American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery as a Quality Program.

MVH Offers the Only Certified Bariatric Program in Washington County

Hiram A. Gonzalez-Ortiz, M.D., a fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon who is director of MVH’s Weight Control and Wellness Program, has extensive experience with weight management programs.

“Obesity should be taken very seriously and controlled because it not only significantly decreases a person’s quality of life, it can shorten their lifespan,” said Dr. Gonzalez-Ortiz.

The staff at MVH’s Weight Control and Wellness Program evaluates each person’s lifestyle, diet, culture, physical activity, age and gender, as well as certain environmental, psychological, and genetic factors that contribute to obesity. They also review other illnesses or conditions that may be a result of, or made worse by obesity. The team of physicians, dieticians, physical therapists and exercise physiologists create a personalized weight management program which includes nutritional counseling, a medically supervised weight loss plan and physical activity. These services are offered at both MVH and the Monongahela Valley Hospital HealthPlex in Belle Vernon. For those who are not successful in the weight management program, bariatric surgery may be scheduled.

MVH offers three types of bariatric surgery including the gastric sleeve, gastric band and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

In addition to losing a significant amount of weight, some of the people in MVH’s program have lowered their blood pressure, eliminated the need for their diabetes medications and even participated in marathons.

MVH sponsors monthly bariatric educational programs at the hospital and offers an informational video. To view the video, visit monvalleyhospital.com and select Specialties and Services, “Bariatric Surgery” and scroll to the bottom of the page and select Click here to fill out the request form. You will then receive an e-mail with a link to a recording of Dr Gonzalez's "Is Bariatric Surgery Right for You" and a PDF containing information from the presentation.

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