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by Michele Aliprantis
Obesity is more than a number on a scale—it's a chronic medical condition that increases the risk of serious diseases and can dramatically reduce quality of life. At Lower Bucks Hospital, in partnership with our sister facility Roxborough Memorial Hospital, our Bariatric and Wellness Program offers comprehensive, patient-centered care designed to help individuals with obesity achieve safe, sustainable weight loss and lasting health improvements.
A Team Approach to Weight Loss
Our program is led by Dr. Piotr Krecioch, a respected bariatric surgeon in the Philadelphia area, who provides consultations at Lower Bucks Hospital to make care accessible for local patients. The program combines surgical expertise with multidisciplinary support: medical evaluation, nutrition counseling, behavioral health services, and long-term follow-up. Roxborough Memorial Hospital complements our offerings with additional clinical resources and continuity of care to support every stage of the weight-loss journey.
What Is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery—commonly called weight-loss surgery—encompasses several procedures that change how the body processes food to produce significant, durable weight loss. Procedures we offer include:
- Sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve): A restrictive operation that reduces stomach size so patients feel full with smaller portions.
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: A combined restrictive and malabsorptive surgery that creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes portions of the small intestine to decrease calorie and fat absorption.
Why Choose Surgery?
For individuals with class III obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 40) or those with a BMI ≥ 35 accompanied by serious obesity-related conditions, bariatric surgery is often the most effective long-term option. Extensive research—including guidance from the National Institutes of Health—shows that diet and exercise alone are frequently insufficient to maintain substantial weight loss in these populations because of physiological mechanisms that promote weight regain. Bariatric surgery changes those mechanisms, enabling patients to adopt healthier habits and achieve sustained improvements.
Health Benefits Beyond Weight Loss
Weight loss following bariatric surgery frequently produces wide-ranging medical benefits:
- Improved or resolved type 2 diabetes
- Better blood pressure control and reduction in hypertension
- Lower cholesterol and improved lipid profiles
- Reduced risk of heart disease and stroke
- Improvements in sleep apnea and respiratory function
- Relief from joint pain and mobility limitations
- Positive effects on mood, fertility, and overall quality of life
These health gains often translate to decreased medication needs and fewer obesity-related complications over time.
Who Is a Candidate?
Appropriate candidates typically include:
- Adults with class III obesity (BMI ≥ 40), or
- Adults with BMI ≥ 35 with at least one serious obesity-related comorbidity (e.g., diabetes, severe sleep apnea, hypertension)
- Patients who have tried supervised medical weight-loss strategies and are motivated to commit to long-term lifestyle change and follow-up care
Every candidate undergoes a thorough medical, nutritional, and psychological evaluation to determine the safest and most effective treatment plan.
Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Care
Our program emphasizes evidence-based treatment and individualized care plans. From preoperative education and nutritional optimization to postoperative monitoring and ongoing wellness support, we focus on reducing obesity-related risks and promoting sustainable health. The team approach—surgeons, physicians, dietitians, behavioral health specialists, and nursing staff—ensures coordinated care tailored to each patient’s needs.
Making the Decision
Choosing bariatric surgery is a significant, life-changing step. Our care team is available to guide you through the decision process, explain the benefits and risks of each procedure, and outline realistic expectations for recovery and long-term outcomes.
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to explore whether bariatric surgery is right for you, call our Bariatric and Wellness Program at Lower Bucks Hospital: (610) 277-6131. Our multidisciplinary team is here to answer your questions, schedule a consultation with Dr. Piotr Krecioch, and help you begin a path toward improved health and quality of life.
Together with Roxborough Memorial Hospital, Lower Bucks Hospital is committed to partnering with you on every step of your weight-loss journey—helping you achieve safer, healthier, more fulfilling living.