WellSpan Clinical Weight Loss Program

2339 S. George Street
York, PA 17403
(717) 851-6207
Map & Driving Directions

Obesity:  You are not alone

According to the American Obesity Association, approximately 127 million American adults are over weight and 60 million are obese. Nine million have progressed to a more advanced condition, termed "morbid" or "clinically severe" obesity. Obesity places an individual at a greater risk for many different types of medical and emotional problems such as high blood pressure; heart attacks; stroke; blood clots; adult onset diabetes; severe arthritis and problems with mobility; lung and breathing problems and significant emotional and social distress.

WellSpan offers a comprehensive approach for individuals who would like to lose weight and develop a healthier lifestyle. A medical weight loss program and a surgical weight loss program are available.

How much weight is too much?

Obesity is a condition that is controlled rather than cured. It is not weight alone which determines obesity, but rather Body Mass Index (BMI). Please refer to the accompanying chart to determine your own BMI or use the BMI calculator.

Medical Weight Loss Program

The WellSpan Clinical Weight Loss Program is a physician-guided program that provides education on nutrition, healthy eating habits and improving obesity-related conditions. We also provide a link to exercise and physical activity resources, support groups, psychological counseling, recipes, reading material and more.

It is important to realize that weight loss through our program is not a quick fix. For patients who need to lose a lot of weight (more than 50 pounds) it may take a year or more to achieve the goal. Our objective is to provide you with the tools that you need to manage your weight without the yo-yo's of dieting.

Medical Weight Loss for Children

Over the past 30 years, the rate of obesity in the United States has more than doubled for preschoolers and adolescents, and it has more than tripled for children ages 6 to 11. We recognize the magnitude of the issue and have developed a specialized program for overweight adolescents and children. Together our pediatric physician and dietician work closely with children and parents to develop a plan that focuses on diet, exercise and behavior. Through the program, target weight goals are established. Patients are asked to come with a physician referral and growth chart to aid in assessment and treatment.

Surgical Weight Loss Program

For patients who are more than 100 pounds overweight, gastric bypass surgery may help you reach a healthier weight. The WellSpan Clinical Weight Loss Program works directly with area gastric bypass surgeons to provide a comprehensive approach to the procedure.

The gastric bypass procedure greatly reduces the size of a patient's stomach so that the person feels satisfied after eating a small amount of food. The result of this is a reduction in the amount of food consumed and calories absorbed, which produces long-term and sustained weight loss.

We will work closely with your surgeon to provide you with information about risks, benefits and expectations of gastric bypass surgery. In addition, we will provide education and support prior to surgery. We encourage healthy behavioral changes to promote a successful outcome. Losing weight before surgery can help decrease your risk of complications that can happen following surgery. After surgery, it is important to maintain open and regular communication with your surgeon to address proper nutrition and surgical issues. The program provides ongoing support through physician visits, educational lectures and support groups.

York Hospital, along with area surgeons John Monk Jr., MD and Edward Garber, MD, are accredited as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons.

Pre-Op Education Schedule for Weight Loss Surgery

The first step is to attend an information meeting (no cost). Below is a list of each of the sessions cove red during the six month preparation for bariatric surgery.  There is a $15 cost associated with each of these sessions.  Questions can be directed to the Clinical Weight Loss Program at 717-851-6207.

Month 1 - Basic nutrition class
Month 2 - Nutrition class 1
Month 3 - Nutrition class 2
Month 4 - Nutrition class 3
Month 5 - Individual consultation with dietitian
Month 6 - Post Op education class
Month 6+ - Meet with bariatric nurse two to three weeks before surgery

Consultants

Apple Hill Surgical Associates
John Monk, M.D.
Edward Garber, M.D.
25 Monument Road
Suite 220
York, PA 17403
(717) 741-0733

Lung, Sleep and Critical Care Consultants
2350 Freedom Way-Suite 200
York, PA 17402
(717) 851-2465

WellSpan Behavioral Health
1600 South George Street
York, PA 17403
(717) 848-3615

Physical Activity Resources

WellSpan Community Health Improvement
1101 Edgar Street
York, PA 17403
717-851-3222