Gastric bypass and other weight-loss surgeries—known collectively as bariatric surgery—involve making changes to your digestive system to help you lose weight.
Southern New Hampshire Medical Center is pleased to announce the opening of Southern New Hampshire Weight Management. The new practice now provides both surgical and non-surgical bariatric solutions to help patients in and around Nashua live healthier and more fulfilling lives.
“Obesity is a progressive, chronic disease that affects much of the adult population in the United States. Patients with obesity have higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and cancer than individuals with a lower body mass index,” Dr. Catania, surgical director of Bariatric Surgery at Southern New Hampshire Weight Management, explains.
Dr. Catania is fellowship trained in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery. He has been practicing bariatric surgery since 2007. Since then, he has performed over 1,500 bariatric procedures. “Bariatric surgery is done when diet and exercise haven’t worked or when a patient has a serious health problem because of their weight,” Dr. Catania says.
Currently, Southern New Hampshire Weight Management is performing laparoscopic gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. The physicians there also provide care for patients who previously had a laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, although they are not placing any new bands. Ultimately, the center will also offer revisional surgery, laparoscopic duodenal switch, and possibly endoscopic weight loss treatments such as intragastric balloon.
For patients who are not candidates for a surgical weight loss procedure or who would prefer not to have surgery, the center also offers a medical weight management clinic with Dr. Ellie Chuang, who is board-certified in obesity medicine. She and her multidisciplinary team formulate an individualized plan with each patient; this may include lifestyle improvement, nutrition counseling, a behavioral health consult, and/or prescription medication therapy.
To become a patient of the Southern New Hampshire Weight Management, you should contact the office directly or ask your primary care provider to place a referral. “Any patient who is concerned about weight management and would like to understand the options available is welcome to schedule a visit,” Dr. Catania says.