AHN opens bariatric center
Allegheny Health Network (AHN) recently announced the opening of the new Bariatric and Metabolic Institute at West Penn Hospital. The facility, located on the second floor of West Penn’s Mellon Pavilion, offers comprehensive care for patients with obesity, diabetes and endocrine disorders.
Obesity is the leading risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, according to the National Institutes of Health, and the risk of diabetes is 93 times greater if an individual is considered obese with a body mass index of more than 35. To meet the need of caring for these patients more comprehensively, the AHN Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Health is now part of the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, in addition to the AHN Comprehensive Weight Management Center and AHN’s leading bariatric surgery program.
“This new model of care is the first of its kind in the region because it truly mobilizes clinicians across various specialties to treat a wide-range of weight-related symptoms and conditions,” said bariatric surgeon George Eid, M.D., director of AHN Bariatric and Metabolic Institute. “There’s a strong connection between obesity and Type 2 diabetes, and now we’re able to treat these patients more holistically, and more effectively.”
Within the AHN Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Health, led by Medical Director Dr. Patricia Bononi, patients will find a multidisciplinary team that provides complete diabetes care. The center has relocated from 5140 Liberty Avenue in Bloomfield to the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute.
Bononi, Dr. Jennifer Holst, a pharmacist, behavioral health specialist, dietitian and social worker take a team-based approach in assisting patients at each step of their care journey. In addition to Type 2 diabetes, Bononi and Holst are experienced in diagnosing and treating Type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes, metabolic and nutritional disorders and pituitary diseases.
“We are excited to be part of the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute which brings together the full spectrum of resources that can help patients to better manage their weight and maintain a healthier lifestyle to the point that their condition potentially requires less or even no medications,” said Holst.
For those in need of more rapid weight loss, the Comprehensive Weight Management Center also offers patients an intensive program known as HMR (Health Management Resources). The program entails a comprehensive weight loss strategy by combining a structured diet with increased physical activity, complemented by weekly classes to discuss best practices when it comes to achieving and maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
For patients who require a surgical option for weight management, Eid and bariatric surgeon Dr. Brendan Marr provide various bariatric surgery techniques, including vertical sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery and many other endoscopic interventions.
“We understand that, for a variety of reasons, losing weight and achieving a healthier lifestyle can be extremely difficult for some patients. When bariatric surgery is deemed the most appropriate option, we are ready to help improve our patients’ lives with this operation as part of their overall journey to better health and wellness,” said Eid.