Lisa Hardy, CRNP, of our Minimally Invasive Surgery/Bariatrics Division, has just been awarded the credential of Certified Bariatric Nurse by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Earning this credential required 24 months of bariatric nursing care as an RN, compliance with standards of conduct, a two-month on-line review course, extensive independent study, and a pass score on a three-hour examination. This credential requires recertification every four years. This was a major effort, and one that adds distinction to an already great program! Congratulations, Lisa!
Penn State Hershey Surgical Weight Loss Calendars on Sale! $15!
2010 bariatric patient calendars are now available! Celebrate the successes of the Penn State Hershey Surgical Weight Loss Patients every month of the year. Calendars are NOW $15 each. Proceeds benefit the Penn State Hershey Surgical Weight Loss Program. For more information or to purchase, contact Janelle at 1(877) 609-6848, option 5.
New Dimensions Support Group
As a benefit to patients in our program and a service to the community, the Penn State Hershey Surgical Weight Loss program hosts a monthly support group. We meet regularly on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at 4000 Vine Street, Middletown. All pre-op and post-op patients, friends, and family are welcomed.
Upcoming Support Group Meetings
The March meeting will feature our own Lisa Hardy, C.R.N.P., one of the bariatric program nurse practitioners. She will discuss “Why it’s important to follow up after surgery.” We will also be having our post-op weigh-in and body composition analysis. This is a great time for you to speak with the team and find out how you are doing with weight loss success.
The April meeting will feature Rogerio Neves, M.D. who will discuss body contouring following bariatric surgery. Dr. Neves is a cosmetic surgeon at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. He will highlight options available for excess skin removal following bariatric surgery.
Calling all post-op patients
We want to hear from you at support group! Patient spotlights are needed. Tell your weight loss journey (good, bad, or ugly), pass on tips for success, and share stumbling blocks that may have occurred along the way. Fifteen minute time slots are available. If you are interested, e-mail Janelle McLeod, program coordinator, at jmcleod@hmc.psu.edu, or sign-up at support group.
Post-op Band Class
Need help with using your Band? Join us for bi-weekly education classes. We will discuss BANDSTER issues that can help you improve weight loss and your eating quality of life. Topics will vary at each class, and will cover issues specific to the participants as well as other important issues for using the band.
The class has received rave reviews from participants. Some of the comments from class participants include “I wish I had done this sooner!” and “It was just great to be able to talk to others who are going through the same things as I am. They really understand!”
Band classes are being held on January 7 and 21, and February 4 and 18. To reserve a spot, call 1-877-609-6848.
Bandsters: have you been seen for a fill? Your band will work for you but you have to maintain it. If it’s been a while, call for an appointment with Dr. Rogers or Lisa Hardy, C.R.N.P.
Information Sessions
Have a friend who would like to get started on their journey to a healthier weight? The first step is to attend one of our Surgical Weight Loss Program Information Sessions which are held the third Thursday of the month at 4:30 pm and most Fridays at 11:30 am. Even if someone is not sure if surgery is right for them, this is a great way to learn more about the surgical weight loss tools offered at Penn State Hershey. Registration is required and can be done through the Careline at 1-800-243-1455. All information sessions are held at the Penn State Surgical Weight Loss Clinic, 4000 Vine St. Middletown.
Online Support Groups
Can’t make a support group meeting? Try the online groups! Started, run, and monitored by post-operative patients, these groups are a source of information, inspiration, and support for Penn State Hershey patients.
The Hershey Bandsters online support group was started especially for those with an adjustable band. Join the group, share ideas, and get support for living a healthy life after surgery. Find the group by following this link and click on “Join this Group!” and you’re on your way.
To join the New Dimensions online support group, follow this link and click on “Join this Group".
Surgical Weight Loss Program Address
Don’t forget, our program coordinator, Janelle McLeod; program secretary, Dawn Kleinfelter; dietitians Kerry Perkins and Susan Veldheer; and psychologist, Andrea Rigby, have all relocated to new office space completely dedicated to the bariatric program. Our new address is 4000 Vine Street, Middletown, PA, 17057. You can call us toll free at 1-877-609-6848 if you need to reach us.
