Delnor offers new weight loss center in Geneva

GENEVA – Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital in Geneva has formed a new Metabolic Health and Surgical Weight Loss Center to fully integrate the range of services required to treat obesity and prevent the simultaneous presence of two chronic diseases, the hospital announced in a news release.

Patients at high risk for complications from their weight, including Type 2 diabetes, other metabolic disorders, or worsening weight gain now have a new center that offers medical weight management, nutrition and diet planning, individualized exercise programs, health psychology, diabetes education and bariatric surgery, the release stated.

The 7,500-square-foot clinic features a demonstration kitchen, community conference space, six exam rooms, a treatment room, consultation rooms and physician offices.

“Every weight loss journey is unique,” Dr. Matthew Pittman, medical director of the new clinic, stated in the release. “Our goal is to provide the individualized care plan and resources for long-term success. For some patients, that may include medications or meal supplements, while surgery may be an option for others. All patients benefit from nutrition, exercise and psychosocial support.”

A highlight of the new center is the demonstration kitchen, which will be used for nutritional counseling, patient education and community programs, the release stated.

The kitchen features a main island with appliances and a food prep area, seating around the main island for viewing, two additional work stations with appliances and audio/visual capability to broadcast demonstrations to nearby conference rooms, the release stated.

“Obesity is a serious medical condition that is linked to diabetes, heart disease, cancer, fertility issues, joint problems, sleep issues and many other health conditions,” Dr. Elizabeth Lowden, a bariatric endocrinologist at the clinic, stated in the release. “Our team of caregivers provides the tools, education and support to lose weight and help prevent additional comorbidities and illness.”

To facilitate communication and care coordination, the new center is clinically integrated with other specialties and services across Northwestern Medicine, including cardiology, orthopedics, pulmonary and sleep medicine, obstetrics and gynecology and pain management, the release stated.

Nonsurgical weight management options include medication, meal supplements, dietary consultations, behavioral health, and exercise assessments and therapy.

Surgical procedures include gastric sleeve and gastric bypass, endoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and the Orbera Balloon, the release stated. The Orbera Balloon is a gastric balloon that takes up space in the stomach to help the patient adapt to healthier portion sizes.

To be eligible for surgery, patients must have a Body Mass Index greater than 40 or greater than 35 with threatening simultaneous presence of two chronic diseases, such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes.