Bangor – CDC data show that almost a third of Maine adults have obesity, a condition that increases the probability of developing comorbidities such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, diabetes, cancer and Cardiac diseases. People who have obesity are at risk of heart attack, stroke and cancer, but there is hope.
For more than 35 years, the Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center has offered solutions to people who have trouble achieving their weight loss goals through diet and exercise. Northern Light’s surgical weight loss helps patients with a robust team of experienced surgeons, registered dietitists, specialized nurses, physiotherapists and psychologists who guide patients through the program, help them prepare for surgery And to support their success later.
To extend surgical options for Maine patients, northern surgical weight loss recently hosted a new bariatric surgeon, Bergljot Karlsdottir, MD. As a general surgeon certified by the Board of Directors, Dr. Karlsdottir focuses on surgical management of obesity, performing weight loss surgery as well as general surgery, in particular hernia, surgery of the vesicle surgery biliary and advanced endoscopy using mini-invasive techniques.
Dr. Karlsdottir obtained his medical diploma from Iceland University in Reykjavik. She finished a residence in general surgery in hospitals and clinics at Iowa University, Iowa City, followed by a scholarship in gastrointestinal gastrointestinal surgery advanced at Mayo Clinic de Rochester.
“I am passionate about improving the quality of life of my patients, who often experience significant medical diseases and social stigma associated with obesity,” said Dr. Karlsdottir. “I try to bring advanced mini-invasive surgical techniques to this community, options known to reduce pain and speed up recovery after surgery.”
People who are considering weight loss surgery who wish to meet Dr. Karlsdottir can take the first step by visiting Nordlighthealth.org/swl Where they can look at a useful information session and start to determine if they meet the surgery criteria. For questions about the program, please call 207-973-6383.
At Northern Light Health, we build a better approach to health care because we think people are worth access to care for them. As a health service system integrated into the service of Maine, we raise the bar with solutions without frills that open the way to a healthier future for our state. Our care team – in hospitals, primary and specialized care practices, long -term health care and home, behavioral health care and soil and air transport – are determined to work Health for you: our patients, our communities and our employees. To find out more about Northern Light Health and our locations in Maine, visit www.northernlighthealth.org.