For more than two decades, the Department of Surgery’s bariatric team at IU Health North has helped patients reclaim their health, confidence and quality of life. Established in 2004, the program is now recognized as a leader in both adult and adolescent bariatric care, offering minimally invasive surgical options, advancing bariatric research and training future bariatric surgeons through a robust fellowship program.
“At its core, the program is about giving people hope,” said Bariatric and General Surgery Practice ManagerPaula Christle, who has been part of the program since 2013. “Many patients come to us feeling like bariatric surgery is their last resort. We want them to know they’re not alone and that they can take back control of their health.”
That support system is wide-ranging. From surgeons and a dedicated fellow to dietitians, psychologists, nurses, physician assistants and exercise physiologists, the program is designed to address obesity from every angle. Patients also benefit from a social media support system that allows them to connect and encourage one another along the journey.
“We actually have a private Facebook page for patients, and they'll post before and after pictures as they progress,” said Christle. “I feel like this gives them hope they're going to get their life back.”
The program isn’t focused on weight loss exclusively. The overall well-being of Hoosiers remains at the forefront of its focus.
“It's weight loss, yes, but it's also improving health and comorbidities,” said Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Coordinator Sarah Muntel, RD. “The program helps patients with diabetes, sleep apnea and hypertension, among others. It’s important for us to focus on improving overall health and wellness.”
The program is accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) as a Comprehensive Center for adults and adolescents. This achievement underscores the program’s commitment to safety, quality and outcomes. The bariatric surgery program is the only program in Indiana to hold the adolescent accreditation, thanks to a strong collaboration with Riley Hospital for Children.
“We’re very proud of that,” said Muntel. “We constantly strive to improve our clinical outcomes.”
Developing skilled bariatric surgeons for a healthier future
For Sean McGuire, MD, the program’s only bariatric surgery fellow, his training experience has proven to be both professionally rigorous and rewarding.
“The patients are excellent teachers, sharing their motivation to pursue bariatric surgery as well as their experience with obesity-related complications,” said McGuire. “Post-operatively, they frequently share how radically different their lives are following bariatric surgery, and their success stories are incredibly motivating. As the bariatric surgery fellow, I am also able to learn from the clinic nurses, physician assistants, dietitians, program coordinators, medical assistants and many others.”
McGuire, a former general surgery resident in the Department of Surgery, knew the fellowship was the right fit thanks to the bariatric team’s depth of knowledge and skill.
“I trained at IU as a general surgery resident and rotated at IU Health North, where I had the chance to work closely with faculty,” McGuire said. “Each attending carries a wealth of prior experience with bariatric and general surgery and is able to impart their wisdom to me.”
Advancing bariatric care through research
Beyond bariatric surgery education and patient care, the program plays an active role in advancing the field. Faculty and fellows contribute to research on surgical education, weight recurrence and innovative procedures while also teaching residents and medical students.
“We recently presented a rare and complex case at a national meeting, combining bariatric surgery with treatment for achalasia and using advanced tools like endoflip,” said Amy Holmstrom, MD, assistant professor of surgery and a bariatric surgeon.“This showcased how new technologies can expand what’s possible for patients with unique needs.”
Looking ahead, the team is building out a vision for a comprehensive metabolic program, which will expand treatment options to include anti-obesity medications, endoscopic procedures and even partnerships with oncology to address the links between obesity and cancer.
“There’s a clear link between obesity and cancer and new research shows that when we intervene, whether through surgery or medication, we can reduce a patient’s risk of developing cancer,” said Holmstrom. “That’s why I’m passionate about building an ‘onco-bariatrics’ program, which combines surgery, medication and lifestyle support for patients with obesity-related cancers like endometrial cancer.”
For patients and trainees, the program’s impact is far-reaching. For the Department of Surgery’s bariatric team, collaboration and patient satisfaction are the true measures of success.
“What makes our program exceptional is our people,” said Holmstrom. “They are a dedicated team, passionate about caring for patients with obesity in a respectful and comprehensive way. And as part of IU, we can seamlessly collaborate with specialists across disciplines to provide the highest level of care, even for the most complex cases.’”
