The first minimally invasive surgical weight loss procedure in Salem County was successfully performed at The Memorial Hospital of Salem County.

"Several weeks from surgery and I am very happy with my decision to have surgical weight loss" said Jeanine Dorrell, Salem Surgical Weight Loss Center’s first patient.

Dorrell’s journey toward surgical weight loss (bariatric surgery) began when she weighed over 280 lbs.

"Before, I tried everything. Diet programs, exercise - you name it, I tried it," said Dorrell, a Information Technology staff member for The Memorial Hospital of Salem County.

"I would lose 30 lbs. Then I would lose interest, and put 30 lbs. back on. I needed to try something new."

In 2009 while talking with her primary care physician, he proposed the idea of surgical weight loss.

"My doctor said I would be a candidate for bariatric weight loss," said Dorrell.

"But, he wanted me to have the procedure near his practice in Delaware. I live in Delaware, and was really not sure I was comfortable having it there as well."

In July of 2009, she attended a training session for her work at The Memorial Hospital of Salem County . There she was introduced to new Salem Surgical Weight Loss Coordinator Theresa Vaughan.

"Through talking with Theresa I discovered that MHSC was introducing their new surgical weight loss program into the area," said Dorrell. "I thought that maybe this might be my chance for weight loss success."

After consulting with her primary care physician in Delaware, she scheduled an appointment with Harish Kakkilaya, MD, fellowship trained bariatric and advanced laparoscopic surgery and director, Salem Surgical Weight Loss Center.

Dr. Kakkilaya completed his Fellowship at Sinai Hospital and Northwest Hospital in Baltimore and trained under Dr. Peter Geis who is a pioneer in Laparoscopic Surgery.

"Here we offer three surgical procedures: Laparoscopic Gastric Banding, Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass, and Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy," said Kakkilaya, who emphasized the benefits of a …..

"We determined that performing a laparoscopic gastric banding would be the proper procedure in Jeannie’s case.

Kakkilaya explained that each patient and his or her condition are different. Only through consultation can individual weight loss plans be determined.

Before surgery, candidates for bariatric surgery must enter into a process that includes evaluations, support groups, and nutritional guidance for continued healthy living.

Kelli Janowski, MS, RD, LDN is the nutrition specialist for Salem Surgical Weight Loss Center. Each program is designed to help patients to continue their successful weight loss.

"Kelli was great. Through her help we corrected my diet and I lost nearly 20 lbs — before surgery," said Dorrell.

"The week prior to surgery I was on an all-liquids diet. I would drink protein mixes and teas. I never found myself to be hungry either."

Finally, the day arrived for her surgery. She was ready.

"The staff of Salem Surgical Weight Loss Center was so friendly. Terri (Vaughan), Kelli (Janowski) and Dr. Kakkilaya were always checking up with me. They made sure all my questions were answered before surgery," said Dorrell.

"For surgery Dr. Kakkilaya used very small incisions (laparoscopic surgery) and aside from small bruising, it wasn’t painful afterword."

Since surgery Dorrell has been on the mend, taking life easy and rehabbing.

"The hardest part is sitting at home," said Dorrell. "Now (two weeks since the surgery) I am on a puréed diet. All food is soft or blended. And so far, eating hasn’t been a problem. I am happy."

Dorrell continues to meet with the staff of Salem Surgical Weight Loss Center.

"We are thrilled to see that Jeanine has recovered from surgery and is back to work," said Dr. Kakkilaya. "She is showing positive signs that will lead to a continued weight loss success."

A one-hour information session on bariatric sugrery is hosted at MHSC every second and fourth Thursday of each month.

For more information about Salem Surgical Weight Loss Center, call Theresa Vaughn at 856-339-6014 or visit www.mhschealth.com/weightloss .