Western Pennsylvania Bariatric Institute

09/16/2025

Every journey has its ups and downs, and weight loss is no different. If you’ve experienced weight regain or a plateau after bariatric surgery, it’s okay—it’s part of the process.

This Thursday, September 18, at 5 PM, join our virtual support group led by Debbie Juda, Registered Dietitian. This is your chance for a check-in, a reset, and the tools to turn challenges into opportunities for growth.

Let’s navigate this journey together. Register for the virtual support group today at https://l.bttr.to/WlWmm.

09/13/2025

When weight loss slows or reverses slightly after bariatric surgery, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But you don’t have to face it alone. Join our virtual support group next Thursday, September 18, at 5 PM, with Debbie Juda, Registered Dietitian, and take the opportunity to reset your nutrition plan, share your challenges, and find encouragement. This session is about understanding the journey, not judging the bumps along the way.

Register for the virtual support group today at https://l.bttr.to/WlWmm.

09/11/2025

Today, we pause to remember the violent attacks of September 11, 2001.

We honor the lives lost, the bravery of first responders, and the resilience of all who carried us forward in the face of tragedy.

Though time has passed, the spirit of unity, compassion, and courage shown on that day continues to remind us of the power of coming together as one community.

May we always remember the courageous heroes who ran to provide help. May we honor the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the strength that carried our nation forward. And may we never forget the violent attacks on our great nation.

09/07/2025

Have you hit a weight loss stall or noticed a slight regain after bariatric surgery? It’s common and manageable with the right support.

Our virtual support group on Thursday, September 18, at 5 PM, led by Debbie Juda, Registered Dietitian, is here to help you uncover the root causes and reset with confidence. Let’s work together to prevent setbacks from turning into roadblocks and celebrate the progress you’ve made. 💪

Register for the virtual support group today at https://l.bttr.to/WlWmm.

09/02/2025

A slight weight regain or plateau after bariatric surgery isn’t a failure—it’s a chance to recalibrate and strengthen your journey.

On Thursday, September 18, at 5 PM, join our virtual support group led by Registered Dietitian Debbie Juda. This session will offer practical tools, emotional support, and actionable steps to help you regain momentum and stay focused on your goals. Together, we’ll create a path forward that works for you.

Register for the virtual support group today at https://l.bttr.to/WlWmm.

08/27/2025

Weight loss isn’t always a straight path—it’s a journey with twists, turns, and sometimes stalls. If you’re experiencing a setback after bariatric surgery, this doesn’t define your success.

On Thursday, September 18, at 5 PM, join our virtual support group with Debbie Juda, Registered Dietitian. Together, we’ll talk about the reality of weight fluctuations, strategies for maintaining balance, and ways to reignite your progress. Let this be a safe space to reset and refocus.

Register for the virtual support group today at https://l.bttr.to/WlWmm.

08/21/2025

The Western Pennsylvania Bariatric Institute has been designated an Aetna Institute of Quality for Bariatric Surgery!

This distinction is awarded to hospitals and surgical centers who consistently deliver high-value care and demonstrate excellence in clinical performance, patient safety, and outcomes.

Ream more about the outstanding accomplishment below.

The Institute of Quality distinction is awarded to hospitals and surgical centers that consistently deliver high-value care.

08/21/2025

Feeling stuck after a weight loss stall or slight regain? You’re not alone, and this is not the end of your journey.

Join us on Thursday, September 18, at 5 PM for a virtual support group designed specifically for individuals who’ve undergone bariatric surgery. Led by Debbie Juda, Registered Dietitian, this session will provide insights, encouragement, and practical guidance to help you overcome obstacles and reset your nutrition plan. Let’s turn challenges into steppingstones toward your goals.

Register for the virtual support group today at https://l.bttr.to/WlWmm.

08/17/2025

Losing weight after bariatric surgery is a remarkable accomplishment, but it’s not unusual to experience slight weight regain or a plateau. These moments can be frustrating, but they’re also opportunities for growth and learning.

Join our virtual support group on Thursday, September 18, at 5 PM, where Registered Dietitian Debbie Juda will help you refocus, reset, and move forward with confidence. Together, we’ll explore strategies to address challenges and maintain the progress you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

Register for the virtual support group todat at https://l.bttr.to/WlWmm.

08/08/2025

“I’m a whole different person. A brand-new me. And it feels fabulous.”

Gone are the stretch pants and XXL t-shirts. She has fun clothes shopping with her daughter – and actually buying an entirely new wardrobe. It’s all a first-time experience for Heidi Verba.

After losing more than half her original weight after her gastric bypass surgery, Heidi is committed to herself and "staying this way."

“I live close to Route 22. So, I could have just as easily gone to Pittsburgh for the operation. But it’s all about Doctor D'Arcy Duke. She’s amazing; just amazing. She and her team made everything so easy."

Read more about Heidi's extraordinary transformation at https://www.westernpennsylvaniabariatricinstitute.com/heidis-story

07/25/2025

Please join us in congratulating Jessica Custer, CRNP, our Nurse Practitioner at the Western Pennsylvania Bariatric Institute (WPBI), on her recent certification in Obesity Medicine Pharmacology through the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). 🩺​💊

This advanced certification highlights Jessica’s ongoing commitment to professional development and her dedication to delivering exceptional, evidence-based care to patients on their weight loss journey. 🩺

With more than 20 years of nursing experience—including four years at WPBI and 17 years as a Registered Nurse in diverse clinical settings—she brings a wealth of knowledge, skill, and compassion to her role.

Congratulations Jess! 🎉

07/01/2025

Transform your kitchen into a place of creativity and joy at our virtual cooking class on Wednesday, July 17, at 5 PM! Together, we’ll:
🥗 Create healthy, delicious meals.
🛠 Share practical tools and techniques for effortless cooking.
❤️ Celebrate the power of food to nourish both body and soul.

Don’t worry if you’re new to cooking or have a packed schedule—this class is designed to meet you where you are. Let’s make healthy eating enjoyable and achievable! Register for the virtual support group today at https://l.bttr.to/KZoL8.