BANGOR — Data from the CDC shows that nearly a third of adults in Maine have obesity, a condition which increases the likelihood of developing comorbidities like high blood pressure, sleep apnea, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Individuals who have obesity are at risk for heart attack, stroke, and cancer but there is hope.
For more than 35 years, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center has offered solutions to individuals who struggle to meet their weight loss goals through diet and exercise alone. Northern Light Surgical Weight Loss supports patients with a robust team of experienced surgeons, registered dietitians, specialized nurses, physical therapists, and psychologists who guide patients through the program, help them get ready for surgery, and support their success afterward.
To expand surgical options for Maine patients, Northern Light Surgical Weight Loss recently welcomed a new bariatric surgeon, Bergljot Karlsdottir, MD. As a board-certified general surgeon, Dr. Karlsdottir focuses on the surgical management of obesity, performing weight loss surgery as well as general surgery, including hernia, gallbladder surgery, and advanced endoscopy using minimally invasive techniques.
Dr. Karlsdottir earned her medical degree from the University of Iceland in Reykjavik. She completed a residency in General Surgery at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, followed by a Fellowship in Advanced Gastrointestinal Minimally Invasive Surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.
“I am passionate about improving the quality of life for my patients, who oftentimes experience significant medical illnesses and social stigma associated with obesity,” says Dr. Karlsdottir. “I strive to bring advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques to this community, options which are known to decrease pain, and speed up recovery after surgery.”
Individuals considering weight loss surgery who would like to meet with Dr. Karlsdottir can take the first step by visiting northernlighthealth.org/SWL where they can watch a helpful information session and begin to determine if they meet the criteria for surgery. For questions about the program, please call 207-973-6383.
At Northern Light Health, we’re building a better approach to healthcare because we believe people deserve access to care that works for them. As an integrated health delivery system serving Maine, we’re raising the bar with no-nonsense solutions that are leading the way to a healthier future for our state. Our care team — in hospitals, primary and specialty care practices, long-term and home healthcare, behavioral healthcare, and ground and air medical transport and emergency care — are committed to making healthcare work for you: our patients, communities, and employees. To learn more about Northern Light Health and our locations across Maine, visit www.northernlighthealth.org.
