The Penn State Health Approach to Surgical Weight Loss
For most people, losing weight is hard – particularly when you have a lot of weight to lose. If you need to lose 100 pounds or more, and you haven’t been able to do it on your own, we can help.
The weight loss experts at Penn State Health offer:
- Advanced expertise and the latest approaches, including minimally invasive and robotic-assisted weight loss surgery, backed by a university-affiliated health system
- Counseling, support and education to keep the weight off long term
- A team of specialists at your side, supporting you every step of the way
We’ve helped hundreds of people reach and maintain their weight loss goals. We can help you, too.
Is weight loss surgery right for you? Watch this video to learn more about the surgical weight loss program at Penn State Health.
Why Choose Penn State Health for Surgical Weight Loss
Losing weight is only part of the battle – keeping it off is essential. People from across central Pennsylvania count on our comprehensive weight loss program to lose weight for good.
Nationally Recognized Surgical Weight Loss Services
Penn State Health offers leading expertise in weight loss surgery and long-term weight management. We’re known for our coordinated, top-quality care and support to help people lose weight safely.
Hershey Medical Center Surgical Weight Loss Program Recognitions:
- Designation as a Blue Distinction® Center for bariatric surgery by Highmark Blue Shield
- Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) accreditation as a Comprehensive Center with Adolescent Qualifications
Expert, Team-Based Care Designed for You
When you come here, you get personal attention and a weight loss plan designed just for you. Our team of surgeons, dietitians, nurses, psychologists, and weight loss and fitness educators work together to give you everything you need to lose weight.
We also work closely with your primary care doctor and specialists in cardiovascular health, plastic and reconstructive surgery and other medical providers to give you complete care. We draw from the wealth of expertise and experience of providers within Penn State Health. You work with a team that’s focused on your optimal health and well-being.
Meet our Experts in Bariatric Surgery
Hershey
Ann M. Rogers, MD
Eric M. Pauli, MD
Jerome R. Lyn-Sue, MD
Randy S. Haluck, MD
Lancaster
Allison M. Barrett, MD
West Shore
Gary S. Aghazarian, DO
Additional Team Members
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Cindy Hipszer, RN, MSN, CNML, CBN
Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery CoordinatorCindy Hipszer is a certified bariatric nurse who has worked in nursing for more than 30 years, most of those at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, Pa., and a master’s degree in nursing from Drexel University, Philadelphia. After 20 years as an intensive care unit nurse at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, she joined the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania. Cindy returned to Hershey Medical Center in 2015 to become the surgical weight loss program coordinator. She is chair of the Communications Committee for the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
Biography -
Susan Brennan, RD, LDN
Registered DietitianSusan is a military veteran and clinical dietitian who attended the University of Delaware in Newark, Del., and Immaculata University, Immaculata, Pa. She completed her dietetic internship at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland before relocating to Scott Air Force Base, Ill., where she was later named chief of clinical dietetics. After over 20 years in the military serving in various positions, such as force support branch commander at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, she retired and joined the Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery Clinic at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center as a clinical dietitian.
Biography -
Jessica Kauffman, RD, LDN
Registered DietitianJessica Kauffman has a passion for community-focused clinical care. After earning her bachelor’s degree in biology from Millersville University, Millersville, Pa., Jessica completed the didactic program in dietetics at Immaculata University, Immaculata, Pa., followed by a dietetic internship at Oakwood University in Huntsville, Ala.
Biography -
Nicole Rhoads, RD, LDN
Registered DietitianNicole is a registered dietitian with more than 15 years’ experience as a dietitian in inpatient and outpatient settings. She earned her bachelor’s degree in dietetics from Immaculata University, Immaculata, Pa., and completed her dietetic internship at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pa.
Biography -
Danelle Ziegler, LCSW
Social WorkerDanelle is a licensed clinical social worker with more than 10 years of experience helping children and adults. She provides counseling assessments to understand her patient’s needs and create treatment plans. Danelle also leads surgical weight loss support groups that offer information and encouragement to patients in all stages of their weight loss journey. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Messiah University in Mechanicsburg and completed her Master of Social Work at New York University, New York City.
Biography
“I have much more energy and can walk long distances without taking a break.”
Alixandra Moyer, Middletown, PA
Bariatric Surgery Support Groups
As a benefit to patients in the program and as a service to the community, the Penn State Health Surgical Weight Loss program hosts support groups at multiple locations.
Bariatric Surgery Support Group – Middletown
As a benefit to patients in the program and as a service to the community, the Penn State Health Middletown Surgical Weight Loss program hosts...
As a benefit to patients in the program and as a service to the community, the Penn State Health Middletown Surgical Weight Loss program hosts support groups.
The group meets three times in 2025 – April, August and December, online or in person at Penn State Health Medical Group – Middletown. All pre-op and post-op patients, friends and family are welcome.
Please call 717-531-7260 to register and receive information on upcoming sessions.
Bariatric Surgery Support Group – Lancaster
As a benefit to patients in the program and as a service to the community, the Penn State Health Lancaster Surgical Weight Loss program hosts...
As a benefit to patients in the program and as a service to the community, the Penn State Health Lancaster Surgical Weight Loss program hosts support groups.
This group meets three times in 2025 – February, June and October, online or in person at Penn State Health Medical Group – Noll Drive. All pre-op and post-op patients, friends and family are welcome.
Please call 223-202-7001 or email Danelle Ziegler at dziegler@pennstatehealth.psu.edu to register and receive information on upcoming sessions.
