For more than 35 years, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center has been helping people reshape their lives through a comprehensive weight loss surgery program. Northern Light Surgical Weight Loss supports patients throughout their weight loss journey, by providing access to registered dietitians, specialized nurses, physical therapists, and psychologists. Individuals attend support groups and work with Dr. Sharbaugh to determine which procedure is the best choice for them.
A Legacy of Excellence
Our surgical weight loss program was created in 2002 and was recognized as a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery from 2005 to 2009. In July 2022, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center achieved a Center of Excellence accreditation from Surgical Review Corporation in Robotic Surgery. Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center has been offering surgical weight loss for more than 30 years. Since 2004, we have performed nearly 300 cases each year, double the amount required for an accredited program.
Center of Excellence Designation
This designation means that Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center has met the essential criteria that ensure it is fully capable of supporting a bariatric weight loss surgery care program and that its institutional performance meets the requirements outlined by the ACS BSCN Accreditation Program. Established by the American College of Surgeons in 2005 in an effort to extend established quality improvement practices to all disciplines of surgical care, the ACS BSCN Accreditation Program provides confirmation that a bariatric surgery center has demonstrated its commitment to providing the highest quality care for its bariatric weight loss surgery patients. Each hospital undergoes an onsite verification by experienced bariatric surgeons, who review the center’s structure, process, and quality of data using the current ACS Bariatric Surgery Center Network Accreditation Program Manual as a guideline in conducting the survey.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has recognized Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center and allows expanded Medicare coverage of bariatric weight surgery for beneficiaries of all ages who have been diagnosed with other health problems associated with obesity. There are four categories of accreditation for inpatient facilities (Level 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b) and one level for outpatient surgical care facilities. Each category has specific criteria that must be met by a facility seeking that level of accreditation.
Addressing a Critical Need
In the United States, more than 11 million people suffer from severe obesity, and the numbers continue to increase. “Obesity is a disease that affects every aspect of your well-being,” says Dr. Sharbaugh. “It can lead to other conditions such as heart disease, type II diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of stroke and cancer. Obesity increases the risks of morbidity and mortality because of the diseases and conditions that are commonly associated with it, such as type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease, among other health risks. At the present time, weight-loss surgery provides the only effective, lasting relief from severe obesity.
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Comprehensive and Multi-Disciplinary Approach
Surgical weight loss is so much more than the procedure itself. It’s important to find a program that offers a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to weight loss. People interested in our program attend a free educational class where they receive a comprehensive overview of our approach to weight loss surgery. Before surgery, patients participate in an extensive evaluation to help determine if surgical weight loss is the right choice for them. We understand that post surgery support is a key to successful weight loss for our patients. I knew I needed long term change, so I started exploring weight loss surgery as a viable option. This would be a totally dramatic change for me and I was very cautious about it.
Northern Light Surgical Weight Loss was the first program in Maine to offer the choice between sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and gastric banding. Since 2010, between 80-90% of weight loss surgeries at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center have been performed laparoscopically with robotic instrumentation.
Expert Leadership
Dr. Sharbaugh is certified by the American Board of Surgery and joined the team at Northern Light in 2019 to share his expertise in advanced robotic surgery for weight loss, gastrointestinal surgery, and abdominal wall reconstruction. He earned his medical degree from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford and completed an internship and residency in General Surgery at MedStar Georgetown and Washington Hospital Center. “I am honored to lead the team and build on the legacy of our surgical weight loss program as we continue to provide sustainable solutions to patients who struggle with their weight,” continues Dr.
Patient-Centered Care
Established programs and experienced surgeons offer patients safe, high quality care.
Testimonials
One patient shared their positive experience with Dr. Toder: "I liked Dr. Toder from the minute I met her. She is a very confident, straight forward person. Listening to her speak, I knew she was very well informed, and took what she did seriously. The whole Bariatric Program at EMMC is fabulous. Each department is knowledgable, professional and respectful of the patients. They are a very 'well oiled machine'. I felt confident in my care. rnDr. Toder is very serious about what she does, and expects the same from her patients. She expects that you will do as you are told, and follow all instructions appropriatly. I feel she holds the patient very responsible for their success - as it should be. rnOne wonderful thing to note in addition is, I have a history of severe reaction to anesthesia and was very concerned with nausea and vomiting post-op. Not only did she actually address this, she provided me with some alternative treatments (Sea Band wrist bands and a patch for behind the ear) in addition to the medication. I can't say how much this mattered to me. It is huge - and it worked! I didn't get sick. I am so grateful to Dr. Toder for respecting her patients and her gift as a surgeon. I would highly refer to her anyone - even if you have to travel to Bangor, Maine. She is worth it."
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The American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational association of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical education and practice and to improve the care of the surgical patient. Its achievements have placed it at the forefront of American surgery and have made the College an important advocate for all surgical patients.
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