Blue Mountain Health System bariatric surgeon, Vitaly Sawyna, MD, will offer free educational seminars on Weight Loss Surgery. The first seminar will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 6, in the 3rd Floor Conference Room at the Palmerton Hospital Campus, 135 Lafayette Ave. in Palmerton. At 6 p.m. Thursday, June 20, he will speak at the Gnaden Huetten Campus Community Room, 211 N. 12th St. in Lehighton.

Excessive weight affects your life how you look, how you feel, and the things you can or can't do. Obesity can also affect how long you live. Carrying excess weight increases your risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, cancer and other life-threatening medical conditions, but studies show significant weight loss may improve, or even resolve, these conditions. When diet and exercise haven't worked or when you have serious health problems because of your weight, weight-loss surgery might be an option. Obesity can be successfully treated. Weight loss surgery options including gastric bypass, lap-band and gastric sleeve will be discussed.The surgeon will answer all your questions and people who have had the surgery will give personal testimonials about their experience and how the surgery has improved their lives. Please call to register for a session at (610) 377-7070.