Kimberley Mazza smiles in front of the Reading Hospital Weight Loss Surgery and Wellness Center.

Kimberley Mazza greets every patient at the Reading Hospital Weight Loss Surgery and Wellness Center with a smile - the same way she was greeted when she began her weight loss journey.

Mazza said she struggled with weight loss throughout her life, trying a mixed bag of diet plans promising rapid results to no avail. When her weight began to affecther health, she sought treatment at the center to explore her weight loss surgery options.

Now down 105 pounds, Mazza has brought her lived experience to other patients beginning their weight loss journey at the center asa patient services representative.

Mazza explained that she sought treatment at Reading Hospital Weight Loss Surgery and Wellness Center when she developed sleep apnea,a disorder that can cause people to stop breathing while asleep.

"As you get older, your body goesthrough so many changes," she said. "I just got to apoint where I couldn't lose anything, and it was starting to affectmy health. I had to do something."

Mazza said she met with Dr. Aaron C. Hechtman, a weight loss provider at the center whocollaborated with her to learn more about her goals and struggles and helped her determine which surgical procedure would best meet her needs. "I get excited when patients come here because I know what they are comingto," Mazza said. "I've been in their shoes once and knowjust how scary that first step can be, butI know they are coming to a greatteam that feels like family and makes me smile."

Reading Hospital's Weight Loss Surgery and Wellness Center offers its patients a wide range of medical and surgical weight loss services for both teens and adultsfocused on the patient's whole health and well-being - physical, mental, emotional, and social health - not just the number on the scale.

It is one of the only programs in the nation with triple accreditation as a Comprehensive Center with Adolescent and Obesity Medicine Qualifications, offering patients surgical and nonsurgical options to ensure they achieve their weight loss goals using a method that works best for them and their needs. The center also offers uniqueon-site amenities, including a teaching kitchen offering hands-on education from dietitians.

Dr. John W. Fam, MD, chief of the division of bariatric surgery, explained that Mazza's experience was not necessarily unique. "It's rewarding to change the lives of people and their families," Fam said. "Bariatric surgery can extend life expectancy by anywhere from seven to 10 years. The ability to enhance someone's quality of life while extending it is such a beautiful thing."

Mazza said she did her research and wentto the center with a bigheart and positive energy. From that point onward, representatives from the center stayed in touch with her every step of the wayto make sure she was on track with her insurance, sleep tests, and other procedures.

For many people, maintaining a healthy weight can be a constant struggle, butthe smiling staff at Reading Hospital Weight Loss Surgery and Wellness Center has options for everyone. For more information about their services, including bariatric surgery, call 484-628-5673 to be connected with a program coordinator.

"Nobody ever made me feel less than or like I was a failure here," Mazza said. "Even if I had my trials and tribulations, I always had their support, and now I get to support others on their journey, too."