Central Maine Healthcare

Where You are the Center

Central Maine Healthcare

Health Library

As part of Central Maine Healthcare, patients can access our comprehensive online health education library.

The Gerrish-True Health Sciences Library at Central Maine Medical Center offers dozens of links to websites that offer accurate medical and health information. It is a resource available to patients, the public and to medical staff.

The library located on the CMMC campus is open to the public Monday-Thursday, 8-4 p.m. and Friday, 8-3:30 p.m. It is closed on federal holidays and Patriots Day. (For affiliated physicians, staff and students, the library is available 24 hours a day.)

For more information call: 207-795-2560 or e-mail: library@cmhc.org

The Gerrish-True Health Sciences Library supports the health-related information needs of physicians, hospital team members and all affiliated students. Patients, their families and the public are welcome to use the library during staffed hours.

Resources

Patient & Public Health Resources

Library Quick Links

Bariatric Surgery Programs and Services

About the Program

Central Maine Bariatric Surgery is committed to helping you achieve your weight loss goals and improve your medical health and quality of life.

Our surgeons are fellowship trained and have extensive training in bariatric surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, robotic and advanced laparoscopic techniques. Our hospital is prepared to take care of morbidly obese patients with specialized equipment. We have 24 hour in-house surgeon coverage of all of our patients.

Our comprehensive program features:

  1. Experienced board certified surgeons affiliated with the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
  2. A multi-disciplinary team, including specialty trained physicians, skilled physician assistants, dietitians, nurses, and behavioral health specialists
  3. Bariatric procedures using state-of-the-art robotic and laparoscopic techniques resulting in fewer complications and faster recovery

Our team is devoted to the practice of bariatric surgery and weight loss management, ensuring our focus on state-of-the-art service.

Our dietitians, behavioral health specialist, and bariatric nurse coordinator will support your personal efforts preparing you for surgery. Your program will be personalized to you from your first visit through post procedure follow-up care. You’ll have guidance through each step along the way by our dedicated bariatric nurse coordinator.

Our program works closely with you and your insurance payer to determine your bariatric surgery coverage. You will be required to participate in medically supervised weight loss with our dieticians. The program can take up to eight months before surgery depending on insurance requirements.

Accreditation

Central Maine Bariatric Surgery was established in 2007. Since 2012, our program has been accredited through The American College of Surgeons as a Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®).

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) combined their respective national bariatric surgery accreditation programs into a single unified program to achieve one national accreditation standard for bariatric surgery centers, the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®).

MBSAQIP works to advance safe, high-quality care for bariatric surgical patients through the accreditation of bariatric surgical centers. A bariatric surgical center achieves accreditation following a rigorous review process during which it proves that it can maintain certain physical resources, human resources, and standards of practice. All accredited centers report their outcomes to the MBSAQIP database.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has recognized Central Maine Medical Center and allows expanded Medicare coverage of bariatric weight loss surgery for beneficiaries of all ages who have been diagnosed with other health problems associated with obesity. Medicare coverage has been limited to procedures performed in facilities certified by the American College of Surgeons or the American Society of Bariatric Surgery.

Preferred Status with Insurance Payers

Central Maine Bariatric Surgery has a preferred status as a center of excellence with the following insurance payers:

  • Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Center of Excellence
  • Aetna Bariatric Institute of Quality
  • Cigna Certified Hospital for Bariatric Surgery
  • Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery and Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, an independent licensee of Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

Programs and Services

Central Maine Bariatric Surgery offers you the opportunity to participate in numerous meetings and support groups before and after surgery to help contribute to your successful outcome. Patient groups are particularly helpful as they can share their experiences and provide the encouragement and reinforcement you need to succeed in changing your lifestyle behaviors.

Events

  • Bariatric Surgery Information Seminar
  • Bariatric Surgery Support Group
  • Weight Loss Video

Support Throughout

  • Nutrition Resources
  • Behavioral Health Resources

Central Maine Bariatric Surgery provides patients with ongoing support before, during, and after surgery. This includes pre-operative nutrition and behavioral health counseling and post-operative support with our physician assistant and dieticians. Patients are seen in the clinic at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and annually thereafter. We highly encourage and desire patients to continue with life-long bariatric follow-up and support.

Bariatric Surgery Support Group

One of the most important keys to achieving success with bariatric surgery is having a strong support system. Individual patient experiences are invaluable resources that are beneficial for the whole group. These meetings are facilitated by a licensed professional. Discussions includes health goals, dietary requirements, exercise expectations, psychological preparation, role of family, short and long-term challenges, pre-op and post-op phases, etc. Central Maine Bariatric Support group is open to patients who have undergone weight lose surgery as well as those are considering the procedure. Friends and family are welcome. No appointments are necessary!

  • When: 2nd Wednesday of each month
  • Time: 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Where: 12 High Street, Lewiston, ME 04240, Lower Level, Conference Room A, B, C
  • Contact: Central Maine Bariatric Surgery at 207-795-5710

Weight Loss Video

Get Answers from the Experts

Considering a life-changing weight loss procedure? Have lots of questions or concerns? You owe it to yourself to learn more by viewing the weight loss video from Central Maine Bariatric Surgery.

Presented by our board-certified and fellowship trained surgeon, the video offers the information (and inspiration!) you need to make the right decision for your life.

Topics Include:

  • Different types of surgery we offer, including laparoscopic options for less pain and faster recovery
  • Benefits, risks and expected results of each procedure
  • Dietary and lifestyle changes needed for lasting success
  • How we support you at every step, from pre-op to follow-up
  • Qualifications for surgery to help determine if you’re a candidate

Have Questions?

Please contact us if you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment.

Nutrition Resources

The nutrition portion of the bariatric program is designed to help you get ready for the surgery by providing education on the dietary requirements and key lifestyle habits that lead to long-term success. In the first visit, be prepared to openly share your current eating and drinking routines, food restrictions and preferences, and the personal challenges you face when trying to eat healthier and lose weight. Future visits will focus on reviewing a few specific areas of lifestyle change at a time in each of six modules, and reviewing your progress towards implementing these changes and problem-solving together around any barriers as needed. We will use food tracking and monthly weight checks as tools for accountability and feedback. Remember, the dietitian is on your side to help and support you! Ask for what you need! The ultimate goal by the end of your nutrition pre-surgery program is that you will be “walking the walk” of a bariatric surgery patient, making your post-surgery recovery and journey as successful as possible.

Pre-Operative Diet

All patients will start a pre-operative diet two to three weeks before surgery.

2 WK Pre-OP Diet

3WK PRE Prep-Surgery Diet

Post-Operative Nutrition Guidelines 

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements list

Protein Shakes

Protein Meal Replacement

Cheryl’s story

Years ago, when Cheryl was sick with cold symptoms that wouldn’t go away, she wasn’t sure where to turn, so she called CMMC primary care. She was quickly seen by a local practice and received care from Dr. Michael Stadnicki.

“My husband and I are both patients of Dr. Stadnicki now, and we truly feel at home in this practice,” says Cheryl. “Our appointments never feel rushed, and our input is always valued. We are comforted by the fact that he has taken time over the years to get to know us. He treats each of us like a whole person. Dr. Stadnicki and the practice is well-connected to the specialists at Central Maine Medical Center, which gives us peace of mind for any medical issues we may face in the future.”

Kyle’s story

“I have two little girls at home, don’t let me die.” Those are the words Kyle Secor remembers saying to doctors at Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) just before he lost consciousness and began a long journey he never imagined taking.

Kyle was injured in October 2023, the victim of a shooting rampage that killed 18 people. His severe injuries would require multiple surgeries and months of rehabilitation. Kyle spent six weeks in the hospital and endured 13 surgeries, during which time he and the hospital staff became close. When Kyle left to go home, CMMC staff lined the halls to wish him well. Kyle’s sister called it a “most glorious farewell.”

“It was emotional. Very, very emotional. Like, I mean, those people have been there for the six weeks I’ve been. And, I mean, I made a family,” Kyle said. “The nursing staff and the doctors have been absolutely amazing. I couldn’t be more thankful for what they’ve done.”“What a sight it was to see this brave patient leaving our hospital,” said Steve Littleson, Central Maine Healthcare president and chief executive officer. “He has been with us for six weeks, and in that time our doctors, nurses and other team members have formed a powerful bond with him. We wish him and his wonderful family all the best as he continues his recovery at home.”

Baby Lena’s Story

Within minutes of their daughter arriving, it was clear that the baby was in distress. She was quickly whisked away to the NICU at CMMC due to complications from fluid in her lungs. Ben and Kim stayed with their little one while she received care in the NICU for a week. Family members watched their older son. The baby recovered and the family was able to head home together.

Ben and Kim are grateful for all of the doctors and nurses who cared for their daughter with compassion and provided them comfort during a stressful time. Today, their baby girl is thriving, and she and her older brother are seen regularly at Central Maine Pediatrics.

Deidra’s story

Deidra received a grim diagnosis in February of 2022: triple negative breast cancer. Since then, she’s undergone chemotherapy and a double mastectomy. Deidra sought treatment at the Cancer Care Center at CMMC, and she was overwhelmed by the care team’s compassion and dedication to her health.

Hector Tarraza, MD, chief of the Oncology Institute, says that before the Center opened in 2022, it was challenging for patients to navigate their way around multiple cancer care locations.

“Now, everything is under one roof and very patient-centered,” says Dr. Tarraza. “We have surgical oncology, radiation oncology and an infusion center all in one building. It was designed to be open, spacious and healing. We want anyone in central Maine who faces a cancer diagnosis to know we’re here for them. When they come to the Cancer Care Center, they’re going to receive state-of-the-art care, and they don’t have to travel far to get it.”

Deidra recently finished a series of treatments at the Center and now follows a routine schedule of maintenance appointments. She’s also living her life to the fullest.

“There is no such thing as putting things off,” she says. “It’s about living in the moment. We’ve taken some amazing family trips, and we’re building a beautiful backyard patio. These are things my husband and I would never have even considered before I was diagnosed. I wish everyone could have this perspective without going through the hard stuff.”