With the New Year comes resolutions for many, and some involve improving your health through weight loss. But for many facing obesity and the chronic conditions that can accompany it, such as Diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis or joint problems, among others, dieting may not be enough. Dr. Andrew Lederman is the Medical Director of the Berkshire Center for Weight Loss Surgery at BMC, and a highly skilled and experienced bariatric surgeon.
"I think our bariatric program is fairly unique and has proven to be successful for the more than 1,000 patients we've served throughout the Berkshires and Southern Vermont," said Dr. Lederman. "Our team focuses on success, and we concentrate on the spectrum of care that can help to ensure that the patient is ready for this dramatic change in their lives, emotionally and physically."
The BMC program begins with an online seminar for people interested in surgery, where Dr. Lederman discusses the options for bariatric surgery, including Gastric Bypass or Sleeve Gastrectomy, and the commitment required to not only lose the weight, but to maintain their new healthy regimen. When patients go forward with their decision to have surgery, there is a tremendous focus on teaching patients the skills necessary to be a success. "We think of weight loss surgery as a tool, and like any tool, it needs to be used the right way. So, unlike other operations, we have an entire program designed to teach you how to use that tool correctly" said Dr. Lederman.
"When a patient loses about half their excess weight, that's when we see many of their medical problems get better," he said. "Patients have been able to come off insulin and medications, their sleep apnea improves, blood pressure comes down and joints have less pressure, all of those problems that can be part of being obese."
A Boston native, Dr. Lederman came to the Berkshires in 2004 after serving with the Division of General and Gastrointestinal Surgery at Emory University in Atlanta. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery and the National Board of Medical Examiners. He serves as a site inspector for the American College of Surgeons, helping to certify other bariatric surgery centers at major hospitals around the country.
Dr. Lederman received his Medical Degree from the University of Virginia and completed his residency training at the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York. He is fellowship trained in minimally invasive surgery from Emory University in Atlanta. Dr. Lederman also specializes in minimally invasive general, gastrointestinal and endoscopic surgery.
The online seminar for Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery at BMC is held the first Tuesday of each month in the evening, and registration can be made by calling 413-395-7510.
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Flooding Leads Pittsfield ConCom to Bel Air Dam Deconstruction Site
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Bel Air Dam project team toured the site on Monday with the Conservation Commission to review conditions following a flooding incident.
Work has been on hold for two weeks after melting snow and a release of water from Pontoosuc Lake led to water overtopping of the almost 200-year-old, abandoned dam. The project team says deconstruction is still on track to end in December.
"They have plenty of time to finish the work, so they don't expect that they're going to need extra time, but we're all waiting," reported Robert Lowell, the Department of Conservation and Recreation's deputy chief engineer.
"… it's unfortunate, but the high-water conditions in the spring, we did have in the contract that the site might flood, so there was supposed to be a contingency for it, and we're now dealing with the complications of that."
DCR's Office of Dam Safety is leading the $20 million removal of the classified "high hazard" dam, funded by American Rescue Plan Act dollars. It has been an area of concern for more than a decade.
The dam on Pontoosuc Brook dates to 1832 and was used for nearly a hundred years to power a long-gone woolen mill. It's being targeted for removal, using American Rescue Plan Act funds, because the stacked stone structure poses a significant danger to homes and businesses downstream. Excavation of sediment began last fall by contractor SumCo Eco-Contracting of Wakefield.
Earlier this month, community members noticed flooding at the site bordering Wahconah Street; water levels were down by the next week. Conservation commissioners called for the site visit with concerns about the effects of the water release and how it is being remedied.
The group got a look at the large project area near the dam and asked questions. Chair James Conant explained that community members wanted to know the cause of the flooding.
Jane Winn, former executive director of the Berkshire Environmental Action Team, said this was specifically brought up at the Conservation Commission hearing to ensure this sort of thing didn't happen.
The Bel Air Dam project team toured the site on Monday with the Conservation Commission to review conditions following a flooding incident. click for more
One of the most basic roles of government is public safety. The ability to provide police and fire protection and other emergency services is considered a vital function.
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About 50 people gathered at Park Square on Saturday to remember Vietnam veterans and mark the 53rd anniversary of the last American troops' departure.
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The Pittsfield Public Schools are gathering feedback on a potential closure of Morningside Community School before a recommendation is made.
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The seed library is funded by the volunteer organization Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum, which raises funds for the library programming and needs.
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