Reading Hospital Patient Keith Eshelman Undergoes Successful Weight Loss Surgery Resulting in the End of Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease and can result in other medical and lifestyle changes and complications including weight management and obesity.

Weight loss surgery is one of a variety of treatment options for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40+ or for individuals with a BMI of 35 to 40 and preexisting conditions including diabetes, sleep apnea, and/or hypertension.

Reading Hospital patient Keith Eshelman weighed 365 pounds and suffered from diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea. On August 4, 2016, Keith underwent weight loss surgery and within six hours of the surgery his diabetes had gone into complete remission. He was able to go home from the hospital the day after surgery and returned to work the following Monday, without any pain. Since his surgery, Keith has lost a total of 134 pounds. As a result, his diabetes remains in remission and he no longer needs medication for high blood pressure. Keith is also no longer experiencing high cholesterol or sleep apnea.

"Life with diabetes can be very challenging. It is a very difficult disease to manage and can cause very serious health complications," said Stephan Myers, MD, Medical Director, Reading Hospital Weight Management Center.  "Reading Hospital provides a vast range of state-of-the-art, minimally invasive weight loss procedures like the one Keith experienced which drive faster recovery times and incredible outcomes for the patients we serve."

Reading Hospital

Reading Hospital is the flagship, Magnet Recognized, acute care hospital of Tower Health. Located in West Reading, Pa., Reading Hospital is a 714-bed hospital that is home to many top-tier specialty care centers, including Reading HealthPlex, McGlinn Cancer Institute, Miller Regional Heart Center, Emergency Department, Level I Trauma Center and Beginnings Maternity Center, which houses the region's only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). With more than 1,000 physicians, specialists, and advanced practice providers across 49 locations, Reading Hospital has been recognized for its quality outcomes and clinical expertise across services lines. It is listed as one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for four consecutive years and received a 5-Star Rating from CMS two years in a row. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.