Bariatrics

Meet Our Team

In Sacred Heart Hospital’s Bariatric program, our comprehensive team of professionals has the knowledge, experience, and compassion to help you before, during, and after gastric bypass surgery. Our team is ready and willing to support you physically and emotionally with all aspects of the surgery. We offer a range of services including nutritional counseling, exercise plans, and support groups. Please read further to learn more about our dedicated Bariatric team.

Clarence A. Holland, M.D., FACS
I am the chief bariatric surgeon at Sacred Heart Hospital. I graduated from William Allen High School in Allentown and attended Cornell University for my undergraduate degree. After graduating with honors from Temple University Medical School, I completed residencies at Case Western University Hospital and Mount Sinai Hospital of Cleveland, where I was Chief Resident of General Surgery during my last two years.
From 1977 – 1985, I was in general surgery partnership practice with Clarence A. Holland, Sr., M.D. Since 1986, I have been in general surgery solo practice in Allentown. I am a member of multiple professional organizations including the American Society of General Surgery; American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery; American Society of Laparoscopic Surgery; and Fellow American College of Surgeons. I was given The Morning Call Readers’ Choice Award for One of the Best Surgeons of 2006. I actively serve on multiple committees at Sacred Heart Hospital. My practice, in conjunction with Sacred Heart Hospital, was recently named a Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery by the Surgical Review Board.

Maureen Miletics, R.N., M.S., Director of Bariatric Services
I have been a registered nurse for 12 years and have worked in multiple areas including floor nursing, the operating room, and case management. As a member of the National Association of Bariatric Nurses, I have been involved with Sacred Heart Bariatric Services for over three years. As a member of this comprehensive team, I find this position so rewarding because of all the lives bariatric surgery has changed for the better. As the Director of Bariatric Services, I oversee the program; ensure compliance with all quality and accreditation standards; develop performance improvement objectives; and direct staff in a manner consistent with our organization’s goals and objectives. The most rewarding part of my job is developing relationships and communicating with our patients through our web forum, by phone, and in support groups.

Terri Davis, R.N., Bariatric Program Coordinator
As the Bariatric Program Coordinator and a registered nurse, I provide a variety of services to our gastric bypass surgery patients that include pre- and post-operative education. Prior to surgery, I meet with patients to explain the procedure and let them know what to expect afterward. I also emphasize the importance of the healthy lifestyle changes patients will need to make to maximize positive results from the surgery. After patients are discharged, I follow up with each patient at regular intervals to monitor their progress and answer any questions.
I organize support group topics and agendas and provide support to all patients through our web forum. I am available to patients who have questions or are struggling pre- and post-operative. I communicate with patients by email, web forum, or phone.
I especially enjoy working with the Bariatrics team as I, too, had gastric bypass surgery. Though I have been a nurse for 25 years, I feel I am actually changing people’s lives for the first time. When patients come to our team, I reassure them when they are doubtful, calm them when they are fearful, and encourage them when they are struggling. Since I have actually gone through the surgery myself, I am able to lend my experience to each patient’s journey, and that gives me more reward than I could have ever dreamed.

Lisa Close, R.D., L.D.N., Dietitian
I am a registered dietitian and am certified by the American Dietetic Association in Adult Weight Management Training. As part of the Bariatric team, I educate gastric bypass surgery patients about the necessary nutrition and lifestyle behavior changes they need to make to adapt to their new eating habits. I helped develop our program’s nutritional guidelines, and I am always available to answer any questions patients have throughout their weight loss process. Along with each member of this team, I enjoy guiding patients along their weight loss journey to a healthier and happier life. Our team is experienced and devoted to all patients, and we see each individual as a special person who deserves our utmost attention.

Lisa Lindenmuth, M.S., Exercise Physiologist
I work with the Bariatric Program as the Exercise Physiologist. In my role, I educate patients about the important role exercise plays in the success of their weight loss goals. In order for patients to achieve and then maintain their weight loss, I emphasize that exercise needs to be part of every patient’s new post-surgery lifestyle.
Based on each patient’s individual needs, I recommend guidelines for exercising for weight loss purposes. To help patients incorporate exercise into their daily routine, I prepare timelines to illustrate the types of exercises each patient should be doing and how soon after surgery they should be doing them.
I enjoy working with patients who exhibit motivation and determination to improve their quality of life. I love knowing that I may have helped inspire a patient in some way to start a regular exercise routine to reach his/her goals.

Deborah Montgomery, L.S.W., Social Worker
As the Bariatric Program’s licensed social worker, I educate patients about the social and emotional issues surrounding bariatric surgery. I provide private consultations and help develop programs that assist patients who may be struggling with their decision to have surgery. I am also intricately involved with all support groups.   
By anticipating emotional needs and complications that may arise before or after surgery, I help people become stronger and healthier on their weight loss journey. I am an especially passionate member of the bariatric team because I, too, had gastric bypass surgery. I have experienced all the benefits this wonderful weight loss tool has given me to successfully manage my weight and feel good about myself.
I thoroughly desire to play a key role in the success of all patients. I always leave the office feeling grateful that we helped another patient commit to a healthier life. I never tire of hearing how our post-operative patients regain a healthier lifestyle and improved physical health that enables them to once again enjoy life to the fullest.

Kalean Beck, Scheduler
I joined the Sacred Heart Hospital family in 2002 and the Bariatric Program in 2005. As the program scheduler, I schedule patients for their team meeting and pre-admission testing. I work in Health Call, the 24-hour nursing triage call center.

The team meeting is a requirement for surgery. I will schedule you for your meeting even if you are not approved by your insurance at the time the team meeting is required. I will explain in detail what to expect during the team meeting and pre-admission testing. I will provide you with the appropriate contacts if you have any questions, whether you are pre-op or post-op.