January 2, 2025 – As we are officially in 2025, many individuals are focused on setting goals to achieve a healthier lifestyle, including weight loss. Palm Beach Health Network experts emphasize the importance of creating realistic, achievable goals.
Dr. Abraham Betancourt, a bariatric surgeon at Good Samaritan Medical Center; Dr. Erica Podolsky, a bariatric surgeon at Delray Medical Center; Elizabeth Mills, RDN, LDN, a bariatric dietitian and nutrition counselor at Good Samaritan Medical Center; and Sam Barone, RD, bariatric dietitian for the Surgical Weight Loss Program at Delray Medical Center, offer their insights to help individuals stay on track and achieve long-term success.
“One of the biggest mistakes people make when setting New Year’s weight loss goals is being overly ambitious without a clear plan,” says Dr. Betancourt. “It’s essential to set small, specific, and measurable goals. For instance, instead of saying ‘I want to lose weight,’ aim for something like, ‘I will lose one to two pounds per week.’ This approach ensures progress and prevents discouragement.”
Dr. Podolsky emphasizes the importance of mindset when embarking on a weight loss journey. “Rather than focusing solely on the scale, consider other markers of progress, like improved energy levels, better sleep, and enhanced mobility,” she says. “These changes often happen even before significant weight loss and can keep you motivated.”
Elizabeth Mills recommends starting with manageable dietary adjustments. “Instead of attempting a complete overhaul of your eating habits, pick one or two small changes to focus on, such as reducing portion sizes or eating more vegetables. Consistency in these small habits builds the foundation for lasting results,” she advises.
Sam Barone underscores the importance of support systems. “Having a strong support system can make all the difference,” Barone explains. “Share your goals with friends and family or consider joining a support group or working with a dietitian to keep you accountable.”
For those considering bariatric surgery, the experts agree it’s a valuable tool but requires commitment. “Bariatric surgery is a powerful option for eligible individuals struggling with significant weight challenges, but it’s not a quick fix,” explains Dr. Podolsky.
Dr. Betancourt emphasizes it is a tool to assist in creating a healthier lifestyle. “Bariatric surgery works best when paired with long-term commitments to nutrition, physical activity, and overall health management,” he explains.
If you’re looking to kick-start your weight loss journey in 2025, the specialists at Palm Beach Health Network are here to help. Whether you’re seeking guidance from a dietitian or exploring surgical options, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve your health and wellness goals.
Two Palm Beach Health Network hospitals offer bariatric surgery: Delray Medical Center and Good Samaritan Medical Center. To learn more, click here.
Delray Medical Center’s bariatric surgery program, which is entering its 10th year, has earned the following distinctions: MBSAQIP national accreditation for Bariatric Excellence, Aetna Bariatric Institute of Quality, Blue Cross Blus Shield Bariatric Blue Distinction Center, United Healthcare Optum Bariatric Center of Excellence, and Cigna Bariatric Center of Excellence.
Good Samaritan Medical Center’s bariatric surgery program has been accredited as a Comprehensive Center by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®), a joint Quality Program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), Blue Cross Blus Shield Bariatric Blue Distinction Center, and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
About Delray Medical Center
Delray Medical Center, part of the Palm Beach Health Network, is a 536-bed acute care hospital, spanning 30 acres, employing over 1,700 employees, 700 physicians, serving southern Palm Beach County for over 40 years. As both a community hospital and state-designated Level I Trauma Center Delray Medical Center offers several specialized services including state-of-the art cardiac and vascular facilities, orthopedics, neurosciences, emergency care, and weight-loss surgery.
Pinecrest Rehabilitation and Outpatient Hospital at Delray Medical Center is the only state designated brain and spinal cord injury rehabilitation program in the county by the State of Florida. Delray Medical Center is also home to Fair Oaks Pavilion, a 53-bed adult psychiatry unit. For more information about our services, visit our website at www.palmbeachhealthbnetwork.com.
About Good Samaritan Medical Center
Good Samaritan Medical Center (GSMC) is a 333-bed acute care hospital, part of the Palm Beach Health Network, that’s provided sophisticated, personalized and emergency medical care to Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast with over 100 years of experience. GSMC offers advanced orthopedic care, women’s care and wellness from breast health to obstetrics, general surgery, emergency services, urology, bariatric surgery, cardiac services, and comprehensive cancer care.
Our cancer center is accredited by the Commission on Cancer, anchored by our state-of-the-art Breast Center. We are also accredited by the American College of Surgeons National Accreditation program for Breast Cancer.
GSMC utilizes some of the latest robotic technologies that highlight our robust general and orthopedic surgery procedures including the MAKO, Da Vinci and Velys robots. GSMC has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Total Hip and Knee Replacement, Shoulder Replacement and Spine Surgery, Healthgrades’ 100 Best Hospital Award for Spine Surgery and Outpatient Orthopedic Excellence and awarded by the Florida Department of Health and the Agency for Health Care Administration for reducing unnecessary C-sections.
To learn more about GSMC visit www.palmbeachhealthnetwork.com or call 561-650-6023.
