Locations
Office
Chester, PA
Insurances accepted
Independence Blue Cross
Keystone Health Plan
Keystone Mercy Health Plan
Aetna
UnitedHealthcare
About
Bio
Hello,
I am Dr. Leon Katz and I am a proud father of two fantastic boys. My wife and I have been married for the last 15 years. I enjoy jazz piano and exercising.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Bariatrics
General Surgery
Languages spoken
Russian
Doctor Q&A
140 Answers
35 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 46-year-old member asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Multifactorial: A consistent lifestyle of taking in more calories then you burn on a daily basis causes weight gain. Adding exercise and changing your eating habits w... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 16-year-old male asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Not so clear: It is definitely not that simple. I believe that first you burn your excess glycogen stores so first 20 minutes burns most of the carbs that are store... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old male asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Depends on doctor: There are bariatricians and these are medical doctors who help to take care of people with use of medications. This is usually useful for people with ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
The : The best answer is to reconnect with your bariatric program and surgeon. You may benefit from an adjustment. Start keeping a very honest food diary fo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Inflammation: In a healthy 25 yo female it is likely due to musculoskeletal pain. Young benefit from a short course of anti inflammatory medications. Best advise is... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 68-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Revision ?: Your complaint of gas bloat syndrome is pretty classical after a fundollication. While it doesn't happen all the time, it occurs about 10% of the time... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Absolutely : Yes weight watchers, jenny craig or any of the other weight loss programs would work. It would certainly help if you worked closely with a nutritionis... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Yes : Generally a dislocated clavicle will get better with a sling. The sling is designed to keep your arm and shoulder in a particular position. Muscles fr... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Potentially: The best answer comes from knowing your personal trend. A blood sugar of 320 certainly is quite high. First step is that you need to call your pmd and... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Arrhythmia : You may have an irregular heart rhythm and your doctor may want to get a holter monitor to record the abnormal rhythm if it occurs. It may be panic at... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
? CBT: Cognitive behavior modification helps you to reprogram the way you think about certain situations and how to respond differently in the future. As wit... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 55-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Consider salt intake: It is relatively unusual for hands to swell, normally people get swelling in their feet. The extra 10 pounds may contribute to some fluid retention if... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Go slow: First make sure that you get checked by your medical doctor to make sure that you don't have an obvious cause for the low weight like a hyperactive th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Fluid collection: A weak spot refers to an abdominal wall hernia. A seroma is a fluid collection made of serum a component of the blood stream without the red blood cel... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 22-year-old member asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Laparoscopic: It is usually done with small incisions. An instrument needs to be placed gently behind the stomach and it grasps the band. This allows the band to be... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Talk therapy: It is certainly not unusual for people to have problems with anger management. I would think that a short course of treatment with the psychologist ma... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Yes it does: As you can imagine any medication can cause side effects. I looked up in a pharmacopeia and Prilosec can cause liver disease, severe skin blistering ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Depends on the cause: Make sure you are working closely with a pediatric rheumatologist and hepatologist (liver specialist). Generally if the cause of the bleeding is a str... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Not yet: The findings you describe warrant getting an esophageal manometery test to see how well the esophagus functions. If the schatzki ring is the cause of ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Brachial plexus: It is possible that you may have applied pressure to some of the nerves that travel near the region of the axilla (armpit). If this shooting pain pers... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Yes: Sleep apnea is a potentially a very serious disease. The only true potential cure is weight loss. In a morbidly obese person bariatric surgery is pote... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Generally : Generally the malabsorption seen after a roux-en-y lasts for about 18 months and eventually diminishes, so iron absorption will likely improve at arou... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Not really: The atkins diet tends to concentrate on proteins and fats. This can cause a person to be ketotic and build up of protein with overwhelming of the kidn... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
See a urologist: As an 33 yo female there are many potential reasons for you to notice blood in your urine including a kidney stone, a bad bladder infection. You shoul... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Increase exercise: You may benefit from simply exercising a little bit longer or at a higher intesity. Consider a pedometer to help you keep a consistent track of how ac... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Do your homework : Bariatric surgery should be an option of last choice after all conservative options have been attempted (i am a busy bariattic surgeon). If your bmi i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Delicately: As a bariatric surgeon i can tell you this is a tough subject. My advise is invite your niece to go for walks with you. Mention how great it feels aft... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old male asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Lose both possibly: It all depends on how you progress with the weight loss. As long as you get adequate protein and most of your weight loss is from exercising then you ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
At this point: Most surgeons including myself recommend waiting about 4 weeks prior to exercising after major surgery. Keep in mind every one is different so you rea... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Depression: Can't tell for sure from this email alone, but this should be taken very seriously. Your complaint should be taken as seriously as someone complaining... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old male asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Yes: Any time something is stuck in the throat and the person feels that this may need the er, it is a wise idea to be checked out. If a person swallowed t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Likely as advised: In a 25 yo person statistically hemorrhoids or fissure are most likely. If there is a history of crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis in the family t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Hard to tell: I am not an optholmologist but your description sounds serious enough that you would benefit from seei g an optholmologist as soon as possible. If not... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Not so simple: Your medical doctor or endocrinologist can answer best, but you are best of concentrating on your hg a1c level which indicates what your sugar has bee... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Partially yes: The staging information is generally favorable. The T3 (liothyronine) means that this tumor was involving the bowel wall but not the surrounding organ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Technically : Technically speaking, the clips are likely not in your liver but on the surrounding structures near the previous site of the gallbladder. While 13-24... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Slow down: Your extra weight didn't come overnight nor should you lose your weight too quickly. Quick weight loss usually leads to a quick weight regain. Your be... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Don't waste time: Instead of fighting the cravings, use substitution. I would recommend meeting with a nutritionist who can listen to your specific cravings and suggest... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
In : In terms of the vaginal bleeding being heavy, this may be a reaction to the surgery and the stress response that it can cause. Be wise and discuss the... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
The hype : Unfortunately as a doctor I am not aware of any "legitimate" or "fda approved" fat burners. Some of these are essentially medications that increase a ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Tricky: Best bet is to see a rheumatologist first as this person deals with autoimmune disease all the time. They will do the proper work up and help direct ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 16-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Flu?: You may have the flu. Drink lots of fluids and rest. If you aren't improving in 48 hrs make sure to follow up with your doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Reconsider : As a bariatric surgeon I have interacted with many people who spent a great deal of money and had very minimal results to show for it. Under no circum... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
As : As the other two doctors indicated, liposuction is ideal for a pocket of fat suh as "love handles in man" or back fat in women. In an obese patient, t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Depends on sun level: Vitamin d deficiency is quite classic in United States, especially areas with cold winters. In people that are overweight it is quite typical. The cor... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Hiatal hernia ?: Your description sounds like a piece of the food was stuck in the esophagus and this can present with the mid chest pain you describe. At age 46 heart... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 49-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Surgery is an option: If you have a symptomatic hiatal hernia and the traditional medical treatments haven't been successful then surgery is worthwhile to consider. Discuss... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Smarter eating: At 38 yo it is possible that the hormonal changes are contributing to the weigh gain. Unfortunately when a person starts to eat much less the body fee... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
Fibroids : It is possible you have a fibroid on your uterus and the ultrasound is a good way to tell if it is there. Generally the fibroids are benign but can ca... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leon Katzanswered
Bariatrics 31 years experience
See a GI doctor: Your symptoms are pretty typical. The answer is difficult without a work up. You would definitely benefit from seeing a GI doctor who could do the app... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
15
Recommendations
384
Thank you notes
Dec 8, 2012
Dr Katz is very knowledgable and capable.
HealthTap member
Dec 16, 2012
I have had the honor of becoming a patient of Dr. Leon Katz M.D. I work in the healthcare community and I did my research on who's who in the weight loss surgical fields. I visited other programs and ...Read More
HealthTap member
Dec 16, 2012
My entire life, I have struggled with my weight. I was always the "chubby, cute kid", always teased, that had a beautiful face, but the rest of me, could go to "hell in a hand basket" , hahaha......I ...Read More
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer or tip was very helpful! Thanks! 15+yrs, have IBS-d treated with Bentyl, worse. 5+ yrs complicated migraine, joint pain & stiffness (neck, back, hips joints).
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer or tip was very helpful! I have diverticulitis and I can't get my stomach, lower abdomen to stop hurting. I feel sick everyday and can't eat anything.
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! This info is interesting but does not address my original question. I hope I will get an answer to that.
Thank you.
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
New York University School of Medicine
Graduated 1996MD
Medical/Graduate school
University of Rochester
Graduated 1992MD
Residency
St. Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston
Residency
Beth Israel Medical Center
Awards
Bausch and Lomb Medal for Science and Math, Bausch and Lomb
Top Bariatrician , First Place, Pennsylvania - Winter
2013
Affiliations
American College of Surgeons
Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons
American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
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