Latest News

Elsey Strube is the clinic leader for Iowa Weight Loss Specialist. She has been working with Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics for over eight years. She transitioned into her leadership position from being a dietitian in patient care in November of 2020. Elsey oversees the day-to-day operations of our outpatient...

Iowa Specialty Hospital-Belmond is the recent recipient of the 2023 Healthgrades Bariatric Surgery Excellence Award. According to Healthgrades, Iowa Specialty Hospital-Belmond scored in the top 52 hospitals in the nation for excellence in bariatric surgery. This award recognizes hospitals that provide outstanding results in bariatric (weight loss) surgery. “This is...

During the winter months mental health therapists can see individuals report an increase in depressive symptoms due to SAD. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that affects people during the winter months when there is less natural light. It is estimated that 1 in 5 people in...

Do you struggle with sticking to your New Year's resolution to lose weight? Many of us like to think of the start of a new year as hitting a giant reset button on our unhealthy habits or setting flashy, ambitious goals that will get us dramatic results. Yet despite that...

Some IWLS patients may be affected by rapidly changing insurance coverage on commonly prescribed medications. Read more about how your IWLS team can help.

Are you looking for things to read this Summer?

If so, check out our Bariatric Summer Reading List! Here, you'll learn about resources for free & inexpensive books, podcast sources, good books by category, and more!

As we approach the holiday season, we are holding a food drive to collect items for those in need. Our food drive will run from November 1st - 15th. If you would like to participate, we have two options available. You may either donate items in person or give a...

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield has recognized Iowa Specialty Hospital with a Blue Distinction Center® designation in the area of bariatric surgery, as part of the Blue Distinction® Specialty Care program. The designation places Iowa Specialty Hospital among the nationally designated facilities shown to deliver quality specialty care based...

Telehealth* brings you the same great care you’ve come to expect, now in the comfort of your home. Through virtual appointments, you will connect with your provider in real-time. Available Telehealth Services Family Medicine Counseling and Therapy Dietitian Services Ear, Nose & Throat Gastroenterology General Surgery Obstetrics/Gynecology Orthopedics Pain Management...

One of the greatest epidemics we will face in our lifetime is obesity. Iowa now ranks as the fourth heaviest state per capita with an obesity rate of 36%. Obesity rates have risen significantly from 21% in 2000 and 12% in 1990. Excess weight is causing a variety of diseases...