Fingerlakes Bariatrics
Fingerlakes Bariatrics is a comprehensive bariatric program that provides surgical intervention for patients with morbid obesity. We focus on behavioral change to help patients achieve long-term successful weight loss. A major component in helping patients better understand their condition is the program’s commitment to education and support to help achieve behavioral change that must occur in addition to surgery to ensure the best possible long-term results.
Our Team
The bariatric team is led by Dr. Carl A. Weiss III, a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) as well as the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (FASMBS). He has extensive experience in bariatric surgery and advanced training in minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery. The nursing and dietary support staff are experienced and well versed in the specific needs of the bariatric patient. Most important is the program’s commitment to help patients understand that while surgical intervention is a significant step in overcoming morbid obesity, compliance with specific dietary recommendations, regular exercise and support group participation are all essential to achieve long-term success.
Why Choose Auburn Community Hospital’s Bariatric Program?
Finger Lakes Bariatrics is designated as a Comprehensive Center for Bariatric Surgery by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), which is endorsed by the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Finger Lakes Bariatrics is a member of MVP’s Bariatric Surgery Specialty Network and is also designated as a Blue Center of Distinction for Bariatric Surgery by Excellus BlueCross and BlueShield.
Our Services
The services provided by the bariatrics team are designed to help achieve long-term success with proven surgical procedures in conjunction with support group participation. Meetings are held on a weekly basis and led by the bariatric team.
Pre-Surgical Evaluation
Dietary counseling by licensed dietitians begins the education process on the importance of proper nutrition before and after bariatric surgery.
Surgical Procedures
Gastric Sleeve – Over the past several years, Gastric Sleeve has gained popularity as a bariatric surgery option for ALL the right reasons:
- It does not require implantation of a foreign body
- It does not require re-routing of the intestines
- On average, people can expect to lose 60% of their excess weight with diet and behavioral changes
- Surgery time is about 45 minutes
- Hospital stay is only 1-2 days
- Less long-term nutritional deficiencies
- Less short-term complications such as strictures and ulcers
- Return to work in 1-2 weeks
Gastric Bypass – Gastric Bypass is another bariatric surgical option to consider and has been performed for many years. This procedure is often done laparoscopically. It does re-route the small intestine, which requires lifelong nutritional supplementation to avoid problems such as anemia or osteoporosis. Surgery time is 90-120 minutes; hospital stay is 1-2 days and return to work is in 2-3 weeks. Strictures, requiring endoscopic dilation, and ulcers are the most frequent short-term complications. On average, people can expect to lose 70% of their excess weight.
Post-surgical Support
- Follow-up medical evaluations and laboratory evaluation.
- Nutrition counseling by licensed dietitians who are physician supervised to help establish and assure behavioral changes that will result in long-term successful weight loss.
- Support groups are held the 1st Wednesday of each month from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. and the 1st Friday of each month from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Auburn Community Hospital.
Our Technology
Fingerlakes Bariatrics uses advanced laparoscopic techniques and instrumentation in state-of-the-art operating room suites specifically designed for laparoscopic surgery. Minimally invasive surgery requires several small incisions and results in less discomfort and quicker recovery in comparison with conventional surgical approaches.
Motivation
The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) seeks to recount the thousands of success stories that occur after weight loss surgery. As a patient, you can view these personal stories that serve as validation of your motivation and provide inspiration.