Contact us by phone 718-630-7000 or email webmaster
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Welcome to the Lutheran Surgical Weight Loss Institute.

Have you tried to shed the pounds and keep them off? For some people, a combination of diet and exercise is the best way to lose weight but it doesn't work for everyone. Our nationally recognized physicians can help you determine if surgical weight loss is the right option for you.

What Surgical Options are Available?

Weight loss surgery is also called bariatric or gastrointestinal surgery. The procedure can be a life-saving option for those with severe obesity (100 pounds overweight or more). Our surgeons may also recommend the operation if you suffer from a weight related health problem, such as type-2 diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, high blood pressure or other ailments.

  • Laparoscopic Gastric bypass surgery involves reducing the size of the stomach's normal volume from approximately one gallon to a few ounces. In recent years, great strides have been made in using laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery, which involves much smaller incisions, often resulting in shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery. (Read more)
  • Laparoscopic Lap band surgery offers patients a tool to restrict intake and affect weight loss as well by sectioning off the stomach as opposed to actually changing the size through laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery. Patients who have the surgery lose weight because they simply cannot eat as much food comfortably. (Read more)
  • Laparoscopic Sleeve gastrectomy is a new procedure that induces weight loss by restricting food intake by removing the left side of the stomach. This results in a new stomach, which is roughly the size and shape of a banana. (Read more)

To learn more about the Lutheran Surgical Weight Loss Institute click here.

Meet our team

 

George S. Ferzli, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a nationally recognized leader in minimally invasive surgery. He is currently chairman of the Department of Surgery at Lutheran Medical Center, a professor of surgery at SUNY and is board certified and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Ferzli has been featured in New York Magazine for the past nine years also listed as one of the top 100 surgeons in the country. He has performed more than 10,000 laparoscopic (small incision) procedures. Additionally, he is the holder of five patents in art and science of surgery as well as, a publisher of more than 100 peer review articles and twelve medical textbooks. To reach Dr. Ferzli call 718-630-THIN (8446).

 

Corneliu T. Vulpe, M.D., is currently an attending surgeon at Lutheran Medical Center and Staten Island University Hospital. He is an active assistant clinical professor at SUNY Health Science Center @ Brooklyn. Dr. Vulpe is fluent is English, Spanish, French, Romanian and Italian. To reach Dr. Vulpe call 718-630-THIN (8446).

Sean Rim, M.D., is a fellowship trained bariatric and minimally invasive surgeon. He joined the faculty at Lutheran HealthCare in 2010. He graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2001 and underwent his medical school and surgical residency training at SUNY Downstate here in Brooklyn. In addition to weight loss surgery, his interests lie in minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of abdominal wall hernias, biliary tract disease and anti-reflux procedures. To reach Dr. Rim call 718-630-THIN (8446).

Monica Bilboul, Ph.D., is a New York State licensed clinical psychologist. She currently conducts bariatric psychological evaluations prior to weight loss surgery. Dr. Bilboul received her B.A. with honors from the University of Pennsylvania and earned her doctoral degree in psychology from St. John's University. She has worked predominantly in New York City hospitals and outpatient clinics, treating a variety of psychological disorders including eating disorders, anxiety, depression and psychosis. She has done extensive work in the treatment of adults diagnosed with co-occurring medical and psychiatric problems. To reach Dr. Bilboul call 718-630-8624. 

 

 Juan Batista, R.D., C.D.N., C.D.E., is an experienced registered dietitian/nutritionist. He joined Lutheran HealthCare in 2007, providing medical nutrition therapy for various medical conditions, including diabetes and obesity. In 2009 he became a certified diabetes educator. Juan's experience and desire to help patients with their weight management led him to join Lutheran's Surgical Weight Loss Institute in his new role as the program coordinator and nutritionist. Juan can be reached at 718-630-8624.

Click on "Find a Physician" at the top of the page to obtain more information about our bariatric surgeons.

Lutheran's Surgical Weight Loss Institute is designated as a Center of Excellence by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons and a NYS Designated Bariatric Surgery Center for Medicaid in NYC. This means that patients (including those using Medicaid and Medicare) can be reimbursed for this life-saving surgery at a medical center with one of the highest standards of quality. Lutheran's Surgical Weight Loss Institute is also the only bariatric center credentialed by Aetna in New York, New Jersey and Staten Island.    

Our Surgical Weight Loss Institute has been designated a center of excellence from the following insurance companies, Aetna, CIGNA, Blue Cross Blue Shield & HIP Health Plan of New York.

 

 

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