It may be. ECMC Synergy Bariatrics offers services designed for patients who experience excessive weight gain and have been unable to lose weight through diet and exercise.

Awarded the highest designation as a Comprehensive Center by the American College of Surgeons’ Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, Synergy Bariatrics is a full-service, comprehensive program offering compassionate, patient-centered medical and surgical care to patients seeking better health through weight loss and weight loss surgery. Synergy professionals include an eating behavior specialist, dietitian, clinical pharmacist, physician assistants and surgeons.

For successful and healthy weight loss, it’s very important that each patient understands all requirements and is motivated to work with Synergy staff, follow-up regularly after surgery, and adhere to the lifestyle changes taught. Often, people who are motivated to continue with follow-up visits and actively participate in the treatment of their other medical conditions lose the most weight and experience the greatest improvement in their quality of life.

Dr. Joseph A. Caruana

 

“During the approximately two decades I have been performing bariatric surgery in Western New York, the medical community has come to understand that bariatric surgery is better called ‘metabolic’ surgery because of the improvements it can make in the body’s metabolism,” explained Joseph A. Caruana, MD, FACS, Director of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Bariatric Surgeon, ECMC Synergy Bariatrics.

Metabolic surgery works by improving metabolism, which helps control appetite and burn calories. It may also allow for improvement in obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. If you have Type 2 diabetes and are overweight or obese, and have this surgery, you may be able to avoid taking medication, including insulin, or have the insulin dose drastically reduced.

ECMC Synergy Bariatrics surgical patient Erin Garvey said, “I feel really good. I have a lot of energy and things that used to be difficult aren’t anymore. I’ve lost 120 pounds and 70 percent of my body fat. I’m doing really well.”

The criteria for metabolic surgery are based on a person’s body mass index (BMI) and history of attempts at sustaining weight loss through diet, exercise, or medicines. Candidates for this surgery must not smoke cigarettes. The two most eligible types of candidate for metabolic surgery are those age 18 or older with a body mass index greater than 40, and a history of unsuccessful weight loss attempts through diet, exercise, or medication therapy; and those age 18 or older with a body mass index of greater than 35, other chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, and a history of unsuccessful weight loss attempts through diet, exercise, or medication therapy.

For those who are interested and qualify, several important steps must be completed to begin the process at ECMC Synergy Bariatrics. Prior to visiting with a Synergy surgeon, all patients must complete either an in-person or online seminar and a patient registration packet.

All outpatient visits are located at 30 North Union Rd., Suite 104, Williamsville, NY 14221. All surgical procedures are performed at ECMC. For more about services and procedures offered, call ECMC Synergy Bariatrics at 716-565-3990, or visit synergybariatrics.com.