Weight loss is never easy. Oswego Health's bariatric surgery program at the Center for Weight Loss & Surgery can lead you on a successful journey, enabling you to embrace the healthier lifestyle you desire.
Nationally recognized as a MBSAQIP-Accredited Center, according to national quality standards established to deliver safe, high-quality metabolic and bariatric patient care, our comprehensive and personalized program overseen by experts in this specialized medical field provides all the steps to achieve your desired weight loss. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield recognized the Center for Weight Loss & Surgery with a Bariatric Surgery designation through the Blue Distinction® Specialty Care program.
Attend a weight loss seminar
The bariatric program starts with a screening process and a physician-led education session to assist you in being successful. We will remain a part of your weight-loss team throughout your weight-loss journey, from the initial screening and education sessions to surgery and follow-up support groups.
Start your journey by registering for a FREE weight-loss seminar!
Your bariatric surgeons and weight-loss team
Oswego Health's multidisciplinary team includes three experienced physicians, a nurse practitioner, a psychologist and a dietitian.
The physicians, affiliated with Central New York Surgical Physicians, PC, are well-known in the region for helping their patients achieve their weight-loss goals.
Dr. DeSimone is a board-certified diplomate by the American Board of Surgery. He earned his medical degree from Georgetown University Medical College in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Cooper is a board-certified diplomate by the American Board of Surgery. He earned his medical degree from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford, Maine.
Dr. Cooper completed his internship and residency at Upstate Medical University.
Dr. Kim is certified by the American Board of Surgery. He earned his medical degree and completed his general surgery residency at the State University of New York Health Science Center at Syracuse. Dr. Kim completed his fellowship of minimally invasive surgery at SUNY Upstate Medical University.
Marilyn Buckley , MSN, RN, AGNP-BC is an integratal member of the bariatric team that has not only introduced a life-changing program for those challenged by weight loss, but has also surpassed all expectations since it opened in 2017. Buckley earned her nurse practitioner degree from the University of Colorado, while also working as a registered nurse/ interim clinical nurse educator for a medical/surgical progressive care unit at the University’s Hospital in Aurora. The University of Colorado Hospital at Aurora, which today has more than 600 beds, is credited with founding the first nurse practitioner program in the country in 1965. Prior to earning her nurse practitioner degree she provided nursing care as a registered nurse for more than 17 years in a variety of settings in Colorado.
Registered dietitian, Ali Olsen, RD, CDN, provides nutrition counseling and support to patients of the Center for Weight Loss & Surgery. She works with each patient individually to ensure that they are successful on their journey to a healthy lifestyle.
Ali is a graduate of Syracuse University.
Bariatric surgery procedures
Our bariatric surgeons perform laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomies, where 75% of the stomach is removed and takes on the shape of a sleeve. This is a minimally invasive surgery.
They also perform the roux-en-y gastric bypass surgery, where a very small stomach is created during surgery.
Patients who undergo this procedure may be hospitalized for several days but can lose about 65 to 70% of their excess weight on average within 18 months of surgery.
Continued support after bariatric surgery
Following surgery, we're just a phone call away! To assist you as you recover, our bariatric support group meets the first and third Thursday. We welcome current patients, family members, and anyone who has undergone or is considering weight-loss surgery.
To learn more about the bariatric program, please call 315.349.5822.
Why Every Pound Counts When Losing Weight | Oswego Health
How Weight Loss Offers Benefits at Every Stage
When trying to lose weight, it’s easy to set your sights on that final goal weight as your main motivator. However, with every pound shed on your journey, there’s an abundance of health benefits you can reap. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), even a moderate weight loss of 5-10% of your body weight can positively impact your overall health. Here, we outline some of the improvements you might see from losing weight, no matter how many pounds you shed.
Contributing to Better Sleep Habits
Though researchers are still dissecting the details of this relationship, there is a clear correlation between weight loss and better sleep habits. Common afflictions like snoring and sleep apnea have been shown to improve with weight loss, which, in turn, promotes a better night’s sleep. Further, since brain function is heightened by sufficient rest, research also suggests that sleeping more can help your mind and body better regulate your appetite.
Improving Heart Health
It’s well-documented that being overweight can have a negative impact on your heart health, but luckily, all it takes is 5% weight loss to start seeing improvements, such as the following:
Lower Cholesterol
Carrying even a few extra pounds can contribute to higher cholesterol levels. With dangerous results of high cholesterol like heart disease and other cardiovascular risks, it’s incredibly important to the health of your heart and overall well-being to keep cholesterol levels low – which can be achievable through weight loss.
According to the Mayo Clinic, high triglyceride levels “contribute to the hardening of arteries or thickening of the artery walls,” increasing one’s risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and other conditions. Healthier levels of triglycerides are achievable by losing weight, subsequently reducing these risks.
Relieving Joint Pain
Extra body weight can add stress to your joints as well, though losing even moderate weight can help tremendously. Shedding a few pounds will not only reduce some of the physical stress placed on joints, but it can also reduce inflammation. Inflammation affects the ligaments and tissues around your joints and can be caused by extra fat, so slimming down could reduce joint pain through both these ways.
Preventing and Managing Type 2 Diabetes
Another danger of being overweight is the increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, a condition that affects the way your body utilizes and regulates glucose, resulting in too much sugar in your bloodstream. A chronic condition, this illness can, unfortunately, lead to further disorders, but weight loss and exercise can help keep individuals at risk of Type 2 diabetes from getting the disease. Additionally, those who already suffer from the condition can see a heightened control of their blood sugar by losing weight, lessening their risk for other health problems and need for medication.
Achieving Better Health through Weight Loss
Whether you’re looking to lessen your joint pain, manage diabetes, or control your cholesterol, all of these results and other health benefits are possible even through losing 5% of your body weight. Start your weight loss journey today and see what positive outcomes await you. Weight loss is never easy. Oswego Health’s Center for Weight Loss & Surgery can lead you on a successful journey enabling you to embrace the healthier lifestyle you desire. With locations in the Oswego, New York area, our bariatric surgery program is designed to help you achieve your weight loss goals. Contact us today for more information.