Weight Loss Surgery
As a Bariatric Center of Excellence, the Minimally Invasive Bariatric and General Surgery Program at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC specializes in the treatment of obesity and abdominal problems in men and women. The bariatric surgical team at Magee is committed to improving the health of morbidly obese patients. Bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) can help achieve long-term weight loss, reduce or eliminate life-threatening weight-related illnesses, increase life span, and improves quality of life. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained bariatric surgeons are leaders in the field. They have performed more than 8,000 total procedures, and are performing more than 1,000 procedures per year. UPMC is one of the pioneering institutions that offer laparoscopic surgery for treating obesity and its related complications.
Bariatric surgery is accomplished using either a traditional open approach or a laparoscopic approach. Laparoscopic surgery uses a specialized telescope attached to a video camera (laparoscope). This allows surgeons to use very small abdominal incisions, which can reduce pain and recovery time, and may help eliminate wound complications, as compared to those associated with open surgery.
The bariatric operating suites, outpatient facilities, and inpatient units at Magee were designed specifically for severely obese patients.
Our surgeons treat bariatric patients by using the combined expertise of many health care professionals. They work closely with registered dietitians, psychiatrists, psychologists, and physical therapists to meet your individual needs.
Weight loss surgery requires serious consideration and a long-term commitment to a major change in lifestyle. Patients should realize that they - and their family and friends - must be prepared to adjust to a substantial reduction in their weight as well as drastic changes in their lifestyle.
Our surgeons help patients through the evaluation and approval process required by medical insurers. They also guide patients in their lives after surgery, working closely with psychologists at the Weight Management Center. Our experts will also help to transition your care to other areas after surgery, which may include plastic surgery through the UPMC Life After Weight Loss Program (link to: http://lifeafterweightloss.upmc.com/), or joint replacement surgery.
General Surgery
In addition to bariatric surgery, this group of highly trained surgeons is experienced in surgically treating other abdominal problems. Our surgeons are on the cutting edge of technology for treating complex problems such as hernias, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and colon conditions. The minimally invasive method, paired with our surgeons' experience, may lead to smaller incisions during surgery and shorter recovery times.
Our Staff
The Minimally Invasive Bariatric and General Surgery Program surgical staff currently consists of five full-time, board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons who are leading authorities in the field of laparoscopic surgery and minimally invasive bariatric surgery. This group has vast experience with thousands of procedures both with bariatric surgery and general surgery.
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Anita Courcoulas, MD, MPH, FACS,
Director, Minimally Invasive Bariatric and General Surgery
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George Eid, MD, FACS
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Giselle Hamad, MD, FACS
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Carol McCloskey, MD
- Ioannis Raftopoulos, MD, PhD
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Ramesh Ramanathan, MD, FRCS