Hear from Our Patients, Meet Our Team and Learn About the Surgical Weight Loss Institute
When you struggle with weight issues, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by your weight loss options and dismayed by setbacks. At the Surgical Weight Loss Institute at Bon Secours Community Hospital, we see you as a person with a complex chronic disease that requires treatment and a person who deserves compassionate care and respect. Our program enhances quality of life and our comprehensive multidisciplinary team focuses on treating the whole person.
Why Choose The Surgical Weight Loss Institute
The Surgical Weight Loss Institute’s Bariatric Surgery program has been accredited as a Comprehensive Center by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) run by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) in conjunction with the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS)
The Surgical Weight Loss Institute at Bon Secours Community Hospital is accredited through the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) in a joint effort with the American College of Surgeons (ACS). This accreditation formally acknowledges the program’s commitment to providing exceptional care through standards of practice and supporting quality improvement and patient safety efforts for metabolic and bariatric surgery patients.
The Surgical Weight Loss Institute’s accreditation ensures that bariatric surgical patients receive a multidisciplinary program, not just a surgical procedure, which improves patient outcomes and long-term success. The accredited center offers pre-operative assessment and preparation, excellent surgical care, and life-long post-operative care and support, designed specifically for severely obese patients.
Compassionate and Modern Care
Are you ready to change your life?
Health Matters
Listen to WTBQ Radio’s “Health Matters” with Kenneth Austin, MD, Director of Surgical Service Line Development. He discuss surgeries that are performed at St. Anthony Community Hospital, Bon Secours Community Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospital, members of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth). They range from orthopedic, vascular, bariatric, cardiac surgery and more.
Stories of Success
It's a Family Affair:
Before: (L-R) Bonnie, Jackie, Ruth
Three sisters, Bonnie (57), Jackie (55) and Ruth (53) from Walton, NY, have battled similar weight issues since childhood. Now, thanks to one another and bariatric surgery, they’re winning that fight.
Over the years, the sisters have tried several diets. Some pounds came off, but it never stuck. And, they all have been managing various health issues.
Ruth, a self-proclaimed junk food junkie, suffered from hypertension and high cholesterol.
Bonnie’s ongoing health issues included sleep apnea, hypertension, and pre-diabetes.
Jackie, due to lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, was unable to stand for long periods of time, and the extra weight added to her mobility limitations.
“All three of us were ready for a major change and it was Ruth who suggested we do it as a team,” said Jackie. “We would have a built-in support system, which is necessary for long-term success.”
The Journey Begins
In July 2021, all three sisters met with bariatric surgeon Jaime Cepeda, MD at WMCHealth’s Bon Secours Community Hospital to review their options.
After much discussion, everyone chose a minimally invasive operation called sleeve gastrectomy. This procedure removes approximately two-thirds of the stomach to create a banana-shaped stomach tube that can hold about two to three ounces of food at once.
But that’s just the beginning. Surgery isn’t a cure for obesity, just a powerful weapon in a battle that requires permanent lifestyle changes. After surgery, patients still must watch what they eat, but their stomach holds less food, so they feel full faster. Getting in physical activity is necessary, too.
Ruth and Jackie were convinced and booked their surgeries for the same day. On December 29, 2021, both sisters had their operations.
Bonnie, on the other hand, wasn’t as sure. She had some second thoughts. And, being a smoker, Bonnie knew she had to quit for good before undergoing any sort of procedure.
Post-surgery, Ruth lost 80 pounds and was weaned off her cholesterol medication and now has the energy for exercise, something she has never done before; she can now actively play with her grandchildren. Ruth still takes medication to manage her hypertension, but it has been significantly reduced. Her weight is stable at 159 pounds.
Jackie also has more energy and is now able to stand for longer periods of time. Prior to surgery, Jackie’s highest weight was 303 and she has since lost 150 pounds.
“I saw they could do things physically they couldn’t have done before – exercising and just generally being more active,” said Bonnie. “Their weight wasn’t holding them back.”
This was just the spark Bonnie needed so she decided to go for surgery too. On August 30, 2022, Bonnie had the sleeve gastrectomy and has also had lots of success. With a weight loss of 120 pounds, she does not need her diabetic medication and no longer has sleep apnea. Bonnie can now walk completely unassisted. Her walker is gathering dust in the garage.
“I don’t think it’s unusual for a family to undergo surgical weight loss together,” said Dr. Cepeda. “The additional support they receive from one another is invaluable throughout the entire process, from pre-op to post-op.”
“Our weight loss surgery has been a life-altering experience, and we encourage anyone who is considering a bariatric procedure to see Dr. Cepeda,” said Ruth.
After: (L-R) Jackie, Bonnie, Ruth
To learn more about The Surgical Weight Loss Institute at Bon Secours Community Hospital, visit: Weight Loss Institute or call 845.858.7277.
Chip's Story:
Maria's Story:
Rocky's Story:
Teri's Story:
The Bon Secours Community Hospital Surgical Weight-Loss Institute Team
Our team of compassionate and competent professionals is deeply committed to your long-term success in your journey towards weight loss and a healthier, longer life. We are here to help you every step of the way. It is certainly a difficult process, but with our help, good health is achievable.
Our Surgeons:
Jaime Cepeda, MD
Bariatric Medical Director, Surgeon, Bon Secours Community Hospital
Types of Weight-Loss Surgery
Jaime Cepeda Jr. MD, FACS, Bariatric Medical Director Surgeon, Bon Secours Community Hospital
Research has shown that Bariatric Surgery (also called Weight-Loss Surgery or Obesity Surgery) is the BEST method for permanent weight loss. Additionally permanent loss of excess weight, can lead to a reduction or even elimination of many serious health problems, including diabetes, hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea.
The Surgical Weight Loss Institute at Bon Secours Community Hospital offers a unique team approach to weight loss. Our program offers personal intensive pre-operative assessment, and continues to support patients beyond surgery. Our surgeons, dietitians, physician assistants, psychologists, and nurses work with you to insure a successful outcome.
Gastric Bypass Surgery
- Also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, is a combination metabolic procedure that slows the absorption of food and decreases calorie intake by creating a small stomach pouch that gets connected to the small intestine.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
- Also known as Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, is a restrictive metabolic procedure that removes a portion of the stomach that produces ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates hunger. The smaller stomach size reduces food intake and decreases calorie consumption.
Gastric Banding or Lap Band® Surgery
- Involves placing a silicone ring around the upper part of the stomach. The balloon inside the ring is inflated to create a small pouch to make the patient feel fuller sooner.
For candidates planning on having Weight-Loss surgery we are pleased to announce we are now offering a free online webinar.
Your Journey Towards Good Health Can Start Here
The Surgical Weight Loss Institute provides patients seeking surgical treatment for severe obesity and its related conditions a high-quality therapy choice at a nationally accredited program that meets the highest standards for patient safety and quality of care in the Tri-State Area and Hudson Valley. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), in partnership with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), have awarded Bon Secours Community Hospital a Comprehensive Center accreditation.
For information and appointments call: 845.858.7277
You may be eligible for weight-loss surgery if:
- Your BMI is 40 or more
- Your BMI is 35 or more and you have one or more serious medical conditions associated with obesity
- Your BMI is 30 or more and you have one or more serious medical conditions, Lap Band surgery may be an option for you
- You have been overweight for more than five years
- Your serious weight-loss attempts have had only short-term success
- You are not suffering from any other diseases that may have caused your obesity
- You are willing to continue to be monitored by the specialists treating you
Click HERE to Calculate your BMI
Insurance options
Most insurance companies now cover weight-loss surgery for severely obese patients, but each insurance plan has its own specific set of requirements. Our insurance specialist can assist you in all matters regarding your insurance.
If you find that your plan does not cover weight-loss surgery, we offer financial programs. You can call 845.585.7277 to find out more.
CLICK BELOW TO VIEW
Surgical Weight Loss Institute Informational Seminar
Additional Education:
American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery
http://www.asmbs.org/