For many patients living with obesity, bariatric surgical procedures are often viewed as last-resort options for weight loss. The field of bariatric surgery, however, has advanced so greatly in recent years that the benefits of surgical therapies far outweigh the risks for most qualifying patients.
Despite its demonstrated safety—on par with or exceeding many common procedures—and its capacity as the most effective and lasting treatment for obesity, bariatric surgery remains underutilized1. At Maimonides Weight Management Center, a team of fellowship-trained bariatric surgeons and a full multidisciplinary support staff are dedicated to providing a safe, comprehensive center for patients to become their healthiest selves.
“I feel like we’re sitting on the best-kept secret in healthcare, especially now with more widespread safety enhancements like bariatric fellowship training for surgeons, expansion of robotic and minimally invasive techniques, and accreditation guidelines,” says Alexander Abdurakhmanov, MD, Director of Bariatric Surgery at Maimonides Medical Center. “Bariatric surgery makes a real difference for patients with so many significant health conditions. More than 70% of Americans are overweight and 40% are living with obesity. Surgery substantially lowers the risk of the associated conditions that shorten lives, such as heart attacks, strokes, and cancer.”
The full spectrum of bariatric procedures, including revisions
Maimonides Weight Management Center offers the complete range of bariatric and metabolic procedures. These include sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, duodenal switch, endoscopic options including the intragastric balloon and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, and gastric band maintenance and revisions. Revisional bariatric surgery—for patients who have experienced complications or weight regain after a prior procedure—is not available at every center, making Maimonides one of the few comprehensive options in New York City for this patient population.
All surgical procedures are performed using laparoscopic or robotic approaches. These support faster recovery and reduced perioperative risk.
“These procedures are as safe as getting your appendix or gallbladder removed,” says Dr. Abdurakhmanov. “It’s a one-night hospital stay, and patients are back to work and back to normal life in one week.”
Who qualifies for bariatric surgery?
Referring providers may not be aware that bariatric surgery eligibility criteria have evolved. Current eligibility includes:
- Patients with a BMI of 35 or higher
- Patients with a BMI of 30 or higher with comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea
Most major insurance plans cover surgery for patients who meet these criteria.
“Medical therapies like GLP-1 inhibitors have exploded in popularity, but they’re not without side effects. And often, patients regain weight once they cease medication. Surgery allows a patient to lose, on average, 30% of their total body weight at one year, with an 80% rate of resolution for diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea 1.” says Dr. Abdurakhmanov. “Not enough people know that these procedures really save lives and give patients a higher quality of life for many years.”
Many patients even see resolution of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia within days to weeks of surgery, even before significant weight loss has occurred.
A multidisciplinary assessment and a thorough preoperative process
Surgical candidates work with a care team that includes registered dietitians, physical therapists, and a dedicated bariatric physician assistant and coordinator throughout the process—making Maimonides a genuinely multidisciplinary program rather than a surgical-only practice.
“All patients need medical clearance from their primary care doctors and a letter of support,” says Danny Poon, MD, bariatric and general surgeon at Maimonides. “Then, all patients undergo a nutrition evaluation and endoscopy, as well as a psychiatric evaluation. Some patients also require cardiopulmonary optimization. We work closely with gastroenterology, pulmonology, and cardiology throughout that process.”
Rigorous follow-up that keeps patients on track long after surgery
One of the most meaningful differentiators in bariatric care at Maimonides is the structure of postoperative care. Patients are seen at two weeks, six weeks, and three months postoperatively, then every three months through the end of the first year, every six months through the second year, and annually thereafter.
“The problem with a lot of other centers is that patients are lost to follow-up,” says Elana Gluzman, MS, PA-C, bariatric physician assistant and coordinator. “We make it a priority to keep track of our patients for months and years after their procedure. Patients become like family here, and we don’t stop at just surgery. It’s a lifelong commitment to their health and well-being.”
That commitment is reflected in the center’s accreditation record. Maimonides Weight Management Center has maintained accreditation through the American College of Surgeons’ Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program for over 10 consecutive years. Maimonides is also an ACS National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Hospital and ACS Surgical Quality Partner. Newsweek named Maimonides one of America’s Best Weight Loss Clinics and Centers in a 2025 report.
Referral pathways across specialties
The benefits of bariatric surgery extend across specialties, and the Weight Management Center welcomes cross-specialty referrals. The team regularly partners with orthopedic surgeons whose patients need to reach a weight threshold before hip or joint replacement, and with OB/GYN providers whose patients are managing PMOS/PCOS or fertility challenges.
“The benefits of bariatric surgery can reach far beyond what most people associate with weight loss,” says Gluzman.
To make an appointment or refer a patient to Maimonides Weight Management Center or Bariatric Surgery, call 718-283-6962. Appointment scheduling is available through MaimoCare.
Eligible patients can learn more by registering for a free monthly information session.
References:
1: Ghiassi, S., Morton, J.M. Safety and Efficacy of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery. Curr Obes Rep 9, 159–164 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-020-00377-y
