Oswego Health is pleased to announce a life-changing service for those challenged by weight loss, through a new service led by physicians who are experts in this specialized field.
Providing care at The Center for Weight Loss and Surgery at Oswego Health will be Jeffrey DeSimone, MD, and Kenneth Cooper, DO, who are affiliated with Central New York Surgical Physicians, PC. The physicians perform nearly 450 bariatric surgeries each year and are bringing their expertise to Oswego Hospital.
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. DeSimone completed his internship, residency and fellowship at the State University of New York Health Science Center.
Dr. Cooper is also 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. He completed his internship and residency at Upstate Medical University.
Oswego Health’s comprehensive and personalized program begins with a screening process and physician-led education sessions to assist community members in being successful. The bariatrics staff will remain a part of each patient’s weight loss team throughout their weight-loss journey, from that initial screening and education sessions to surgery and follow up support groups. Along with the two physicians, the bariatric team includes a registered nurse, a psychologist, and a dietician, among others.
The two physicians will perform procedures in Oswego Hospital’s state-of-the-art surgery center. The surgery center has all the latest equipment and is staffed by highly skilled nurses and other clinicians. At Oswego Hospital, the bariatric specialists will perform laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomies, where 75 percent of the stomach is removed, and takes on the shape of a sleeve. This is a minimally invasive surgery,
They will also perform the roux-en-y gastric bypass surgery, where during surgery a very small stomach is created. Patients who undergo this procedure may be hospitalized for several days, but can lose about 65 to 70 percent of their excess weight on averaged within 18 months of surgery.
The physicians stress that bariatric surgery is safe and is very successful for those who follow their recommendations following surgery. “I view it as a life-saving surgery,” said Dr. DeSimone. “It’s proven to be successful in the treatment of morbid obesity.” Dr. Cooper adds, “Our patients tell us this surgery gives them their life back, this is something I hear repeatedly.”
To learn more about the weight-loss options available at Oswego Health, free information sessions are being held each Wednesday in the JPC Conference room in the Oswego Health Services Center, located adjacent to Oswego Hospital.
Upcoming sessions will be held at 4 p.m. Sept. 20th and 27th and at noon on Oct. 4th and 11th. They are led by one of the physicians alongside other clinical staff members, allowing community members to have the best information and all their questions answered. To sign up for one of the sessions or for more information, please call 315-349-5822 or visit oswegohealth.org/seminar.