Gastrointestinal Surgery encompasses both colon and rectal surgery. We offer comprehensive state-of-the-art care for patients with anorectal cancer, and a full range of gastrointestinal, abdominal, and colorectal conditions and diseases. Bariatric surgeons provide comprehensive surgical solutions in a compassionate environment for adolescents and adults through all stages of weight loss. Colon and rectal surgeons provide personalized care for a wide variety of gastrointestinal, abdominal, and colorectal conditions and diseases. They offer the highest standard of care for malignant diseases, as well as the most complex benign conditions. We understand that the thought of surgery can seem frightening, which is why we take the time to answer all questions in detail. Our goal is to provide the most effective treatment with the least scarring and postoperative discomfort, as well as the shortest recovery time as possible. In caring for our patients, we harness the latest technologies, with a focus on minimally invasive techniques, such as NOTES, a scar-less surgery that is used for the removal of the gallbladder and appendix. For weight loss, we offer the following minimally invasive surgical procedures: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, in which a small stomach pouch is created to restrict food intake. A Y-shaped section of the small intestine is then attached to the pouch to allow food to bypass the lower stomach, the duodenum (the first segment of the small intestine), and the first portion of the jejunum (the second segment of the small intestine). This reduces the number of calories and amount of nutrients the body absorbs. LAP-Band® surgery, in which a band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch to hold food. The band limits the amount of food one can eat by making the patient feel full after eating small amounts of food. Sleeve Gastrectomy, which involves removing about 85% of the stomach. The remaining portion of the stomach is stapled closed, creating a thin, vertical sleeve of stomach. The smaller-sized stomach holds less food, creating a feeling of fullness with significantly less food. Specialized care is offered in the following areas: Abdominal wall reconstruction Complex, revisional invasive, and laparoscopic surgery for anal cancer, colon and rectal cancer, Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, gallstones and gallbladder disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, hiatal hernia, and other gastrointestinal conditions Laparoscopic screening and management of anorectal cancer Laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of morbid obesity and its associated conditions, including diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and sleep apnea Pelvic floor disorders Motivation, education, and support throughout each bariatric patient’s weight-loss journey (provided by nursing, nutrition, and psychology providers) Transanal endoscopic microsurgery Ulcerative colitis treatment Expertise in revision, or “re-do” surgery for p

We understand that living with gastrointestinal conditions or morbid obesity presents patients with challenges. We want to help them meet and overcome those challenges by exploring what each condition means to each patient, especially for his or her day-to-day life. We focus on education and helping patients become their own best advocate. We have been designated a Center of Excellence by the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, and offer comprehensive state-of-the-art care for those struggling with morbid or extreme obesity. In caring for our patients, we harness the latest technologies, such as NOTES, a scar-less surgery that is used for the removal of the gallbladder and appendix. The procedure involves passing surgical instruments and a tiny camera through a natural orifice, such as the stomach or the vagina, to perform surgery. By avoiding major incisions through the skin, muscle, and nerves of the abdomen, patients recover more quickly, experience less pain, and have no visible scars on their abdomen while the risk of postoperative complications, such as wound infections and hernias, is significantly reduced. Our minimally invasive bariatric surgical procedures include: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, in which a small stomach pouch is created to restrict food intake. A Y-shaped section of the small intestine is then attached to the pouch to allow food to bypass the lower stomach, the duodenum (the first segment of the small intestine), and the first portion of the jejunum (the second segment of the small intestine). This reduces the calories and nutrients the body absorbs. Sleeve Gastrectomy, which involves removing about 85% of the stomach. The remaining portion of the stomach is stapled closed, creating a thin, vertical sleeve of stomach. The smaller-sized stomach holds less food, creating a feeling of fullness with significantly less food. Our surgeons are experts in revision, or “re-do” surgeries, and teach physicians around the country minimally invasive bariatric procedures. Along with our nursing staff, they are committed to providing safe and compassionate care. We also collaborate with primary care providers and other specialists to optimize our patients’ health and provide them with a comprehensive network for all of their care.

Obesity is a common problem that can cause fatigue, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and sleep problems, and raise the risk of many cancers. It reduces energy, and can take the pleasure out of many aspects of life. Extra weight also places stress on vital organs, including the heart, liver, and kidneys, as well as joints and the reproductive system. Although organs can work under this extra stress for a number of years, eventually they are likely to fail. Most organs lose about 80% of their capacity before symptoms are evident, and by that time, it is often too late to return them to normal function. The conditions associated with obesity are: Cancer Cardiovascular disease Diabetes Liver disease Obstructive sleep apnea Losing weight can help improve and sometimes cure many of these conditions, as well as fertility issues. Losing weight can also lead to a life with fewer medications, lower health expenses, and overall greater enjoyment. At the Yale Metabolic Health and Weight Loss Program, we offer all nonsurgical weight-loss interventions in one location. Our philosophy is to focus on health, rather than specific disease, and to tailor our care to each patient’s specific needs and goals. The first step in our care is to determine weight-loss goals. Patients may need to lose 5 to 10% of their body weight to help in the treatment of a disease. We will help patients choose from interventions that include intensive meal-replacement programs, a range of medications, or endoscopic (nonsurgical procedure) options. Sometimes, there are additional medical necessities, such as an upcoming surgery, that require a specific weight-loss goal. We will explain the advantages and disadvantages of the various options, but the choice will depend primarily on what feels right to the patient. We provide therapies under the medical supervision of obesity experts. Patients can choose from the full range of tested interventions: Lifestyle changes: Nutrition counseling goes hand-in-hand with medical management of metabolic health. Care will include a personal visit with a registered dietitian with advanced training in weight management. OPTIFAST® program: OPTIFAST® is a medically monitored weight management program that allows patients, under the supervision of a physician, to consume a low-calorie diet and receive comprehensive lifestyle education. The OPTIFAST program provides full meal replacement for 12 weeks and transitions to self-prepared “everyday” meals in conjunction with comprehensive patient education and support, to help patients achieve long-term weight loss. Medications: All medications are used as part of a comprehensive program that includes proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. Belviq® is taken twice daily and can produce weight loss in the 5 to 10% range after about six months of use. Its main effect is to decrease appetite. Contrave® is a single pill that contains two medications (naltrexone and bupropion) and is taken twice a d