What: Weight loss surgery, or bariatric surgery is a surgical procedure that decreases the size of the stomach, reduces food intake and can enable you to lose a significant amount of weight. It is a permanent procedure that requires a lifetime commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Weight loss surgery not only helps you to lose weight, but can help improve your overall health, well-being and self-esteem.

Montefiore Medical Center (@MontefioreNews) and the Weight Loss Surgery Channel (@wlschannel) will be co-hosting a twitter chat on Bariatric Surgery. The chat will cover a range of topics including who is a candidate for bariatric surgery, the varying types of bariatric surgeries, and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

When: Thursday, July 26, 2pm EST

Where: Follow the chat on Twitter at #WLSchat (We encourage you to leave questions in advance of the chat)

Who:

Pratt Vemulapalli, MD, FACS, Director of Bariatric Surgery & Professor, Department of Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Dr. Vemulapalli is a board certified surgeon specializing in laparoscopic and bariatric surgery. Upon receiving her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College, she completed her residency in general surgery and her research fellowship at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Dr. Vemulapalli was fellowship trained in both advanced laparoscopy and laparoscopic bariatric surgery at Montefiore Medical Center. Dr. Velmulapalli's clinical interests include revisional bariatric surgery, adolescent bariatrics and obese transplant patients. She also conducts research investigating new techniques in surgery-- specifically natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). She has performed transvaginal cholecystectomy and is studying its impact on minimizing post operative pain for the patient.

Craig Thompson, founder & CEO, Weight Loss Surgery Channel and host of 90 Seconds to Success

Craig Thompson underwent open Roux en-Y gastric bypass surgery in May 1997. At the time, he weighed 400 pounds, but within 18 months, he dropped nearly half his body weight and began a brand new life post-WLS. Although the changes to his body were both dramatic and empowering, Craig discovered that weight loss surgery only addressed a physical symptom of deeper issues. He founded the Weight Loss Surgery Channel to help those who are considering or who have had weight loss surgery — as well as their loved ones and healthcare providers – address the mental and emotional issues that can lead to severe and morbid obesity. His vision is to provide information, guidance and support for the millions of Americans who struggle with their weight and their self-image, to help them find new hope and live a healthier, happier life after weight loss surgery

Resources Provided by Montefiore Medical Center

Weight Reduction Surgery Program at Montefiore Medical Center

Meet the Team

Surgical Weight Loss Seminars

Contact

Resources Provided by The Weight Loss Surgery Channel

Renewed Reflections Support Forum

Obesity Action Coalition