Our Program

Dr. Samuels has been performing weight loss surgery in South Florida for 20 years and is a pioneer in the field having performed nearly 2,000 obesity surgeries. We strongly believe our program is superior because:

• We advocate Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery exclusively because it is the safest, most effective procedure.
   
• We provide psychological services before weight loss surgery, during hospitalization and monthly thereafter. Our psychologists are Dr. Melodie Moorehead and Dr. Michael Parrish, both of whom are extremely experienced and familiar with morbid obesity and its treatment. Dr. Moorehead has published widely and is well known in the bariatric surgery field for her contributions. She was instrumental in founding the Allied Health Section of The American Society For Bariatric Surgery.
   
• Our registered dietician, Mary Kozolis R.D., R.N., has extensive experience with the dietary needs of gastric bypass patients as well as in depth knowledge regarding their requirements for dietary supplements and the prevention and treatment of any possible deficiencies. She is actively involved in teaching others in her field
   
• We offer monthly follow-up visits with Dr. Samuels, as well as psychological and dietary follow-up. Most centers restrict their follow-up to 3 months, 6 months and yearly, which we feel is inadequate. We also perform a full bio-chemical profile every 3 months during the weight loss period.
   
• We use a silastic ring around the pouch to prevent stretching which may permit more food intake and weight regain years later.
   
• We use a longer Roux limb in very heavy patients to increase weight loss.
   
• We remove the gallbladder routinely to prevent gallstones from forming later. These can be very painful.
   
• We encourage and advise exercise, but because our patients come from long distances, we do not have our own gym, but prefer to assist patients regarding exercise requirements.
   
• We use a temporary gastrostomy tube for 2 weeks after weight loss surgery. This is an important safety measure, which can prevent a possibly fatal complication.
   
• We strongly recommend a monthly Support Group attended by the surgeon, psychologist and dietician.
   
• Patients start on soft food such as scrambled eggs, cottage cheese and apple sauce on the third day after weight loss surgery. We do not limit patients to liquids for weeks, nor do we advise protein drinks or shakes except in exceptional cases.