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Bariatric Surgery

Laparoscopic bariatric – or weight loss – surgery is now being offered at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center under the direction of Dr. Venkat Kolli.

Prior to surgery, candidiates complete a pre-surgical program that includes a physical workup, psychological screening and dietary consultation. Post-operative patients then meet in a support group setting every two to three weeks. Special speakers on topics from nutrition to fashion are often invited to address those meetings.

"Surgery is only a tool," Dr. Kolli said. "It's not just an operation, it's a lifelong commitment to a change in eating habits."

Patients usually spend two to three days in the hospital. They are put on a liquid diet for the first two weeks and are limited to pureed foods for four weeks after that. A restricted diet that requires eating several very meals each day is then prescribed.

Patients must also exercise. If their jobs don't require heavy lifting, they can often return to work in two to three weeks.

For more information about Dr. Kolli's program, click here or call 278-0873.