Dedicated to You on Your Weight Loss Journey
In the Albany Med Health System, bariatric surgery and weight loss services are offered at Albany Medical Center and Saratoga Hospital. Our programs are certified by the American College of Surgeons’ Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program.
This page features information about Albany Medical Center's Bariatric and Weight Loss Program. The program as a Comprehensive Center with Obesity Medicine Qualifications by the American College for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
Learn more about bariatric services offered at Saratoga Hospital.
Center of Distinction
Contact us to schedule an appointment for weight loss management or to find out if you are eligible for weight loss surgery:
Albany Medical Center 518-262-0942
Saratoga Hospital 518-693-4699
Our Philosophy
Management of weight starts with diet and exercise and making a lifelong commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Our treatment approach is comprehensive and addresses the major factors that lead to the development of obesity.
Treatment options include diet plans, exercise prescriptions, weight loss medications, and weight loss surgery in adults. We offer a variety of surgical options that can be performed laparoscopically, robotically, and endoscopically.
With accredited bariatric care centers within an academic medical system, we offer patients numerous benefits that include top-level surgeons and caregivers, a team approach to care, state-of-the-art services and equipment, and access to the latest treatment options.
Exercise Plans
The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week for cardiovascular health and 300 minutes a week for weight loss. We work with patients to develop exercise plans to achieve their goals.
Assistance in Developing Healthy Habits
Habits are powerful because they are subconscious and influence so many factors in our behaviors. Unhealthy habits include skipping meals, snacking, grazing, and binge eating and can sabotage any successful diet if not approached with caution. We work on changing bad habits for the better.
Weight Loss Medications
When diet and exercise alone are not working, weight loss medications may be a reasonable option.
Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery can lead to more sustained weight loss. We offer roux-en-y gastric bypass and gastrectomy. Both are performed using a minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic approach. Our teams are committed to extensive routine follow-up care to monitor weight loss progress, routine blood work to avoid nutritional deficiencies, and constant reinforcement of life long supplementation paired with nutrition needs for long-term success.
The clinic also serves the needs of obese children and adolescents ages 2 to 18 years of age. Our team includes a pediatrician, who specializes in clinical nutrition, and dieticians. We have easy access to the specialties offered at the region's only children's hospital, the .
While we do not offer bariatric surgery to children under age 18, our approach to childhood obesity includes a comprehensive evaluation of the child's nutritional, medical, and psychological needs as they relate to weight loss.
Body Mass Index
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) uses body mass index (BMI) in conjunction with health problems to determine eligibility for weight loss surgery. Weight-loss surgery may be an option for adults who have a BMI of 40 or more or a BMI of 35 or more with a serious health problem linked to obesity.
Obesity-related Health Problems
Certain medical conditions can put you at higher health risk with obesity. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, and polycystic ovarian disease are just a few examples.
Importance of Diet and Exercise
Our process is rigorous and comprehensive in order to ensure the best outcomes for patients long after surgery. We help our patients overcome obstacles so that they are prepared before, during, and after surgery.
Most insurance companies recognize that when your BMI approaches 35, and you are beginning to experience medical problems because of your weight, bariatric surgery can improve your long-term health and quality of life.
Albany Medical Center and Saratoga Hospital are recognized as centers of distinction by major health plans in our area. Our pre- and post-operative process is rigorous and comprehensive because we understand the requirements most insurance companies have and can help you navigate the process. That said, there are limitations to each individual plan. Call your carrier to ask about your coverage.
If you're considering weight loss surgery, take the next step and meet with our bariatric team. Our experts will help determine if you are a candidate. They will help you make an informed decision and start you on the path to a healthy life.
To schedule an appointment with Albany Medical Center, or for more information call 518-262-0942
Before your fist visit to Albany Medical Center, please view our educational videos.
