Stefanie Vaimakis, MD, FACS, FASMBS: Bariatric Surgeon
I Graduated from NYU Medical School in 1996 and went on to do a General Surgery Residency at Saint Vincent’s Medical Center in New York City. I became interested in Advanced Laparoscopy and decided to pursue additional training. I did a fellowship in Advanced Laparoscopy at Montefiore Medical Center’s Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery in New York. It was there that I was introduced to Bariatric Surgery.
I was amazed at the difference the surgery made in people’s lives, not just physically but socially, professionally and emotionally as well. It is like no other field in surgery because it allows the surgeon to have a lifelong relationship with the patient. It is the most gratifying field because it gives me the chance to really make a difference in someone’s life. Because of that, I absolutely love what I do and have dedicated myself to this field. I came to Englewood and Holy Name Hospitals in 2002 and started my own practice in June of 2005. I am responsible for bringing the LAP BAND to both of these hospitals. It would be a pleasure and an honor for me to help you on your journey to a healthier life.
Credentials
Board Certified in General Surgery
Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
Fellow of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (FASMBS)
Active Member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)
Active Member of the Medical Society of New Jersey and the Bergen County Medical Society (MSNJ)
Active Member of the American Medical Association (AMA)
Dr. Vaimakis is fluent in Spanish and Greek and conducts consultations in both languages.
Fred Silvestri, MD, FACS
I went to Medical School at the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, my general surgery residency was at the Staten Island Hospital. I have Board Certification in General Surgery and Critical Care. I developed an interest in higher level laparoscopy through the years while honing these skills. I have had an interest in Bariatric Surgery since the use of minimally invasive techniques have been applied to this surgical procedure in the late 1990’s. The use of laparoscopic surgery to the field of bariatric surgery has made an unbelievable difference in the lives of many people in attaining a healthier, happier lifestyle. I find this surgery to be one of the
most satisfying to accomplish with its least debilitating and highly successful outcomes. I have been a practicing surgeon in the Bergen County area since 1994. I look forward to continuing to help patients in this endeavor.
Credentials:
Board Certified in General Surgery
Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
Member of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
Member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons
Active Member of the Medical Society of New Jersey and the Bergen
County Medical Society (MSNJ)
Thomas Vaimakis: Executive Director
The philosophy of this practice is that every patient is treated like a member of our family. Bariatric Surgery is a lifechanging event and the process needs to be done with caring, patience, and attention to each patient. We strongly believe in providing an atmosphere of caring and individualized attention that sets us apart from everyone else. I am responsible for every aspect of this practice and I will personally make sure that everyone has a positive experience here with us. I will also make sure that each patient is explained and understands every aspect of the process. Should you need my assistance to discuss a bill or even just to understand the system I am here to guide you through. I strongly believe a person without ambition is a person sailing on a boat on the mercy of its tides…So believe in yourself and allow me to help you to realize your dreams.
Gaspar Rosario, NP
Gaspar Rosario is the nurse practitioner with New York’s Leading Weight Management Program and founder of Access Weight-Loss Care, (AWLC) Inc. AWLC was established to provide lap band patients with the most affordable and best follow-up care possible, regardless of who performed their Gastric Banding procedure. Gaspar Rosario has proudly joined Dr. Stefanie Vaimakis and the North Jersey Laparoscopic Associates in order to provide the highest quality of care to their patients on the weekend. Gaspar will be performing this invaluable service to North Jersey Laparoscopic Associates, while honoring his commitment and dedication to his NYU bariatric program.
Gaspar’s relentless pursuit of care for the morbidly obese patient comes after a personal, lifelong struggle with obesity. Gaspar Rosario started his career in the field of bariatrics after having his LAP-BAND surgery. Personally losing one hundred pounds, and gaining full confidence in the effectiveness of the LAP-BAND system, Gaspar shares his experiences from both perspectives as a patient and as a care provider. Gaspar Rosario’s professional career spans from surgical ICU nursing, to nursing supervisor before joining his collaborating physicians, Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding, Dr. George Fielding and Dr. Marina Kurian, in managing thousands of bariatric patients. Gaspar is a bariatric care consultant and faculty member for Allergan Medical, the manufacturers of the LAP-BAND System, for whom he lectures and teaches surgeons and allied health professionals alike, in the art of performing LAP-BAND adjustments and followup care.
Gaspar Rosario received his Bachelor’s in Nursing Science from Lehman College CUNY and his Master’s in Nursing Science in Adult Health Nurse Practitioner from Hunter College in New York. Gaspar is an active member and speaker for the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. An inductee to Sigma Theta Tau, (National Nursing Honor Society) and certified as an Adult Nurse Practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Gaspar is also involved in precepting nurse practitioner students as well as conducting ongoing bariatric nursing education series’ for the nursing staff. Gaspar Rosario is also a contributing writer for the New YoU Newsletter and active participant in bariatric research and coauthor of several papers and abstracts selected for ASMBS presentations. His knowledge and experience, both as a patient and as a clinician, has made Gaspar Rosario, MSN, NP-C, an expert in the field of bariatrics.
“It is a tremendous honor and a blessing to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Vaimakis and the NJLA team in providing the best care possible to our patients. Dr. Vaimaikis’ commitment to and care for patients is the care model that I have been accustomed to, making the decision to join the NJLA an easy one. I am especially excited about providing care to the patients of Dr. Vaimakis as well as many established Access Weight Loss Care patients.”
Stella Zagata-Fee: Surgical Coordinator
I’ve been a medical assistant for the past 11 years and have worked in various types of practices. My start was in internal medicine, obstetrics & gynecology, and finally plastic & bariatric surgery for the past 4 years. I find the field of bariatric surgery to be the most rewarding and plan to stay in this area of medicine for years to come. I went to school for medical assistance at Berdan Institute in Totowa, NJ and am currently enrolled in the evening RN program at Bergen Community College in Paramus NJ.
I coordinate Dr. Vaimakis’ schedule and will provide you with all of the information you need on medical tests and clearance’s prior to surgery. With many years of experience in Bariatric Surgery, I will be happy to answer any questions you may have. I work closely with the doctor, insurance specialist and hospital staff to ensure your planned procedure goes smoothly. I look forward to working with you!
Sandra Bryant: Insurance and Precertification Specialist
Working with general and bariatric patients and their insurance coverage is a perfect opportunity to combine knowledge and a love for people. Having worked over 20 years for major corporate healthcare insurance carriers has been great, but nothing could be more fulfilling than to see lives change and individuals enjoy a better quality of life. Being a part of a team that helps to make dreams come true is what it’s all about.
Sharon Bernal: Patient Relations
“Working at Dr. Vaimakis’ practice has opened my eyes to a new opportunity and I found that I really enjoy the field of bariatric surgery. Working with patients and helping them achieve their goals while seeing them changing their lifestyle has helped me grow as a person. As a result of working in the medical field I have allowed myself to gain a better perspective on my career path and what I will be studying in the Fall. Being able to work with patients that are interested in bariatric surgery has become a wonderful experience.”
Elissa Gross, PsyD: Psychologist/Support Group Leader
Dr. Gross received her a B.S. in Psychology at Duke University in 1990. She went on to earn her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Yeshiva University in 1997. During her undergraduate and graduate years, Dr. Gross completed several research projects on various aspects of eating disorders. She completed her clinical internship at the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine at New York University Hospital.
She worked at the Rusk Institute for five years until she began her private practice in Bergen County, New Jersey. Currently, Dr. Gross maintains a private practice in Cresskill, New Jersey, where she works with children, adolescents and adults. She has also worked with Dr. Vaimakis for the last seven years, conducting pre-operative evaluations, running the bariatric surgery support groups, and providing individual psychotherapy for many pre and post-operative patients. From the very start of her relationship with Dr. Vaimakis’ patients, Dr. Gross has held firmly to the belief that weight loss surgery is not a “magic bullet,” but rather serves as a tool to help patients begin to address their complicated, and often very unhealthy, relationship with food.
She is passionate about her work with the morbidly obese, both prior to, and following the surgery, and continues to persist in her efforts to call attention to the critical importance of emotional, psychological and social support following weight loss surgery. She has worked extensively with the bariatric patients to help them develop coping strategies to deal with the myriad of issues that emerge following the surgery and to help patients make the longer term lifestyle changes so necessary to their success.
Lauren Balkin Cohen, Ms, Rd Cdn: Registered Dietician/Nutritionist
I received my bachelor of science in Community Health from Hofstra University and a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition and Food Science from NYU. I received my training as a registered dietician from New York Presbyterian Hospital-Cornell Campus. I earned a certificate in Adult Weight Management from the American Dietetic Association. I am a member of the American Dietetic Association, The New Jersey Dietetic Association and The Nutrition Entrepreneurs and the Women’s Health Dietary Practice Group.
My areas of expertise include weight management, polycystic ovarian syndrome and eating disorders. I believe that my mission is to help transform people’s lives through nutritional counseling. I take my client’s lifestyles into account and take great time and care into learning about each and every one of my clients. My counseling encompasses much more than merely food and diet analysis. I act as a weight management coach, but also incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy in my practice. It would be my greatest pleasure to help you achieve your goals.
Check out Lauren’s website www.laurencohennutrition.com
Eric T. Horbatuck, BS, CSCS: Fitness Consultant
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (C.S.C.S.)
• Certified Professional Member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
• Health and Safety Instructor for the American Red Cross
Eric graduated from Ramapo College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in January 2007. He has had extensive experience as a Health & Safety Instructor for the American Red Cross, having taught courses in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, First Aid, Emergency Oxygen Administration, swimming and water safety for nearly a decade. As a strength and conditioning specialist, Eric has worked with people of all different ages and ability levels, helping his clients achieve their individual goals, whatever they may be. He has several years experience working in a clinical orthopedic physical rehabilitation setting as a physical therapy aide and has also worked with numerous collegiate athletes.
David Abramson, MD: Plastic Surgeon
David Abramson was born in New York City and raised in Tenafly, New Jersey where he received his early education. A good student, he was accepted at The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore where he completed his undergraduate studies and graduated Phi Beta Kapa. He continued his education at New York University School of Medicine where he received his degree in 1988, serving as his graduating class President.
Following medical school, Dr. Abramson completed a residency in General Surgery at the State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn (Downstate). In 1993 he moved to Boston, Massachusetts where he embarked upon a residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the prestigious Harvard/Brigham/Children’s Division of Plastic Surgery.
After completing his residency, he continued at Harvard/Brigham to complete a fellowship in Craniofacial Surgery. While in Boston, Dr. Abramson held a faculty appointment at Harvard Medical School.
Following his post-graduate work at Harvard, Dr. Abramson was anxious to return to his native New York. Today he practices at his offices in Manhattan and Englewood, New Jersey. Dr. Abramson currently holds the position Associate Professor of Surgery and has spent several years as the Chairman of the Division of Plastic Surgery at the State University of New York. He is honored to have held the distinction of being the Program Director of the oldest Plastic Surgery residency in the United States established in 1947. Having published more than 30 articles and book chapters on various topics in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Abramson has become a popular guest lecturer at area hospitals and residency programs on current trends in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Additionally, Dr. Abramson, an innovator has described new techniques for facelift, abdominoplasty, breast reduction and breast reconstruction.
Dr. Abramson is certified by:
- The American Board of Plastic Surgery