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.

Ladys L. Preisler: Surgical Coordinator

It is a pleasure to be part of this Bariatric Surgery practice, where each patient is treated as part of our family. I am a Medical Assistant pursuing my degree in Nursing. During the patients visit at the office I take pleasure in assisting you and making you feel very comfortable while I take your vitals or do your blood work. Patients will enjoy a friendly smile and a joke to brighten their day with a prescription of laughter. I look towards a bright future in helping people reach their goals so they can have a healthier and better life.

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.

Marta Aquino: Patient Relations

As your Patients Relations Coordinator I will be the first to greet you with a smile upon your arrival. I will answer when you call, whether it is to schedule your consultation or answer a question. I welcome every patient with care and compassion throughout their weight loss journey. Being a part of this practice has changed my life. Every day is a rewarding day at North Jersey Laparoscopic Associates, helping patients improve their quality of life and making them healthier.

Talia Filippelli, MSW, LCSW: Psychotherapist and Health Coach
Owner of Starr Psychotherapy, LLC

As a Psychotherapist and Health Coach, I consider it a privilege to be a member of your treatment team. I am here to help you through the psychological assessment part of the pre-surgical process. My job is to help alleviate any pre-surgery anxiety, assist you in preparing for change, ensure that you understand all aspects of your treatment, and to help set you up for success. I studied Psychology at Penn State University and received my Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work from Columbia University. I received my Health Coaching certificate from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition where I learned how to inspire people to value themselves and the food they put in their body; but also to explore how relationships, careers, exercise, and spirituality can either support or hinder our ability to reach health goals. When you make the life-changing decision to have weight loss surgery, you can feel confident knowing that I am committed to supporting your choice so your weight loss goals will last a lifetime. Your success on this journey towards health is my top priority. I will do whatever I can to best prepare you for your new life and to prevent old habits from getting in your way.

I can be reached at 201-218-7431 or talia@starrpsych.com to schedule psychological assessments for bariatric surgery and/or to schedule psychotherapy appointments. Please visit my website www.StarrPsych.com for a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding your assessment. Ask about discounted packages for your bariatric assessment and pre/post-surgery support sessions!
Fee: $150

Locations:

222 Cedar Lane
Teaneck, NJ 07666

Office Hours:

Office hours are by appointment only.
Hoboken: Mon/Thurs/Fri
Teaneck: Wed

* Credit card information is required at the time your appointment is scheduled. Your card will NOT be charged; the information is required to hold the day/time of your appointment. You can choose to pay by cash, check, or credit card on the day of your appointment.

** Assessments must be completed by the cut-off date indicated by your North Jersey Laparoscopic Associates team. Please do not wait until the last minute to schedule your appointment. No-shows and cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will result in a charge to your credit card in the amount of $125.00.

Michael Sakowitz, PhD: Clinical Psychologist

Wayne: 973-696-5668
Lincoln Park: 973-696-0800
Paramus: 973-696-3592
Initial Consultation Fee: $175

Frank Santos, MD: Psychiatrist

115 River Road, Building 3
Edgewater, NJ 07020
Phone: 201-941-4405
Initial Consultation Fee: $150

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

Norberto Luke Soto, MD: Plastic Surgeon

Norberto Luke Soto, MD is a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Dr. Soto's academic accomplishments include his grauation from Rutgers College of Pharmacy, summa cum laude. He later obtained his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey as a member of the prestigious honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha. After medical school graduation, Dr. Soto went through years of extensive training in General Surgery and Plastic Surgery, gaining invaluable experience in Philadelphia at Temple University Hospital, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and Fox Chase Cancer Center. He then completed a Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship at Albany Medical Center Hospital in Albany, New York.

Dr. Soto has returned to his native Northern New Jersey to open a private practice. His practice offers a complete range of plastic surgical care including cosmetic procedures, reconstructive surgery, and hand surgery. Dr. Soto offers those who seek self-improvement a chance to have the concept of their self-defined beauty become a reality. He presents those inflicted by accidents the chance to obtain their original image, and those born with physical defects an opportunity to fit into a "physical" mainstream world. Being fluent in Spanish, he is also able to offer many patients the individual and considerate relationship they seek in a physician who understands their language and culture.

Whether necessitated by a medical condition or to enhance one's appearance and self-image, the decision to undergo a surgical procedure is an extremely important and personal one. Dr. Soto believes it is critical to fully connect with the patient's goals, expectations, and aesthetic perceptions prior to surgery in order to achieve the best surgical results. It is Dr. Soto's intention to provide a private and comfortable atmosphere for all his patients throughout their entire surgical experience, striving to provide personalized, quality plastic surgery care to his patients with the warmth and compassion they deserve.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS
Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, Englewood
Holy Name Medical Center, Teaneck
Palisades Medical Center, North Bergen
Pascack Valley Hospital, Westwood
The Valley Hospital, Ridgewood

Check out Dr. Soto's website www.docsoto.com