Rockville Centre, NY - Bariatric surgery, also known as weight-loss surgery, is performed on patients who have been unsuccessfully using diet and exercise and are seeking another option for a more healthful lifestyle. Mercy Medical Center is pleased to have on staff from NY Bariatric, Shawn Garber, MD FACS and Spencer A. Holover, MD, who are top surgeons in their field. NY Bariatric is the pioneer for laparoscopic bypass and has performed over 1,500 laparoscopic gastric bypass procedures - far more than any other bariatric surgeon on Long Island.
Mercy Medical Center is pleased to offer surgical options for patients that were not previously available. These advanced surgical techniques result in smaller incisions, less pain after surgery, less time in the hospital and a shorter recovery. Mercy has its own dedicated bariatric unit, which reflects our mission of caring by offering personalized and compassionate care to each patient. Our state-of-the-art laparoscopic OR suites, specialty trained bariatric nurses and equipment make our patients feel comfortable in a hospital setting, by addressing all of their needs. Shawn Garber, MD is Long Island's only surgeon listed in New York Magazine's top laparoscopic obesity surgeons in the New York area. He has appeared on The Montel Williams Show with Carnie Wilson, as well as appearances on ABC, NBC, NY55, Channel 12 News and was featured in the NY Times as an expert in laparoscopic surgery. Garber recently appeared on "Living it Up with Ali and Jack" on CBS. Spencer A. Holover received his General Surgery Training at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, N.J. He then completed a Minimally Invasive Fellowship with pioneering bariatric surgeon, Dr. Phil Schauer at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. While at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Holover held the academic appointment of Clinical Professor of Surgery and performed cutting edge research, gave presentations at major national meetings, and helped train future and actively practicing surgeons.

Garber and Holover's multidisciplinary team consists of two surgeons, a physician assistant, a full-time Clinical Dietitian, a PhD Psychologist, and personal trainer. Education and informational presentations are offered monthly at Mercy Medical Center to those individuals who are contemplating bariatric surgery. Support Group Meetings are also held monthly at Mercy Medical Center, so that patients can always feel connected and have an opportunity to deal with issues and share their experiences.

Mercy Medical Center and the New York Bariatric Group invite you to join them and their patients on Saturday, May 13, 2006 for the 2nd Annual "Dream Walk". This walk is an amazing chance for patients, both pre-op and post-op, and their supporters to walk 3 miles to bring about awareness of this life changing surgery. It will be held at the Long Beach Boardwalk at Long Beach Boulevard from 10 am to 1 pm (rain or shine). The entire health care team and their patient's together will celebrate these outstanding personal accomplishments!
For more information contact Mercy Medical Center at (516) 705-2702, or Dr. Shawn Garber or Dr. Spencer A. Holover at (516) 616-5500.

For immediate release, contact: Mel Granick
Phone: 516-705-2618
E-Mail: mel.granick@chsli.org