Stony Brook University Hospital is engaged in the fight against obesity on all fronts: prevention, education, advocacy, research and treatment.
Prevention — Our staff is involved in developing, implementing and evaluating nutrition interventions and policies under the auspices of the Long Island Center for Pediatric Obesity Prevention: Best Practices, a NYS Department of Health funded grant.
Education — For the community, the staff of Stony Brook’s Bariatric and Metabolic Weight Loss Center leads twice-monthly obesity seminars free of charge and has developed a webinar [link] available online. Topics include the obesity epidemic in America, a review of obesity-related health problems, and the complete range of tools used to treat obesity at Stony Brook. And with funds raised through the Walk for Weight Loss Community Walk, we hope to expand our education efforts significantly.
Advocacy — Dr. Aurora Pryor, director of The Bariatric and Metabolic Weight Loss Center, is a renowned expert in bariatric health who has testified before the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Research — The Bariatric and Metabolic Weight Loss Center medical staff is actively engaged in research on new surgical tools and technology useful in bariatric surgery has developed patented surgical technologies. The Center’s Director, Dr. Aurora Pryor has received a number of research grants and holds patents for several surgical technologies. Her current research efforts focus on advancing laparoscopic bariatric surgery techniques and outcomes, and on new technology in surgery and surgical training.
Treatment — Our approach at the Bariatric and Metabolic Weight Loss Center is targeted to the patient’s individual needs. Depending on their weight, health, lifestyle and preferences, we help patients develop an effective weight loss strategy. Surgery is often – but not always – part of that strategy. We may also recommend medical management, diet and exercise plans, counseling, behavior modification and group support. We equip each patient with the tools needed to reach their health improvement and weight loss goals, as well as the follow-up support necessary for long-term success.