For weight loss surgery and the path to weight loss to be successful, the entire team is important. At New York Bariatric Group, we have a team of talented and caring office staff ready to help you in any way we can. Whether we are answering questions about the new weight loss balloon options, working with your insurance to figure out coverage, or scheduling a nutrition consultation, you will feel supported and encouraged throughout your journey.
Donna Franco is an expert in the field of bariatric surgery. She has worked with bariatric patients for almost a decade, and feels fortunate to work with patients on their journeys to weight loss. You’ll likely meet Donna during both your pre-op and post-op processes. She follows patients and helps guide them towards their weight loss goals.
Eva Pilchman has been with the practice since 2012. She received her Bachelor of Science in diagnostic genetic sciences from the University of Connecticut and Master of Science degree in physician assistant studies from Hofstra University.
Kelly is a native of Texas, received her Bachelor's of Science from Austin College in Sherman, Texas in 2011. She subsequently obtained her Masters of Physician Assistant studies from New York Institute of Technology in 2015.
Jennifer is a board-certified physician assistant specializing in both plastic and bariatric surgery and is also a Registered Dietitian in the state of New York. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition as well as the Certificate of Advanced Studies in Dietetics at the C.W Post Campus of Long Island University.
Emily attended an accelerated Physician Assistant program at DeSales University in Center Valley, Pennsylvania. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Medical Studies in 2017 and her Master's Degree in Physician Assistant Studies in 2018.
Julia Bassi is a board-certified physician assistant specializing in bariatric and robotic surgery. Julia was born and raised on Long Island. She is licensed in New York and works mostly out of our Islandia office.
Jen Weston is a board-certified Physician Assistant and Registered Dietitian. She completed her undergraduate education in Nutritional Sciences at Cornell University. Jen holds a Masters of Science in Human Nutrition from Tufts University.
Dr. Willo Wisotsky is a NY State Licensed Psychologist who received her Clinical Health Ph.D. from Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology of Yeshiva University. Dr. Wisotsky is a faculty member at Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine and Suffolk Community College. Dr. Wisotsky has committed her research and clinical practice to the field of eating disorders and obesity with its related medical and mental health comorbidities.
Dr. Natania Ostrovsky is a clinical psychologist licensed in both New York and Connecticut. She received her PhD in Clinical Health Psychology from the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology of Yeshiva University. She has both a clinical and research background in health psychology with a focus on cognitive behavioral therapy, improving health behaviors, and obesity.
Sharon George is one of the most experienced bariatric surgery nutritionists in the country. She joined New York Bariatric Group over 10 years ago, and thrives on helping patients with obesity to reach their weight loss goals. Guided by a strong desire for education, Sharon completed 2 bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree with honors. In addition to working with patients, Sharon writes as a nutrition expert. She has been published in OH Magazine and Bariatrics Today. Sharon will be an important part of your journey regardless of which weight loss procedure or treatment option you choose.
Dr. Gaudio is a board certified anesthesiologist. He works with the surgeons to ensure every patient has a safe and comfortable experience during their bariatric procedure. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Gaudio works with patients who choose surgical procedures such as the band, bypass, or sleeve, as well as those who choose a non-surgical approach like the weight loss balloon.
Dr. Schilero received a M.S. degree from Tufts University and his M.D. from Hahnemann University. Dr. Schilero performed his medical residency and fellowship at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, with subspecialty boards in Pulmonary Disease, Critical Care Medicine, and Sleep Medicine. After completing his fellowship in Pulmonary Medicine, Dr. Schilero remained at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine for four years as the Associate Director for the Lung and Heart/Lung Transplantation program and the Sleep Center at Mount Sinai.
Shara Lazar has spent many years counseling patients with varied health concerns including renal failure, hypertension and diabetes. It was those experiences that lead her on a path to help people reduce the risk of developing these health concerns and improving the quality of their lives. She joined NYBG with 8 years of bariatric nutrition expertise and is also extremely passionate about fitness. She will help you to integrate both nutrition and exercise in to your life with a practical approach and continuous support.
Sarah joined NYBG in 2019 after receiving her Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Quinnipiac University. Prior to becoming a board-certified Physician Assistant, Sarah received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science Studies from Quinnipiac University in 2017.
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Brian is a board-certified Physician Assistant who joined the NYBG in 2020. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Biology at The Pennsylvania State University in 2018. In 2020, Brian received his Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Lavinia Couture is a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in bariatric, general and robotic surgery. Lavinia was born and raised in Bergen County, New Jersey. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Ramapo College of New Jersey in 2015.
Sharon completed her undergraduate education at Syracuse University earning a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition/Dietetics and worked in clinical nutrition for seven years. Sharon completed her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Pace University – Lenox Hill Hospital Physician Assistant Program and started practicing bariatric and general surgery with Ballem Surgical in 2013.
Our team is happy to speak with you and help you understand any of the treatments we offer, or answer any questions you have. Please call and speak with us at 800-633-8446, or read more about the surgical and non-surgical options we offer here.
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Learn more“The staff and doctors at the New York Bariatric Group are amazing! They are always patient, helpful, and very understanding and pro-active with questions, problems, etc. After Lap Band surgery I feel fantastic. For the last 6 years I have not had to worry if my clothes would fit. I have been able to maintain my weight loss, and have so much more energy.”
Learn more"Dr. Holover has a great personality, I love him, I consider him a good friend, and I recommend him to everyone. He and his staff are amazing. I thought my recovery would be worse, but it wasn’t. It was great. After a couple of days I was back on my feet and going, with three boys you don’t have time to be down. Now, my kids have to keep up with me!"
Learn more"My results are incredible; I can go to any store and find clothes that fit, I don’t have to go to the big and tall store anymore. My family and friends say I look great, but more so are so happy about my health. Definitely go for it, it is well worth it."
Learn more"My recovery was very easy, I started moving around pretty quick because the nurses had me up and about. Dr. Angstadt has a great bedside manner, a cheerful disposition and is very knowledgeable. He was genuinely concerned for me, he answered all of my questions and put me at ease. I couldn’t be happier, I think it is the best decision I ever made."
Learn more"I was concerned about my health, my blood pressure, cholesterol, my mobility, my flexibility. A few friends told me about NYBG and I went to a seminar. I wanted to live a healthier life and live a long life. My recovery was great, after a week I was 100%. My doctor, Dr. Sekhar, has the best personality in the world."
Learn more"I had a couple of friends who had bariatric surgery done by Dr. Garber a few years back and I decided to make the appointment. My favorite thing about the surgery is not being able to eat that much, eating whatever I want but in smaller portions. My results are amazing"
*Individual results may vary.