Rockville Centre, NY - Bariatric surgery, also known as weight-loss surgery, is performed on patients who have been unsuccessful 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.

Martin A. Bieber, President and CEO of Mercy Medical Center, states “Mercy 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 has recently appearance 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 nutritionist, 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.

For more information contact Mercy Medical Center at (516) 705-2702, or Dr. Shawn Garber or Dr. Spencer A. Holover at (516) 616-5500.

Media Contact:  Maryann Ging at 516-705-2620