Business Details
43 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence in Washington DC
The Center For Obesity Surgery has been a leader in bariatric care since 1983, offering comprehensive solutions for severe obesity. Our program combines extensive pre-operative evaluation, psychological support, and advanced surgical techniques to ensure lasting weight loss and improved health. With over 6,000 procedures performed by Dr. Joseph D. Afram and a success rate exceeding 95%, we prioritize patient safety and long-term outcomes. Our team includes board-certified surgeons, nutritionists, and personal trainers who provide lifelong follow-up care. Recognized as an ASMBS Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, we deliver personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs.Our minimally invasive techniques, such as Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy, minimize recovery time and complications. We address obesity-related comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension through evidence-based interventions. Patient education remains central to our approach, with weekly seminars and support groups fostering sustainable lifestyle changes. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our low complication rates and decades of clinical experience. By integrating behavioral modification programs with surgical expertise, we empower patients to achieve transformative health outcomes.
Services
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Revision Bariatric Surgery
Pre-Operative Evaluation
Lifelong Follow-Up Care
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- 27 years of experience with over 6,000 bariatric procedures performed
- 95%+ success rate in sustained weight loss and complication prevention
- Comprehensive program including pre-op evaluation and lifelong follow-up
- Minimally invasive techniques with average 1.5-hour surgeries and 3-day hospital stays
- Multidisciplinary team of surgeons, nutritionists, and behavioral specialists
Associations and certifications
- American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Center of Excellence
What people say
Life-changing results
Excellent support
Expert care
Dramatic health improvements
Knowledgeable staff
Services
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
This minimally invasive procedure creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the digestive system. Patients experience reduced food intake and nutrient absorption, leading to significant weight loss. Our surgeons perform this operation through a 1.5-inch incision with average 3-day hospital stays and 95%+ success rates in long-term weight maintenance.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
This procedure removes 80% of the stomach to limit food capacity and reduce hunger hormones. Patients typically lose 50-80% of excess weight within 12-18 months. Our laparoscopic approach ensures faster recovery and lower complication risks compared to traditional methods.
Revision Bariatric Surgery
Designed for patients needing corrective surgery after prior bariatric procedures. Our team addresses complications like weight regain or nutritional deficiencies with tailored solutions. Revision surgeries require specialized expertise, which we provide through our 27-year experience in complex cases.
Pre-Operative Evaluation
Comprehensive medical, psychological, and nutritional evaluations determine surgical readiness. This includes BMI analysis, comorbidity screening, and behavioral assessments. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures patients receive the most appropriate treatment plan for long-term success.
Lifelong Follow-Up Care
Continuous monitoring of nutritional status, weight management, and psychological well-being. Patients receive regular consultations with dietitians, access to support groups, and behavioral modification programs. This ongoing care ensures sustained weight loss and addresses potential post-surgical challenges.
People
Joseph D. Afram
Medical Director
Board-certified surgeon with 40+ years of experience in bariatric surgery. Performed over 6,000 procedures since 1983 with complication rates below 1%. Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and former Chairman of Surgery at Columbia Hospital.
Colina Pugh
Accounts Manager
Health insurance specialist with 20+ years of experience managing claims and appeals. Certified professional biller and coder who streamlines insurance processes for patients undergoing bariatric surgery.
Questions
What qualifies someone for bariatric surgery?
Candidates typically have a BMI ≥40 or ≥35 with obesity-related comorbidities. Our team evaluates medical history, previous weight loss attempts, and psychological readiness during consultations.
What surgical options are available?
We offer Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and revision procedures. Each option's benefits and risks are discussed during personalized consultations with our surgical team.
How does the pre-operative process work?
The program includes medical evaluations, psychological assessments, and nutrition counseling. Patients attend educational seminars and receive insurance guidance from our dedicated accounts manager.
What post-operative support is provided?
Our comprehensive follow-up includes weekly support groups, dietary counseling, and behavioral modification programs. Patients receive lifelong monitoring of nutritional status and weight management progress.
What are typical recovery timelines?
Most patients stay 3 days post-surgery and return to work within 10-12 days. Full recovery takes 6-8 weeks, with gradual reintroduction of physical activities under our team's supervision.
