ChristianaCare

Surgery and appointment information – Learn more

For the safety of our patients and caregivers, we have expanded and changed how we deliver care to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Depending on your medical needs, your appointments could take place in-person, by phone or by video. There may be times when an appointment or procedure may be rescheduled. In which case, we will contact you to let you know. Rest assured, all urgent needs will be addressed promptly.

Existing ChristianaCare patients can request an appointment using their patient portal account.

Visitor restrictions are still in place for your protection. Please refer to our visitor policy for more details.

Our operating rooms are now accommodating elective procedures.

As an added safety measure, all patients will be screened for COVID-19. If needed, your doctor will order a COVID-19 test to be performed at a ChristianaCare laboratory three to five days before your procedure.

Bariatric Surgery Services

Bariatric Surgery Services

Is bariatric surgery the answer for you?

Have you repeatedly tried and failed at traditional weight loss programs? Do you find it difficult to exercise because of your weight? Do you have health problems related to obesity?

In the United States, more than two-thirds of all adults are overweight or obese. Morbid obesity, defined as being more than 100 pounds overweight or having a body-mass index of 40 or higher, is closely correlated with heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and other life-threatening conditions.

If diet and exercise have not been successful for you, bariatric surgery may be an option. When performed correctly, bariatric surgery can help you regain control of your life and your health.

Who is a candidate for weight loss surgery?

Bariatric surgery is recommended for people who:

  • Are considered morbidly obese (have 100 pounds or more to lose).
  • BMI at least 40 or higher or 35 with 1 or 2 co-morbidities (such as diabetes or high blood pressure).
  • Have tried and failed at other weight loss attempts.

 

What are the benefits?

Most people lose weight rapidly right after surgery and the majority of the weight loss will occur over the first 18-24 months. This weight loss generally results in improvement of obesity-related medical conditions and reduces the risk heart attack and stroke. Research further shows that patients live longer after weight loss surgery.

Take the first step right now. Register online for a free virtual seminar, or call 800-693-2273.

Have you already had bariatric surgery?

We believe that close follow-up with a Bariatric Provider is essential to maintain health and weight loss after bariatric surgery.  Our team will gladly accept any patients who have had previous bariatric surgery for ongoing care or consideration for revisional surgery, if necessary.

Learn more about our bariatric team.

Dr. Caitlin Halbert specializes in bariatric and advanced gastrointestinal surgery, including revisional surgery. After completing a Masters of Science in Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Halbert received her medical education at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a general surgery residency training at ChristianaCare and fellowship training in Bariatric and Advanced Gastrointestinal Surgery at Stony Brook University in New York before returning to Delaware. She serves as Medical Director for the ChristianaCare Bariatric Surgery Program.

Dr. Anthony Tascone specializes in general surgery and bariatric surgery at ChristianaCare Health System. Dr. Tascone earned his medical degree from Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Dr. Mingwei Ni specializes in bariatric and general surgery, including advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Following a general surgery residency at NY-Presbyterian Hospital, he completed a fellowship in minimally invasive surgery and bariatric surgery at Mayo Clinic. Dr. Ni is board certified by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. He has completed hundreds of bariatric surgeries.

Dr. Michael B. Goldberg specializes in minimally invasive surgical approaches, including laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Following residency training at Temple University Hospital, he completed a fellowship in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery at Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He received a Bachelor’s degree from The College of New Jersey and his medical degree from New Jersey Medical School.

Our doctors and staff will help you to make an informed decision about whether surgery is right for you. And if you choose to undergo bariatric surgery – your surgery, recovery and ongoing weight management will be in accordance with the best practices in the field today.

Bariatric Surgery Services of ChristianaCare
501 West 14th Street
Wilmington Hospital
Gateway Building, 2nd Floor
Wilmington, DE 19801 directions
302-320-4175