Photo by Sharon Capps – Works of Wonder Photography
Bayfront Health Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Institute offers a comprehensive program for long-term weight loss, helping patients achieve success through minimally invasive surgery and lifestyle changes. Majority of bariatric surgery patients with comorbidities, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea see strong improvements, or even complete resolution, from their conditions post-surgery.
Bayfront Health’s interdisciplinary team consists of a variety of specialists including fellowship-trained surgeons, specialized nurses, registered dietitians, and patient-family counselors who are committed to working with their patients throughout the rest of their life.
Dr. Alexander Ramirez is a board-certified bariatric surgeon with Bayfront Health Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Institute. A recognized expert in his field, Dr. Ramirez is certified by the Surgical Review Corporation as a Master Surgeon in Robotic Surgery and Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery. He specializes in an innovative approach, using minimally invasive techniques with as few as three incisions, leading to significantly less pain and a faster recovery.
Dr. Ramirez received his medical training at the University of Cartagena in Colombia. He completed his general surgery residency at New York Hospital Medical Center of Queens before going on to perform both research and clinical fellowships in bariatric surgery and minimally invasive surgery at Cleveland Clinic Florida. A fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, he is fluent in both English and Spanish.
Dr. Jonathan Mitchell is a clinical psychologist specializing in behavioral medicine. His patient philosophy is to deliver an effective combination of clinical and counseling treatments using a stepped-care approach. By taking a deeper dive into a patient’s background and motivation for surgery, he is able to evaluate how behavioral habits, external stressors and social support can play a role in the probability of their weight-loss success.
Natalia Garcia is an advanced practice registered nurse, providing patient-centered care since 2006. She believes in treating patients with compassion and empathy, focusing not only on surgical intervention but also on the broader aspects of patient well-being and lifestyle adjustments. She is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and is fluent in both English and Spanish.
Carah Horn is the program’s bariatric surgery coordinator. She has created a comprehensive, standardized patient experience that results in quality care. Carah is a registered nurse and is also certified by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery as a certified bariatric nurse. Her experience includes bariatric and weight management care, transplant coordination and emergency care.
Cynthia Holm is the medical assistant and bariatric navigator. She is the patient’s advocate throughout their entire journey, ensuring they receive comprehensive information to make informed decisions pre-surgery, to providing ongoing assistance and advocacy post-surgery. She is fluent in both English and Spanish.
Location: 601 7th St., South, Suite 510, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727-893-6550 Website: www.BayfrontHealth.com/WeightLoss
