What is Weight Management?
Weight management combines medical guidance, nutrition, physical activity and behavioral support to help people achieve and maintain a healthy weight. For some patients, bariatric surgery offers an effective option when lifestyle changes and medications are not enough.
Both medical and surgical approaches focus on long-term health, improved mobility and reduced risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Getting care from one of our providers? The MyChart patient portal provides you with easy access to stay informed on all your care.
Who We Serve
Our programs support patients at every stage of their journey, including:
- Adults living with obesity or unhealthy weight patterns
- People with weight-related conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea
- Patients seeking structured support for nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle changes
- People considering surgical options for sustained weight loss
- Children and adolescents through our pediatric Healthy Way program
The care we provide
Our program is built on four evidence-based pillars that support sustainable weight loss.
Our Registered Dietitians play a key role in your weight management journey. They work with you to develop personalized nutrition strategies that align with your lifestyle and health needs.
- Macronutrient and micronutrient guidance
- Portion control and dining strategies
- Long-term nutrition maintenance
Exercise plans tailored to your fitness level and goals.
- Cardiovascular and strength training
- Flexibility and balance
- Motivation and consistency support
Tools to support lasting lifestyle change.
- Mindful eating strategies
- Coping techniques for challenges
- Sustainable daily routines
Medical and surgical options integrated with lifestyle modifications.
- FDA-approved anti-obesity medications
- Ongoing monitoring and follow-up
- Surgical options: endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, transoral outlet reduction (TORe) and intragastric balloon
Surgical Options for Weight Management
Bariatric surgery may be recommended when medical weight management alone is not sufficient.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)
ESG is a minimally invasive, incision-free procedure that reduces stomach size using sutures placed through an endoscope. Most patients return to normal activities within a few weeks and experience earlier fullness with meals.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy reduces the stomach's capacity, helping patients feel full sooner and eat less. The stomach is reshaped into a narrow sleeve, typically holding about 3 ounces, and the remaining portion is removed to support long-term weight loss.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes part of the small intestine. This limits food intake and calorie absorption, supporting sustained weight loss.
Transoral Outlet Reduction (TORe)
TORe is an endoscopic procedure used to treat weight regain after gastric bypass. It reduces the opening between the stomach and small intestine without incisions and is typically performed as a same-day procedure.
Intragastric Balloon
An intragastric balloon is a non-surgical option that occupies space in the stomach to promote early fullness. The balloon remains in place for six months and is placed and removed endoscopically.
What to expect from your care
Kaleida Health provides a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients can focus on their health without fear of stigma or bias.
Weight stigma can lead to shame, anxiety and delayed care. Our care teams offer respectful, compassionate interactions that support both physical and emotional well-being.
Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan
A coordinated team works together to address every aspect of weight management. Our multidisciplinary approach includes physicians, nurse practitioners, dietitians, behavioral health specialists and health coaches who collaborate to deliver comprehensive, personalized care.
Components of care include:
- Medical supervision: Ongoing assessments and monitoring for safety and effectiveness of treatment plan
- Nutrition guidance: Personalized dietary counseling
- Physical activity: Customized exercise recommendations to build strength and endurance
- Behavioral therapy: Support for emotional health, habit building and stress management
Why Choose Kaleida Health for Weight Management?
- Our comprehensive program begins with exploring lifestyle and offers medication and surgical solutions to weight management, along with nutrition and health coaching support
- Our experienced specialists work as one coordinated care team
- We offer advanced surgical options provided by expert surgeons trained in today’s most advanced procedures
- We focus on safety, comfort and long-term outcomes
Long-Term Specialized Treatment
Weight management is a lifelong journey supported by ongoing care. Regular follow-up visits track progress, adjust treatment plans and reinforce healthy habits. Long-term strategies include medications, meal planning, physical activity and support for emotional eating.
Specialized Weight Management Support for Children and Adolescents
The Healthy Way program at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo provides comprehensive, family-centered care to help children and adolescents achieve realistic health goals. As the only program of its kind in the region, Healthy Way offers personalized support focused on long-term wellness.
Location:
Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo
Outpatient Center
Conventus, Floor 3
1001 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
Phone: (716) 323-6120
Fax: (716) 323-6687
Specialties: Pediatric weight management, nutrition and bariatric services
Meet Your Care Team
-
Alan Posner, MD
Surgical Director of Bariatrics, Kaleida Health
-
John L. Butsch, MD
Chief of Robotic Surgery, Buffalo General Medical Center
-
Gene Yang, MD, FACS
Bariatric/General Surgeon, Buffalo General Medical Center
-
Ashley Bernotas, MD, DABOM
Director of Obesity Medicine, Kaleida Health
-
Leah Caruso, MS, RDN, CDN
Clinical Dietitian
-
David Rasmussen-Spratt, RDN
Clinical Dietitian
-
Renee Creamer, MS, AGPCNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
-
Ann Marie Schmidt, MSN, APRN, AGNP-C
Nurse Practitioner
-
Laurie Schmidt, MS, ANP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
-
Morgan, NASM-CPT
Health Coach
Where Can You Receive Weight Management Care?
Buffalo General Medical Center
100 High Street (D3) Buffalo, NY 14203 Phone: (716) 859-1168
Williamsville Outpatient Center
Maple West Plaza 705 Maple Road, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 Phone: (716) 859-1168
Golisano Children’s of Buffalo Outpatient Center
Healthy Way 1001 Main Street – 4th Floor Buffalo, NY 14203 Phone: (716) 323-6120 | Fax: (716) 323-6687
Frequently Asked Questions
Obesity is a chronic disease that requires ongoing management to support long-term health.
Obesity affects more than weight alone. It impacts overall health and increases the risk of serious medical conditions. Like other chronic diseases, obesity requires individualized strategies, long-term follow-up and continuous care. Genetics, environment, psychology and lifestyle all play a role.
A referral is not required for medical weight management. A referral is required for bariatric surgery.
If weight impacts your health, daily activities or contributes to chronic conditions, a specialist can help guide your care.
Not always. Many patients succeed with lifestyle changes and medical therapy before surgery is considered.
Most anti-obesity medications require prior authorization. Kaleida Health’s outpatient pharmacy team works with your insurance to obtain approval as quickly as possible.
Questions may be directed to Kaleida Health Outpatient Pharmacy at 716-859-1570 or KHOP@kaleidahealth.org