Bariatric Services
Bariatric Services What is Gastric Bypass? What is Gastric Banding? Center of Excellence Do You Qualify? Meet the Surgeons Gastric Bypass Process Gastric Banding Process Patient Stories Seminars & Support Group Bariatric Newsletter Patient Portal Bariatric Web Forum Contact the Team Bariatric LibraryBehavioral Health
Cancer Care Services
Cardiac Services
Emergency Services
Endovascular Services
Imaging Services
Laboratory Services
Lung & Respiratory Services
MossRehab
Neurodiagnostic Testing
Neurology
Orthopedics
Rehabilitation Services
Senior Services
Sleep Disorders
Stroke Care
Transitional Care Facility
Women's Health
Wound Care Services
Meet the Team
In Sacred Heart Hospital’s Bariatric program, our comprehensive team of professionals has the knowledge, experience, and compassion to help you before, during, and after bariatric surgery. Our team is ready and willing to support you physically and emotionally with all aspects of the surgery. We offer a range of services including nutritional counseling, exercise plans, and support groups. Please read further to learn more about our dedicated Bariatric team.
David H. Okolica, M.D., Bariatric and General Surgeon
I am a bariatric and general surgeon at the Center for Bariatric and General Surgery. After earning my undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania, I graduated from New York Medical College in Valhalla, NY.
My primary clinical interest is to develop the bariatric program into a comprehensive service. I recently completed a bariatric fellowship at Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pa., where I performed over 200 bariatric procedures including gastric bypass surgery, adjustable gastric banding surgery, and sleeve gastrectomy. I have also completed a minimally invasive fellowship at Lehigh Valley Health Network, where I was trained to perform other types of laparoscopic surgeries, including colon resections, hernia repairs, gallbladder surgeries, and other endoscopic procedures.
I completed a general surgery residency at Brookdale Hospital in Brooklyn, NY, and I am board certified in general surgery. I decided to pursue advanced surgical training after rotating through the surgical specialties while in medical school.
Ronald W. Ambe, M.D., Bariatric and General Surgeon
I am a bariatric and general surgeon at the Center for Bariatric and General Surgery. After earning an undergraduate degree in biology from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia, I graduated from Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C. I completed my surgical residency at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Pa., and served as a Clinical Assistant Instructor in the Department of Surgery at the State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate. I received training in adjustable gastric banding surgery in Memphis, Tennessee. I am an Associate Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and belong to Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.
Ziba Monfared, M.D., Weight Management Physician
I am a primary care physician at Susquehanna Medical Associates, an affiliate of Sacred Heart HealthCare System. I earned my medical degree from the Universidad Tecnologia de Santiago in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and then a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from DeSales University. I completed my family practice residency at Sacred Heart Hospital.
As the weight management physician for the Bariatrics Services program at Sacred Heart, I prescribe a comprehensive program of diet and nutrition, exercise, lifestyle changes, and when indicated, appropriate medications. I oversee each patient’s customized plan to reduce operative risks, improve healing, decrease post-surgical complications and prepare the patient for nutritional and behavior modifications necessary for maintaining weight loss following surgery.
Lisa Close, R.D., L.D.N., Dietitian
I am a registered dietitian and am certified by the American Dietetic Association in Adult Weight Management Training. As part of the Bariatric team, I educate bariatric surgery patients about the necessary nutrition and lifestyle behavior changes they need to make to adapt to their new eating habits. I helped develop our program’s nutritional guidelines, and I am always available to answer any questions patients have throughout their weight loss process. Along with each member of this team, I enjoy guiding patients along their weight loss journey to a healthier and happier life. Our team is experienced and devoted to all patients, and we see each individual as a special person who deserves our utmost attention.
James Matula, LCSW, Social Worker
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and as part of the Bariatric team, I assess, evaluate, diagnose, and treat conditions or situations that may interfere with the patient’s efforts toward successful weight loss. I develop strategies and educational programs that enable patients to develop effective coping mechanisms and to strengthen their existing support systems. I am also able to provide social and economic resources that, at times, may be needed to address unmet needs. As part of the behavioral component of the Bariatric program, I work with the team psychologist to develop a treatment plan to enable the patient to enhance and maintain his/her physical, psychological, and social function.
John Turoczi, Ed.D.
I am a psychologist and the Behavioral Sciences Coordinator for the Family Medicine Residency Program at Sacred Heart Hospital. I received my master’s and doctoral degrees from Lehigh University and established a private practice in 1978. I provide the psychological assessment and treatment recommendations for those who are seeking bariatric surgery. I am an Allied Health member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery.
Nichola Schweitzer, BS, R.T.(R)(T), CMD, Director of Bariatric Services
I am responsible for the administrative and financial aspects of the Bariatric Program, as well as ensuring that we comply with all standards set forth by the Surgical Review Committee (SRC).
I have been a part of the Sacred Heart family since 1994, mainly involved with the comprehensive cancer program, advancing from a staff therapist and dosimetrist to director. I received my B.S. in Health Science and trained at Norfolk General Hospital in Virginia. The Bariatric Services team has my support to provide all patients everything they need for positive results.
Michele Haupt, RN, CNOR, RNFA
I am a registered nurse and First Assistant in the Operating Room (OR). As an OR nurse for over 15 years, I understand the fears and anxiety many patients have in regard to the OR. As a member of the Bariatric team, I participate in overall planning and assist in providing education regarding the operative phase of the program. I am excited to be able to participate in your journey to good health and look forward to making it with you.
Click here to request more information or schedule an appointment!
NEXT PAGE: The Gastric Bypass Process
