Bariatric Services

For a consultation, please call 410-641-3960.

Surgeon Alae Zarif, MD, who performs the gastric banding procedures, joined Atlantic General’s medical staff in April 2006. He has been in practice since 1996 when he finished his residency at Waterbury Hospital in Connecticut, a Yale-affiliated surgical training program. Currently in private practice, Zarif is certified by the American Board of Surgery and performs multiple advanced laparoscopic procedures.

Atlantic General Hospital partnered with the Dr. Zarif's practice, Atlantic Bariatric Center, to ensure long-term success of the surgeries through the practice's ongoing exercise, nutrition and counseling services.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Zarif and his team at his Berlin or Ocean View locations, please call 410-641-3960. 


Am I a Candidate?
About LAP-BAND
About Gastric Sleeve

Am I a Candidate?
The are a number of factors that determine whether an individual is a good candidate for bariatric surgery. All candidates must: 
   - Be able to document previous failed dietary attempts for weight loss 
   - Have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher 
    (use the calculator below if you don't know your BMI) 
   - Be psychologically stable 
   - Be knowledgeable about the operation and possible outcome 
   - Be at least 18 years old 
   - Have been obese for more than 5 years 
   - Be prepared to attend regular follow-up appointments 
    and make lifestyle changes 
   - Be MOTIVATED!

The healthcare team at Atlantic Bariatrics would be happy to discuss weight loss surgery with you. You can call the office at 410-641-3960 to RSVP for the next informational seminar or schedule a consultation.


About LAP-BAND


The LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System is an adjustable gastric band designed to help severely obese individuals achieve sustained long-term weight loss and has been demonstrated to lead to resolution or improvement in co-morbid conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and hypertension. It induces weight loss by reducing the stomach capacity and restricting the amount of food that can be consumed at one time, but it is unlikely that it will interfere with normal digestion and absorption of food and nutrients. The differentiating factor for the LAP-BAND® System from gastric bypass is that it does not require stomach cutting, stapling or intestinal re-routing.
back

 About Gastric Sleeve

A laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive surgical weight loss procedure that limits the amount of food you can eat and helps you feel full sooner. In this procedure, a thin,
vertical sleeve of stomach is created and the rest of the stomach is removed. The sleeve is about the size of a banana. As with any surgery, there are both risks and benefits to having surgery. Obesity is a chronic health problem that can lead to other major health issues including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes to name a few. The risks can outweigh the benefits, so you must consider both before you decide to have the surgery. 

Want to Learn More? 

Sign up for a seminar to learn more about weight loss surgery and whether it is the right option for you. Or view the seminar online from the convenience of your home. Once you have completed the seminar or webinar and want to take that next step, call Dr. Zarif’s office at 410-641-3960 to schedule your first consultation.