Marc Bessler, MD, FACS
Beth A. Schrope, MD, PhD
Melissa Bagloo, MD

Columbia University Center for
Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery

161 Fort Washington Avenue, Suite 524
New York City, New York 10032

(800) 900-3707

Dr. Marc Bessler
Dr. Marc Bessler
 Dr. Beth A. Schrope
Dr. Beth A. Schrope
 Dr. Melissa Bagloo
Dr. Melissa Bagloo

Serving patients seeking weight loss surgery in New York City and the surrounding area

Marc Bessler, MD, FACS, Beth A. Schrope, MD, PhD, and Melissa Bagloo, MD, comprise the metabolic and bariatric surgery team of the Columbia University Center for Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery. Dr. Bessler is a premier laparoscopic general surgeon who specializes in weight loss surgery procedures. He is the Chief of the Division of Minimal Access/Bariatric Surgery at the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital of the Columbia University Medical Center in New York. Dr. Bessler is a pioneer in the field and has been performing sophisticated weight loss surgery procedures since 1996. In addition to his excellent surgical record, Dr. Bessler is also a principal investigator for a number of research studies and has presented on related topics nationwide.

Click here to watch our new video about our integrated
approach to weight loss.

For patients seeking surgical options for weight loss, Drs. Bessler, Schrope and Bagloo offer Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, banded gastric bypass, gastric banding, gastric sleeve, duodenal switch and revision procedures. Whenever possible, the surgeons use the laparoscopic surgical approach, a less invasive technique than traditional open surgery. The laparoscopic approach involves five or fewer small incisions and a camera (laparoscope), whereas the open approach requires one long incision that is usually up to 10 inches long. Laparoscopic bariatric surgery has a number of advantages, including faster recovery, less scarring and tissue trauma, a shorter hospital stay and less chance of complications.

Drs. Bessler, Schrope and Bagloo perform all weight loss surgery procedures at the Columbia University Medical Center, a nationally recognized, state-of-the-art facility. The center takes an integrated approach to weight loss by combining the skills of bariatric surgeons with specialty trained nurse practitioners, registered dietician and a number of ancillary support professionals to maximize patient safety, comfort and aftercare. This approach encourages excellent results as well as successful weight loss surgery recovery, both emotionally and physically.

To schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Bessler, Dr. Schrope or Dr. Bagloo and learn more about your weight loss surgery options, please contact their office at (800) 900-3707. The surgeons and their team also offer free weight loss seminars.

What Do Patients Say About the Surgeons of Columbia University Center for Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery?

“I remember my first meeting with Dr. Bessler. I looked like 9 months pregnant. Dr. Bessler described the procedure as he told me he could treat both my hiatal hernia and obesity. Before surgery, I weighed 264 pounds. 18 months after surgery, I was down to 170 pounds and am thrilled to buy size 10 clothes. I have had no stomach pain, no reflux, and no heartburn since waking up from surgery…” — L.L.

“The first thing I want to say to all who are considering surgery for weight loss is: DIETS DON'T WORK! All my life I've been overweight. I've tried everything, every kind of diet you can imagine. I went to the gym and worked out, but my weight yo-yoed up and down. I could never keep it off. My local internist recommended I see Dr. Bessler for bypass surgery. I was then 470 lbs. Fourteen months later I am down to 370 lbs. Having the surgery was the best decision I ever made. I had a lot of problems related to my weight. I had sleep apnea, which is now totally resolved. My high blood pressure has come way down. I had pain in my legs and that has cleared up, and I now have more energy than I can ever remember…The staff in the hospital couldn't have been nicer, and the nurses were terrific. I am thrilled I had it done…” — F.L.

“I had surgery last January and after only three months I have lost 46 pounds. I had been to see six surgeons before I met Dr. Bessler. All were so eager for me to have the surgery they didn't even ask me if I wanted it or not, they just started the scheduling process right away. This bothered me so a friend who works at Columbia University found Dr. Bessler's name for me. I am very happy I choose him as my surgeon. He is wonderful, answered all my questions completely, and did not push me into having the surgery. His staff and everyone at the hospital are all very helpful and nice. I had high blood pressure and joint pain, which I don't anymore. I walk a mile a day. If I had it to do all over again, I'd have it done sooner. If I were to advise anyone thinking about the surgery, I'd tell them not to be scared and to be persistent in finding the right doctor…” — M.C.

More About the Surgeons of Columbia University Center for Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery

Marc Bessler, MD, FACS, received his undergraduate education at Yeshiva University and his medical degree at the New York University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in general surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Bessler continued his education with additional training programs in various aspects of bariatric surgery. Throughout his career he has held many prestigious medical appointments and is currently Chief of the Division of Minimal Access/Bariatric Surgery at the Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Bessler is an Associate Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and he is affiliated with a number of professional organizations, including the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons, the Association for Academic Surgery, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract.

Beth A. Schrope, MD, PhD, obtained her undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University and her doctorate from Drexel University. She earned her medical degree at Temple University, followed by a general surgery residency at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, an affiliate of Columbia University Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medical Center. Dr. Schrope is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Over the course of her career, Dr. Schrope has worked on numerous research projects and has published extensively on a range of topics pertaining to general and weight loss surgery. She is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, the New York Surgical Society and the Society for American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons.

Melissa Bagloo, MD, earned her medical degree at the University of Florida College of Medicine. She completed her internship and residency at New York University School of Medicine, followed by a fellowship in minimally invasive bariatric surgery at NewYork Presbyterian Hospital, an affiliate of Columbia University Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medical Center. Dr. Bagloo is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Surgery at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. She is affiliated with a number of professional organizations, including the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons.

Dr. Bessler and his team also help Northern New Jersey and Westchester weight loss surgery patients. To learn more, please visit our pages dedicated to this topic.

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