Our Team’s Expertise

“I have helped more than 9,000 patients suffering from obesity vastly improve their health and quality of life, and it is my proud privilege to be the founder and director of this outstanding program. Our results are unrivaled anywhere in the United States.”

Arif Ahmad, MD, FRCS, FACS, is recognized as one of the country’s top bariatric surgeons.

Dr. Ahmad is a board-certified surgeon with extensive fellowship training in advanced laparoscopic surgery, including bariatric surgery. He specializes in all areas of bariatric surgery — including laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Bypass, Gastric Banding, Revisional Bariatric Surgery and others. He is an expert in minimally invasive surgery, using small incisions that result in minimal pain, less scarring and shorter recovery.

With more than 30 years of surgical experience, Dr. Ahmad has been recognized as one of America’s Top Surgeons by Consumer Research Council of America and a Top Doctor by Long Island Pulse Magazine.

Dr. Ahmad has completed numerous prestigious fellowships in the U.S. and United Kingdom, including the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS), an advanced training fellowship at Harvard Medical School, a five-year residency at the University of Connecticut and an advanced laparoscopic surgery fellowship at the University of Virginia. He has taught other doctors how to perform bariatric surgery at Stony Brook University and was a founder of the Department of Bariatric Surgery at Mather Hospital. His private practice is Long Island Laparoscopic Surgery in Port Jefferson, NY.

Seema Ahmad, MA, coordinates the Center of Excellence in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery™ with Dr. Ahmad’s practice and helps patients embrace their new lifestyles after weight loss surgery.

Seema helps you set short- and long-term goals, teaches you to recognize healthier eating and exercise habits and helps you make the behavioral modifications that prepare you for future physiological and psychological changes.

She also runs our Support Groups and is active in the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), especially in areas focused on behavioral health.

“I take great pride ensuring that our patients receive the best quality of care within our family.”

Lucia Bush, MBA, is the Director of the Center of Excellence in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery™ and oversees the Bariatric team. She joined the team in 2013.

In addition to speaking five languages, Lucia brings with her more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, of which she has held a managerial position for over 15 years.

Lucia holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Languages and has earned her Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration.

She has successfully initiated the startup of several healthcare facilities and private practices.

Nicole Drepaniotis is the Manager, Operations for the Center of Excellence in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery TM (COEMBS) and has been a member of the COEMBS team since 2010. She serves an integral part in helping people change their eating behaviors and learn about food and nutrition. She has practiced in the healthcare field as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for more than 20 years, specializing in surgical and medical weight loss.

Nicole received a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Master’s Degrees in Science and in Business Administration. She is a Board Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management, as well as a Certified Health Coach through the American College of Exercise (ACE), and a Behavior Change Specialist.

Janet is the Clinical Care Program Specliast for the Bariatric Center of Excellence.  She has been a Registered Nurse since 2005. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Stony Brook University and has completed courses in Holistic nursing. She joined the Bariatric team at Mather Hospital Northwell Health in 2014 and is currently pursuing her certification in Bariatric nursing.