Bariatric and Weight Loss Surgery in Rhode Island
Lifespan Weight Loss Services

Our Team of Bariatric Surgery Experts

Bariatric Surgeons

Beth Ann Ryder, MD Headshot

Beth Ann Ryder, MD

Program Director, Center for Bariatric Surgery

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Artur Chernoguz, MD Headshot

Artur Chernoguz, MD

Pediatric Surgeon

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Marcoandrea Giorgi, MD Headshot

Marcoandrea Giorgi, MD

Bariatric Surgeon

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Emily Ortega Goddard, MD Headshot

Emily Ortega Goddard, MD

Bariatric Surgeon

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Andrew R. Luhrs, MD Headshot

Andrew R. Luhrs, MD

Bariatric Surgeon

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Elizabeth Renaud, MD Headshot

Elizabeth Renaud, MD

Medical Director, Pediatric Trauma, and Adolescent Bariatric Surgeon

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Todd S. Stafford, MD Headshot

Todd S. Stafford, MD

Bariatric Surgeon

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Obesity Medicine

Sheenagh Bodkin, MD Headshot

Sheenagh Bodkin, MD

Director of Obesity Medicine, Center for Bariatric Surgery

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Bariatric Physician Assistants

Cristina Ruggieri, PA-C Headshot

Cristina Ruggieri, PA-C

Physician Assistant

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Elisa M. Wasilewski, PA-C, MSHS Headshot

Elisa M. Wasilewski, PA-C, MSHS

Physician Assistant

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Bariatric Surgery Program Administration

Kellie Armstrong, MSN, RN, FASMBS-IH, CBN  Headshot

Kellie Armstrong, MSN, RN, FASMBS-IH, CBN

Program Manager, Center for Bariatric Surgery

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Sarafina Francisque Headshot

Sarafina Francisque

Program Liaison, Center for Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric Registered Dietitians

Sara Stiles, RD, CSOWM, LDN Headshot

Sara Stiles, RD, CSOWM, LDN

Lead Bariatric Registered Dietitian, Center for Bariatric Surgery

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Viviane Fornasaro-Donahue, MS, RD, LDN Headshot

Viviane Fornasaro-Donahue, MS, RD, LDN

Registered Dietitian

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Sarah Ogawa, RD, LDN Headshot

Sarah Ogawa, RD, LDN

Registered Dietitian

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Our Multidisciplinary Team of Bariatric Specialists

The Center for Bariatric Surgery is composed of a multidisciplinary team of bariatric specialists who provide personalized treatment, committing to years of follow-up care and supporting your effort to maintain a healthy weight, while meeting your nutritional needs.

The process you will follow involves several phases:
  • Before surgery, our team of specialists, including a surgeon, nutritionist, radiologist, pulmonologist, cardiologist, psychiatrist and members of the nursing staff, will perform comprehensive medical exams and evaluations. You will also be asked to attend intensive educational classes and support group programs to learn what to expect during and after surgery.
  • During the procedure, board-certified surgeons trained in advanced laparoscopic surgery and bariatric care will work closely with anesthesiologists and highly trained operating room staff who are familiar with the special needs of bariatric patients.
  • After surgery, nurses trained in post-bariatric surgical care will work to prevent and manage possible complications. The surgeon, bariatric nurses, and nutritionist will follow you carefully throughout recovery.
  • During and after your recovery, you must commit to making profound lifestyle changes. To help meet this challenge successfully and safely, you will be closely monitored for nutritional deficiencies and will receive free counseling to help you manage post-operative dietary requirements. You will continue to attend our free support group meetings.

In addition to the help you will receive from the bariatric team, you also have available the expertise of our weight management programs to provide additional, ongoing help.

The Miriam Hospital is known for our highly successful behavioral medicine weight programs, which have helped many people take control of their weight and health.