Introduction

Lael E. Forbes, MD, FACS, FASMBS is a fellowship trained General Surgeon and Bariatric surgeon and a leading expert in obesity medicine for both adolescents and adults. She has performed over 1,500 laparoscopic weight loss procedures, including adjustable gastric banding (Lap-Band), sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and revisional bariatric operations. She has joined Dr. Daniel Rosen and the team at WeightZen in order to create a comprehensive approach to Adolescent and Adult Weight Management. In addition to weight loss surgery, Dr. Forbes offers the latest advances in non-surgical procedures and utilizes FDA-approved medications to promote sustained weight loss. Dr. Forbes received her medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, trained in general surgery at St. Luke’s – Roosevelt Hospital Center, and completed fellowship training in advanced laparoscopic surgery at the world-renowned European Institute of Telesurgery (IRCAD) in Strasbourg, France. Following her training, she was recruited to University at Buffalo where she co-founded and directed the UB Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence. She was then recruited to the University of Rochester in 2009, where she was awarded the position of Associate Professor of Surgery. During her tenure at the University of Rochester, Dr. Forbes was as active member of the high-volume URMedicine’s Bariatric Surgery Center in addition to conducting research and teaching medical students, surgical residents, and fellows at the University. As a general surgeon, she specializes in laparoscopic hernia repairs, gallbladder removals, and anti-reflux surgery. Laparoscopic surgery uses cameras and tiny skin incisions to avoid large scars, decrease post-operative pain and to promote quicker recovery. Dr. Forbes is also available to help with simple procedures such as abscess drainage, skin excisions, and removal of soft tissue masses. Dr. Forbes is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a fellow of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). She is a member of many medical societies including Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), American Medical Association, and Association for Academic Surgery. In addition to authoring book chapters, she has published research articles in prestigious journals and has both lectured and presented her research at national conferences.

Focus

Bariatric Surgery, Medical Weight Management, Adolescent Weight Management

Education

Albert Einstein College of Medicine

St. Luke’s – Roosevelt Hospital Center, General Surgery

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, General Surgery

European Institute of Telesurgery (IRCAD), Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery

Professional Achievements