Weight-Loss Surgery Now Available in Southern Vermont Through Capital Bariatrics and SVMC Partnership

BENNINGTON, VT—June 17, 2022— Dr. Matthew D. McDonald of Capital Bariatrics, a Capital Cardiology Associates Practice, located in Albany, NY is now providing weight-loss surgery at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC). People who qualify for weight-loss surgery will be able to have the procedure conveniently at the hospital in Bennington, Vermont. The SVMC/Capital Bariatrics partnership is the first step in developing a comprehensive bariatric service at SVMC and providing the region convenient access to weight management health care.

Additionally, Capital Bariatrics will hold free information sessions at SVMC each month. The sessions provide in-depth information on bariatric surgery procedures, lifestyle changes, and the recovery process. Registration is required and available through the Capital Cardiology website (https://capitalcardiology.com/bariatrics/). 

“Weight-loss surgery can make a dramatic difference and improvement to patients’ lives and their health,” said Trey Dobson, MD, SVMC’s chief medical officer and the medical director of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Putnam Physicians. “We are pleased to partner with Dr. McDonald, so patients who live in our area can have the surgery at the hospital they know and trust, and can recover conveniently close to home.”

Dr. McDonald received his undergraduate education at the State University of New York (SUNY) Potsdam and his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. He has worked with Saratoga Surgical Specialists, Saratoga Hospital, and as an assistant professor of surgery at SUNY Upstate Medical University. He was the director of bariatric, metabolic, and minimally invasive surgery at Samaritan Hospital for 5 years before joining Capital Bariatrics and Metabolic Wellness at Capital Cardiology Associates in 2021. He is board certified by the American Board of Surgery.

Dr. McDonald uses one of a number of minimally invasive methods, including Roux en Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and duodenal switch. After surgery, with the help of a multidisciplinary team, including Dr. McDonald, a registered dietitian, a pharmacist, a health and wellness coach, and a licensed social worker, most patients experience significant weight loss.

Weight-loss surgery, sometimes called bariatric surgery, is available to people who have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher with associated health conditions. A BMI calculator is available at https://capitalcardiology.com/bariatrics/. Having a BMI of 35 or higher is associated with diseases like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiac disease, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea.  

“I see myself as a life-long health partner,” McDonald said. “The relationship that I build with a patient is the foundation of success and the beginning of a journey that takes them toward achieving their goals.”

Patients meet with Dr. McDonald and his team several times at his Albany office both before and after surgery. The surgery itself and the recovery take place at SVMC. Additional follow-up care will be provided at Capital Bariatrics at 7 Southwoods Boulevard in Albany, New York. 

“I enjoy getting to know each patient as a person, taking the time to understand them, and designing an individualized care program that sets them up for a healthier and happier life,” said McDonald. “There’s nothing better than seeing patients shatter one goal after another on their way to becoming the person they want to be.”

About SVHC:
Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) is a comprehensive, preeminent, health care system providing exceptional, convenient, and affordable care to the communities of Bennington and Windham Counties of Vermont, eastern Rensselaer and Washington Counties of New York, and northern Berkshire County in Massachusetts. SVHC includes Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), Southwestern Vermont Regional Cancer Center, the Centers for Living and Rehabilitation, and the SVHC Foundation. SVMC includes 25 primary and specialty care practices.

Southwestern Vermont Health Care is among the most lauded small rural health systems in the nation. It is the recipient of the American Hospital Association’s 2020 Rural Hospital Leadership Award. In addition, SVMC ranked fourth nationwide for the value of care it provides by the Lown Institute Hospital Index in 2020 and is a five-time recipient of the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet® recognition for nursing excellence. The health system is fortunate to have the support of platinum-level corporate sponsor Mack Molding Co., a leading supplier of contract manufacturing services and injection molded plastic parts based in Arlington, VT.

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center provides exceptional care without discriminating on the basis of an individual’s age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. Language assistance services, free of charge, are available at 1-800-367-9559.

About Capital Cardiology:
Capital Cardiology Associates has been in operation since 1990. Presently with 35 board-certified Cardiologists, CCA is able to offer a full range of cardiology services to treat all categories of heart disease. CCA provides state-of-the-art diagnostics testing as well as an Enhanced Cardiac Access urgent walk-in clinic located both in  Albany and Clifton Park. CCA's expansion into wellness services offers Intensive Cardiac Rehab, behavioral health, bariatric surgery services, and pharmaceutical and dietary consultation. CCA employs caring and competent staff to offer the highest quality of care in a comfortable, supportive atmosphere with multiple locations throughout the Capital Region of New York State. You can learn more at www.capitalcardiology.com