Kathleen Connor, RN, BSN, CBN

Part of our multidisciplinary support team specializing in surgical postoperative care, clinical support, aftercare education and co-sponsoring support group meetings. Kathleen joined the team at Advanced Laparoscopic Associates in March 2004 as Director of the Aftercare Program. Her clinical backround consists of Surgical Critical Care and Trauma. Kathleen also serves as the Practice Administrator.

“When I joined this practice in 2004, it gave me the opportunity to launch and oversee the aftercare program. I knew this was essential and I wanted to make sure we were offering the physical, emotional and medical support necessary to help patients succeed during their weight-loss journey.

“Many people don’t realize that obesity-related diseases are curable. When our patients lose their weight, they are frequently able to come off their medications and attain dramatic new levels of health and vitality. It is so rewarding to watch the transformation process; you see the change in their bodies but also in their eyes – that’s why I love what I do.”

 

Nadia M. Setzer, MSN, RN, APN-C

A recent addition to our team, Nadia graduated from Felician College, NJ with a bachelor's degree as a Registered Professional Nurse, and received her Adult Nurse Practitioner licensure through the Master's Degree Program at the University of Dentistry and Medicine of New Jersey. Her responsibilities consist of patient examinations, pre- and postoperative care, gastric band adjustments, patient education and organizing and executing trials for the purpose of medical advancement and innovations. Nadia endeavors to help our patients with their specific needs, such as weight-loss goals, their day-to-day struggles and overall well-being.

 

Benson Philip, RPA-C

Ben is one of our licensed and certified Physician Assistants and graduate of Touro College in Bayshore, NY. He has also completed a postgraduate surgical residency for Physician Assistants at Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY, allowing him to specialize in general surgery. Ben joined the group in 2008 and has since been seeing our patients pr- and postoperatively as well as performing the majority of the Lap-Band® adjustments at the office. His desire is to help our patients achieve their weight-loss goals while maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a positive attitude.

 

Wendy Bennett

Wendy's background primarily in clinical nutrition, currently specializing in critical care. She has spent additional time in private practice and consulting. She has five years of experience working with the weight-loss surgery population. Services include both pre- and postoperative support to promote healthy eating and behavior modification, with the ultimate goal of optimizing weight loss along with the ability to maintain changes as a permanent lifestyle.

 

Marti Austin RD, CDN

Marti is currently involved in corporate wellness programs and clinical trials, with emphasis on nutrition for disease prevention and well-being. She also provides personal nutrition counseling and is obtaining a masters degree in nutrition education. Marti has been involved in postoperative bariatric surgery counseling for over a year and is committed to educating the gastric surgery patient in healthy foods and behavior changes to promote well-being and positive lifestyle changes to maximize the quality and enjoyment of life.