As a dean at a Staten Island charter school, Melinda Santana faced growing health challenges as her weight increased over the years. By late 2023, after struggling to climb stairs during an emergency at work, she realized the need for change.
Santana sought help from the Comprehensive Weight Loss Center at Staten Island University Hospital and consulted with Dr. Christopher Esposito, a specialist in minimally invasive bariatric surgery. She had previously considered surgery nearly ten years earlier but canceled due to fear.
Despite trying various diets and medications in the past, Santana’s health issues worsened. She developed knee pain, high cholesterol, diabetes, and sleep apnea.
After discussing options with Dr. Esposito, Santana chose gastric bypass surgery (Roux-en-Y), which reduces stomach size and reroutes part of the small intestine to limit food intake and calorie absorption. “I love that these small incisions can change a person’s life,” Dr. Esposito says.
Preparation for bariatric surgery included medical clearances from several specialists and meetings with a dietitian. Most insurance providers require psychological clearance as well as dietary counseling before approving surgery.
Santana lost 60 pounds prior to her operation by improving her eating habits with support from her care team. In April 2024, she underwent minimally invasive gastric bypass surgery using robotic tools and small incisions. “When you open your eyes, I’ll be there,” Dr. Esposito told her before anesthesia took effect.
Following surgery, Santana has attended monthly follow-up appointments to monitor her recovery and prevent vitamin deficiencies—an important aspect of post-bariatric care according to Dr. Esposito: “We are here for them over the long run.”
Since the procedure, Santana has lost more than 167 pounds and no longer requires insulin for diabetes; she has also resolved her high cholesterol and sleep apnea conditions. Her increased energy allows her to be more active with her grandchildren.
“I’m so proud because of the hard work I put in,” she says. “My confidence level now is so high. I waited too long in my life to get this surgery, but there’s nothing that can stop me now.”
