The impact I have on my patients is what I enjoy most about being a weight loss surgeon. It is amazing that we can do an operation that not only helps a patient lose weight, but also fixes their diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol, along with giving them a better quality of life. There are a lot of options these days for people who are considering weight loss surgery. It’s important for patients to take into account each institution and what resources they have available. Duke is fully equipped to take care of complex cases in a safe manner. We have a multi-institutional team that’s been around the Triangle the longest and has the most experience. Almost every patient comes back after surgery and we see some of their previous medical conditions go away. That’s a good definition of success. Dr. Portenier is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in Sleeve Gastrectomy. His top areas of expertise are Obesity, Hernia, Short Bowel Syndrome, Gastric Bypass, and Sleeve Gastrectomy.

The majority of my practice is focused on treating patients with the disease obesity. I am a general surgeon who completed a fellowship in advanced minimally invasive and bariatric surgery, so that I can offer obesity care using advanced endoscopic, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches. I am also board certified in obesity medicine and my hope is to approach patients comprehensively. Obesity is a chronic disease that needs lifelong follow up. This approach takes a team and here at Duke Health, we have a fantastic team. A true multidisciplinary approach helps us meet all the needs of our patients. With my training, I also treat gallbladder disease, stomach diseases, acid reflux, and hernias. With my laparoscopic and robotic training, I can offer the safest and best approaches for your general surgery needs. When I meet you in clinic, we will talk through all the treatments options for your condition so we make the best and safest decision for you and your family. My goal is to offer you the care that I would want for my family. Dr. Eckhouse is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in Sleeve Gastrectomy. Her top areas of expertise are Obesity, Obesity in Children, Hernia, Gastric Bypass, and Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Jenny Tong is an Endocrinologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Tong is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in Sleeve Gastrectomy. Her top areas of expertise are Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Malnutrition, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Gastric Bypass.

I came to Duke from Nebraska, where I was a medical director for two weight loss surgery programs. I decided to become a weight loss surgeon because it gives me the chance to establish a long-term relationship with my patients. For many patients, weight loss surgery often feels like a fresh start, since they are able to get rid of some of the health problems they may have acquired due to their weight and do certain activities they couldn’t do before. I get a thrill out of being able help patients start this “new life.” My approach to care involves listening to what the patient wants out of the surgery, educating them about various treatment options and performing a full evaluation. Then, I work with the patient to come up with a treatment plan that meets their physical and mental health needs. Dr. Sudan is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in Sleeve Gastrectomy. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Obesity, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), Gastric Bypass, and Gallbladder Removal.

The majority of my practice focuses on abdominal wall surgery and the repair of ventral, incisional, and inguinal (groin) hernias. I chose to specialize in minimally invasive surgery because I saw the incredible benefits that these procedures provide for patients. By performing complex surgeries using either laparoscopic or robotic instruments, I am able to get patients back to their normal daily activities much faster and with significantly less pain. Whether I am repairing a hernia, performing surgery for weight loss, or helping to treat reflux, I will always try to offer a minimally invasive approach first and foremost. When I get the chance to meet you in the clinic we will discuss all of the possible treatment options for your condition and we will work as a team to pick which is the best choice for you. I feel incredibly fortunate to practice at Duke Health where we have incredible resources to take care of you no matter what problem you may have. I look forward to working with you and caring for you and your family. Dr. Greenberg is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in Sleeve Gastrectomy. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Umbilical Hernia, Obesity, Gastric Bypass, and Endoscopy.

Loretta Que is a Pulmonary Medicine provider in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Que has been practicing medicine for over 36 years and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in Sleeve Gastrectomy. Her top areas of expertise are Asthma, Atypical Pneumonia, COVID-19, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

My primary goal as a physician is to provide excellent care to patients with epilepsy. I have a background in mathematics. We live in a time where technology has an major influence on our lives. While I am very interested in helping influence this, there is something about people listening to people that cannot be duplicated. Much of my current work focuses on veterans, and it is with much gratitude that I do this. Dr. Tran is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in Sleeve Gastrectomy. His top areas of expertise are Seizures, Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizure, Autosomal Dominant Partial Epilepsy with Auditory Features, Gastric Bypass, and Sleeve Gastrectomy.

I went into medicine with a desire to care for individuals of all backgrounds and to help address disparities in health care. Being a surgeon gives me the opportunity to diagnose and treat the individual while my background in public health helps me to focus on preventative care for my patients. I am a general surgeon who cares for emergency and elective general surgery patients. My training in minimally invasive surgery and surgical endoscopy allows me to care for my patients in the least invasive manner possible in order to minimize patient discomfort and improve patient recovery. I aim to perform procedures laparoscopically (with small incisions) or endoscopically (without any incisions). As a surgeon, I aim to provide an open and inclusive clinical environment by listening to and caring for patients of all different races, religions, sexual orientations, and backgrounds. Dr. Fathalizadeh is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in Sleeve Gastrectomy. Her top areas of expertise are Hernia, Gastroparesis, Ogilvie Syndrome, Ileostomy, and Gastrectomy.

I care for patients seeking long-term, sustainable weight loss through advanced surgical options. As a bariatric and minimally invasive surgeon, I specialize in procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and revision surgeries. I also address related conditions like hernias, reflux, and metabolic disease. I’m passionate about supporting patients not just during surgery, but throughout their journey—before, during, and long after the procedure. I chose this field because I’ve seen how life-changing these interventions can be, both physically and emotionally. I take time to understand each patient’s goals, challenges, and lifestyle, and I work with them to build a path forward that’s realistic and durable. Outside of work, I enjoy travel, music, and time with friends, which helps me stay grounded and energized for the work I do. Dr. Meireles is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in Sleeve Gastrectomy. His top areas of expertise are Achalasia, Obesity, Hernia, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Gastrectomy.

My clinical interests include gastrointestinal surgery, with a focus on gallbladder and gastric disease, reflux disease, and hernias. Additionally, I enjoy working with patients to decide the best treatment for weight loss that will resolve diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension. The most satisfying part of my job is when patients are proud of their success and recognize their ability to accomplish their goals. I was raised in upstate NY, attended Boston College, and spent three years working in Colorado prior to starting medical school in Arizona. I received advanced specialty training in weight loss surgery and endoscopic treatment of reflux disease at Duke in 2014. I enjoy spending my spare time outdoors. Dr. Seymour is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in Sleeve Gastrectomy. Her top areas of expertise are Obesity, Hernia, Gallbladder Disease, Gallbladder Removal, and Gastric Bypass.

My clinical interests include minimally invasive and open approaches to advanced upper gastrointestinal (GI) surgery, with a focus on weight loss surgery and minimally invasive general surgery, with a specialization in complex hernias. I currently serve as co-director of the Duke Hernia Center at Duke Regional Hospital. I started at Duke in 2002 as a general surgery resident. I graduated in 2009 and went on to become a fellow in the Duke Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery Program. I joined the surgical staff in 2010. I am a Virginian at heart, as it is where I grew up before moving to North Carolina to start my career at Duke. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my wife and three kids. Dr. Yoo is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in Sleeve Gastrectomy. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Obesity, Gallbladder Disease, Endoscopy, and Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Andrea Haqq is a Pediatrics specialist and an Endocrinologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Haqq is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in Sleeve Gastrectomy. Her top areas of expertise are Bardet-Biedl Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, Obesity, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Islet Cell Transplantation.

Zachary Weitzner is a General Surgeon in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Weitzner is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in Sleeve Gastrectomy. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Obesity, Appendicitis, Gastric Bypass, and Gastrectomy.

Jean-paul Kovalik is an Endocrinologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Kovalik is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in Sleeve Gastrectomy. His top areas of expertise are Diabetic Nephropathy, Obesity, Wilson Disease, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Gastric Bypass.

Matthew Mccravy is a primary care provider, practicing in Intensive Care Medicine in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Mccravy has been practicing medicine for over 9 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in Sleeve Gastrectomy. His top areas of expertise are Obesity, Asthma, Atypical Pneumonia, Chronic Eosinophilic Pneumonia, and Sleeve Gastrectomy.

I see adult patients with urgent or acute health problems of almost any kind. These health issues can cause distress, but I try to help by carefully listening to my patients, examining them, and thinking of solutions. I enjoy these fundamental aspects of patient care as well as spending time with my patients and getting to know them. Dr. Franklin is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in Sleeve Gastrectomy. His top areas of expertise are Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Gastric Bypass.

Timothy Farrell is a General Surgeon in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Farrell is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in Sleeve Gastrectomy. His top areas of expertise are Hiatal Hernia, Hernia, Achalasia, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Gastric Bypass. Dr. Farrell is currently accepting new patients.

Every person is unique and requires an individualized plan of care. Through open communication and patient education, I like to empower my patients to participate more actively in their health care. I believe preventive care is crucial in decreasing the risk of long-term health problems. I like to assist my patients in their weight journey to optimize their health. By supporting patients in their weight management efforts, we can work towards achieving better control of diabetes, hypertension, elevated cholesterol, and several other related conditions. Dr. Jayaprakash is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in Sleeve Gastrectomy. Her top area of expertise is Sleeve Gastrectomy.

David Overby is a General Surgeon in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Overby is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in Sleeve Gastrectomy. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Choledocholithiasis, Umbilical Hernia, Gallbladder Removal, and Endoscopy. Dr. Overby is currently accepting new patients.

Kelly Hathorn is a Gastroenterologist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Hathorn is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in Sleeve Gastrectomy. Her top areas of expertise are Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Watermelon Stomach, Esophageal Varices, Endoscopy, and Gastric Bypass. Dr. Hathorn is currently accepting new patients.