Dr. Dana D. Portenier

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 Gastrectomy. Her top areas of expertise are Obesity, Obesity in Children, Hernia, Gastric Bypass, and Sleeve Gastrectomy.

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 Gastrectomy. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Obesity, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), Gastric Bypass, 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 Gastrectomy. His top areas of expertise are Achalasia, Obesity, Hernia, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Gastrectomy.