At Bayhealth, we recognize that optimal outcomes from weight loss surgery rely on support not just during surgery, but before and after a surgical procedure. Patients are more likely to be successful with long term weight loss efforts when they receive one-on-one attention. This type of unparalleled support follows patients from the very start of their journey through surgery and beyond.
Theodoros Katsichtis MD, FACS, DABOM, is a board-certified surgeon who specializes in general surgery and bariatric surgery. Originally from Sparta, Greece, Dr. Katsichtis attended medical school in Athens. He spent a year of his training doing research in minimally invasive surgery and surgical technologies at IRCAD, located on the grounds of the University Hospital of Strasbourg in France. He then moved to the United States for his surgical training. Dr. Katsichtis started his general surgery residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital and then went on to Lincoln Medical Center in Bronx, New York. He further honed his skills in minimally invasive and robotic surgery while completing a bariatric surgery fellowship at Abington Hospital - Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Katsichtis performs endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery and has clinical interests in robotic surgery and bariatrics (weight loss), including vertical sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass and duodenal switch, as well as abdominal hernias.
Anirudha Goparaju, MD, FACS, is a board certified bariatric and general surgeon who specializes in various types of abdominal, hernia and bariatric surgery, also known as surgical weight loss. He completed general surgery residency at Mount Sinai Beth Israel and Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in New York. Following his surgical residency, he continued with a specialized fellowship in advanced gastrointestinal, bariatric and minimally invasive surgery at New York University Langone Hospital on Long Island. Dr. Goparaju is highly trained in using advanced minimal access techniques such as robotics and laparoscopy. As treatment options for patients suffering from obesity, he performs gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, duodenal switch and complex revisional bariatric surgery.
Patricia Deer, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CNOR, CBN, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner and certified bariatric nurse who has a keen interest in health and wellness. She believes that just like fingerprints, wellness goals are unique to each person. As a bariatric nurse practitioner, Deer provides specialized care to individuals considering or undergoing bariatric surgery for weight loss, offering expert care for weight management. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Salisbury University and her Master of Nursing Practice from Wilmington University. She is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Delaware Coalition of Nurse Practitioners, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and is an associate member of the American College of Surgeons. She has board certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB).
Keren Rams-Harmon, MS, RDN, LDN, is a registered dietitian nutritionist who serves as the bariatric and medical weight loss clinical supervisor at Bayhealth. She manages clinical operations and works with patients in the program, providing pre- and post-op nutrition education. Rams-Harmon has an undergraduate degree in dietetics from the University of Delaware and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from Rush University in Chicago, Illinois. Her previous work as a licensed dietitian has included nutrition education and counseling for outpatient services and the Bayhealth Cancer Center. She is also a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
Katelyn Bertolina is the office coordinator for the Bayhealth Bariatric Program. She provides administrative support for the program and helps guide patients through the process with insurance and medical clearance needs, and appointment scheduling. She had ten years’ experience as a CNA before moving to Delaware, and has since held previous roles as a patient registrar.
