NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln Launches Bariatric Surgery Program
New program offers additional option for weight loss and associated health problems
Jul 10, 2025
Bronx, NY — NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln announced today that the hospital has launched a new bariatric surgery program designed to provide advanced weight-loss solutions and improve the health and quality of life for individuals managing obesity. The bariatric surgery program at Lincoln Hospital offers a range of advanced procedures, including minimally invasive laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, robotic-assisted surgeries, and endoscopic options. Endobariatric procedures, such as endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, intragastric balloon placement, and gastric outlet reduction, provide less invasive options, offering faster recovery, fewer complications, and effective weight loss for patients who may not be candidates for traditional bariatric surgery or prefer alternatives.The program also addresses obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea, helping patients improve their overall health and well-being.
Developed in partnership with NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan, this program is led by Flavia C. Soto, MD, FACS, FASMBS, DABOM, Chief of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and Associate Vice Chair of Surgery at NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan. Dr. Soto, a highly accomplished bariatric surgeon originally from Argentina, brings over 23 years of experience in general surgery and 15 years specializing in bariatric surgery. Dr. Soto has performed over 1,000 bariatric surgeries, trained surgical fellows in minimally invasive techniques, contributed to several bariatric surgery publications, and serves as a Navy Reserve Officer, reflecting her commitment to service and community. Prior to her current role, Dr. Soto served as Chief of Bariatric Surgery and Chief of Surgery at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, New York, where she led a comprehensive bariatric program. She has also practiced in Tampa, Florida, focusing on advanced bariatric procedures and expanded her expertise in endobariatric procedures – cutting-edge endoscopic techniques that facilitate weight loss by reducing stomach volume or modifying digestion without invasive surgical cuts.
“We are incredibly proud to launch the bariatric surgery program at Lincoln,” said Cristina Contreras, LMSW, MPA, FABC, Chief Executive Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln. “Our goal is to provide more patients access to care that addresses the growing obesity epidemic in our community. We are confident that increasing access to bariatric surgery will help our patients start a journey towards a healthier lifestyle and improved quality of life.”
“Bariatric surgery is not just about weight loss—it’s about reclaiming health,” said Dr. Soto. “There’s no question that it’s the most efficient in terms of helping patients with long-term weight loss and maintaining their weight. I’m excited to bring this life-changing care to the South Bronx community, where we can help patients achieve their long-term health goals with innovative techniques and compassionate support.”
Patients may be eligible for bariatric surgery if they are 100 pounds or more above their ideal body weight, have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40, or have a BMI over 35 in conjunction with other medical conditions, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or obstructive sleep apnea. Patients may also be eligible if they’ve had a previous weight-loss procedure that requires revision. A multidisciplinary team of experts will work with patients to also consider holistic methods and other weight loss options geared to individual patients.
Lincoln Hospital is a Level 1 Trauma Center and has the busiest emergency department in New York City. To learn more about NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln’s services, or to make an appointment, call 844-NYC-4NYC.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Natasha Burke,929.837.9166, burken@nychhc.org
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About NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln
NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, located in the South Bronx, is a 362-bed, Acute Care Level 1 Trauma Center and sees more than 168,000 emergency room visits and more than 600,000 outpatient visits annually. Clinical centers of excellence include: Emergency Medicine and Trauma Care; Breast Imaging; Designated Stroke Center, Diabetes Center and HIV/AIDS Center. Lincoln Hospital was the first Baby-Friendly designated hospital in the Bronx, providing clinical services and consultations for over 1,500 deliveries per year. The hospital emphasizes primary care and specialty medicine, using the latest advances in medical science. Lincoln is part of NYC Health + Hospitals, the largest public health care system in the nation. For more information visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org/lincoln or follow us on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/LincolnHospBX and Facebook at www.facebook.com/LincolnHosp.
About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal health care system in the nation serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city’s five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system’s trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlus health plan—all supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 43,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
