Meet Our Staff

Patients of the weight loss surgery program have a dedicated and compassionate staff working with them at every step of the process. Our network of support teams and specialists is trained to care for the unique needs of gastric bypass and LAP-BAND® System patients, and works closely with our bariatric surgeon to ensure that they achieve their weight loss goals.

Karen Norowski, R.N., CBN

Bariatric Care Coordinator

Karen Norowski, RN, CBN is a registered nurse who worked in the surgical step down and on the surgical floor for 8 years prior to becoming the bariatric care coordinator for the program in 2003.

She became a Certified Bariatric Nurse in 2010 and oversees all aspects of the program.

She has enjoyed participating in running the support groups in the past as well as assisting the surgeons with their patient hours, but now focuses her attention on maintaining the practice’s and hospital’s commitment to excellence and compliance with their accreditation as a comprehensive center with adolescent privileges.

She is excited to assist patients in their weight loss journey and to educate the general population on the benefits of weight loss surgery.

Elizabeth Carruthers RN, MSN, CNOR, CBN, CHHC

Surgical Clinical Reviewer

Elizabeth Carruthers graduated from Hunter College of the City University of New York with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing and has been a Registered Nurse for 27 years, 19 of which have been in the Operating Room. She has worked in various surgical specialties, eventually finding a niche in Bariatrics. She is a Certified Operating Room Nurse, Certified Bariatric Nurse, has a Master’s Degree in Nursing Education, and is also a Certified Holistic Health Coach.

Elizabeth is Winthrop’s Metabolic and Bariatric Surgical Clinical Reviewer, compiling the bariatric data required for on-going bariatric research activities and accreditation of Winthrop’s Bariatric Program through the American College of Surgeons. Elizabeth is also a Bariatric Support Group Leader, leading 4 groups a month for pre- and post-op bariatric patients.

In 2007, Elizabeth underwent her own gastric bypass procedure with Dr. Colin Brathwaite. As a result, she has firsthand knowledge and experience in all facets and phases of the weight loss surgery process—from the pre-operative work-up to intra-operative procedures, to the necessary post-operative life changes required.

Outside of the work setting, Elizabeth enjoys Starbucks, listens to Josh Groban and One Republic, is a Lord of the Rings & Star Wars fanatic, and loves furry critters of all sorts!

Arlene Stein, R.D. — Nutritionist

Arlene Stein is a registered dietician from the NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island Gastroenterology division. She helps patients overcome their eating problems by counseling them on their new diet plans before and after surgery. Her advice and guidance will help improve your chances of achieving your weight loss goals.

Our Support Teams

The network of support teams that work with our bariatric surgeon at our New York practice is what sets us apart and allows us to provide our patients with world class, personalized care.

Anesthesia Team

Our experienced anesthesiologists have experience in bariatric and laparoscopic surgery, and take care of our patients throughout the entire surgical procedure.

Operating Room Staff

NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island has a dedicated team of nurses and operating room technicians who understand the special needs of bariatric patients. They are highly experienced in the laparoscopic surgery process, as well as the specialized equipment our bariatric surgeon uses to treat morbidly obese patients.

Nursing Care

Our hospital is well known for its compassionate nursing care, and we have the best nurses available working with us in our weight loss surgery program. Our nurses routinely attend teaching programs to keep themselves informed about the newest advances in bariatric patient care to improve our program. They work closely with our surgeons to provide optimal care, they understand the special needs of our patients and they are trained to handle all of our specialized equipment. Our patient care associates work closely with the nurses to help our patients recover quickly following surgery.