Capital Bariatrics logo

It’s not the weight you lose,
it’s the life you gain.

Part of Capital Cardiology’s Enhanced Weight Management Program.

Capital Bariatrics can help you write your success story.

Capital Bariatrics was voted Capital District's Best Bariatrics Center in the 2022 Daily Gazette People's Choice Awards

Thinking about bariatric surgery? Is it the right option for you? Sign up for our free info session with Capital Bariatrics, A Capital Cardiology Associates Practice.

Check our Facebook page for upcoming info sessions or call (518) 641-6580 to for more info. Begin your journey.

At Capital Bariatrics, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy and happy life, regardless of their weight. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of weight loss services, led by CCA's Metabolic Services program, consisting of experienced and compassionate surgeons, dietitians, clinical pharmacists, health coaches, and obesity medical doctors.

Our team of surgeons has a combined experience of over 60 years in bariatric surgery and metabolic weight loss solutions. Dr. Matt McDonald, Dr. Terence Clarke, and Dr. Visnudas Pai are all board-certified surgeons, fellowship trained, board-certified in obesity medicine. They are committed to providing their patients with the highest quality care.

In addition to their extensive experience, our surgeons are also known for their special bond and support with their patients. They understand the challenges of living with obesity, and they are dedicated to helping their patients achieve their weight loss goals with individualized plans and support.

Capital Bariatrics was recently named Best Bariatric Center in the 2022 Daily Gazette's People's Choice Awards. This award is a testament to the trust and confidence that our patients have in our team.

If you are considering your weight loss options, from surgery to medical weight loss, we encourage you to contact Capital Bariatrics today. We would be honored to help you on your journey to a healthier and happier life.

Capital Bariatrics News


We have an important announcement regarding the nationwide shortage of weight loss injectables such as Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro.

We regret to inform you that these medications are currently experiencing a shortage across the country. This means that locating available stock may be a challenge at your local pharmacy.

If you're in need of these weight loss injectables, we strongly advise you to call your pharmacy for assistance in finding any available stock. They can provide you with the most up-to-date information on the availability of these medications.

In the event that you find the injectables at a new pharmacy, please reach out to us immediately. We want to ensure that your pharmacy information is updated to facilitate a smooth transition. Give us a call, and our dedicated team will assist you with the necessary steps.

Unfortunately, the providers at Capital Bariatrics do not have access to the current inventory information for Capital District pharmacies. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and assure you that we're doing everything we can to address this shortage swiftly.

Stay tuned for updates as we continue to monitor the situation closely. We remain committed to supporting your weight loss journey and appreciate your understanding during this challenging time.

The Why of Bariatric Surgery.

Bariatric surgery is used to help patients lose excess body weight that increases the risk of health complications after diet and exercise modifications have not produced desired results.

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric or weight loss surgery is the common name referring to these minimally invasive procedures that Dr McDonald performs. Weight loss surgeries include: Roux en Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and duodenal switch.

Get In Touch

Contact us to find out the if bariatric surgery is right for you. 
CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: Facebook.com/CapitalBariatrics 
CALL US: (518) 641-6580
LOCATION: 7 Southwoods Blvd, Albany, NY 12211
HOURS: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, MONDAY-FRIDAY

Begin Your Journey

General questions only, please. We can not refill prescriptions, make appointments, or set up new patients via this form. Please call if you wish to make an appointment. Please allow 3 business days for a response.

Over 60 Years of Trusted Experience

  • Dr. Terence Clarke

    Dr. Terence Clarke

    Bariatric Surgeon

    Dr. Terence Clarke was born and raised in Queens, New York, the child of immigrant parents who instilled in him a strong work ethic from a young age. Driven by this upbringing, he developed a deep passion for medicine and surgery, particularly in the field of minimally invasive surgery and bariatrics.

    Throughout his career, Dr. Clarke has been committed to keeping the Capital Region at the forefront of bariatric care. He has created and advanced a comprehensive, nationally accredited bariatric program in the community and has served on several committees with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). He has even reviewed the accreditation process at other hospitals in the northeast for the American College of Surgeons.

    Dr. Clarke’s dedication to his profession and advocacy for patients has earned him many accolades, including being chosen to be the president of the New York chapter of the ASMBS. He has also advocated at the state and federal level for the inclusion of obesity-related treatments to be covered by insurance.

    After completing his fellowship in advanced laparoscopic surgery and metabolic surgery in New York City, Dr. Clark and his family made the Capital Region their home in 2004. It is here that he has continued to build his career and family life. He and his wife have three children, two of whom were born in the Capital Region.

    When he’s not working, Dr. Clarke enjoys spending time with his family, watching sports (both professional and his kids’ teams), and even trying his hand at ice fishing. Despite his confidence as a top-notch surgeon, Dr. Clarke admits that he has not liked a photo of himself this millennium.

    Dr. Clarke remains committed to providing the community with the best possible medical care and is excited to join a like-minded group of doctors and team members at Capital Bariatrics to meet that challenge.

  • Dr. Matt McDonald

    Dr. Matt McDonald

    Bariatric Surgeon

    Dr. Matt McDonald brings a wealth of experience to Capital Cardiology. While at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, he served as an associate professor of surgery. He was responsible for the training and development of future surgeons. As a bariatric surgeon, since 2008, Dr. McDonald typically performs between 150-200 bariatric cases each year. He has been the director of three bariatric programs and is licensed in New York and Vermont. Dr. McDonald is also board certified by the American Board of Surgery. Cumulatively, along with his team, he has successfully helped his patients lose tens of thousands of pounds paving the way for healthier and happier lives. Dr. McDonald started his bariatric career when he was appointed as Chief of General and Bariatric Surgery at Keller Army Community Hospital in 2008. He chose Bariatrics because it wasn’t a “quick fix” when it came to his patients. He was able to take the time and get to know each patient as a person, understand them, and devise an individualized care program that best set them up for success. Each patient typically consults with Dr. McDonald several times prior to surgery. This is a necessary step in the care process. It is an opportunity to build a relationship that is the foundation of success. For Dr. McDonald, surgery is only the first step in a long-term relationship. From your initial appointment, you are welcomed into the Capital Bariatric family where your care is tailored to your individual needs. Many patients have credited Dr. McDonald with saving their lives, but he does not see it that way, He sees this as the beginning of their journey. He is always asking, “what’s next?”. Dr. McDonald serves as a lifelong health partner with regular follow-ups for each patient. From the first consultation, trust and accountability are the cornerstones of his relationships with patients. His belief in the “what’s next?” theory is evident with his patients. When one goal is met, “what’s next?” is a positive and supportive way of targeting the next goal. Your journey begins here.

  • Dr. Carol Santoro

    Dr. Carol Santoro

    Obesity Medicine and Clinical Nutrition

    Dr. Santoro grew up in Saratoga Springs. She has lived and practiced medicine in Chicago, Oklahoma City, and Little Rock before returning to the Albany area. She enjoys cooking, traveling, golf, hiking, and snowshoeing.

    Board certified

    • American Board of Internal Medicine

    • American Board of Obesity Medicine


    Education

    • Cornell University, BS Nutritional Biochemistry

    • Columbia University, MS Human Nutrition

    • Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, MD

    • University of Chicago, Internal Medicine Residency

    Memberships

    • The Obesity Society

    • Obesity Medicine Association

    • American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery

    • Obesity Action Coalition

    Dr. Santoro sees patients with:

    • BMI of 27 or higher and wish to lose weight

    • Insulin resistant syndromes such as polycystic ovarian syndrome

    • Weight gain as a result of medical illness or medical therapy

    • Weight regain after bariatric surgery

    • Malabsorption/micronutrient deficiencies

    • Malnutrition/unintentional weight loss

Josh Malone, NP

Josh Malone, NP
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Joshua Malone (Josh) has been in healthcare in various roles since 2004. He has been a Registered Nurse since 2008 working in Critical Care. He obtained his first masters degree in 2016 and worked as the Clinical Nurse Specialist in the ICU. He obtained his second masters as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in 2019 during the height of COVID in the ICU. While grateful for these opportunities, he felt the need to focus on a patients that he felt most connected.


Josh started with Capital Bariatrics and Dr. McDonald’s group in September of 2022. Josh has experience with Bariatrics as both a provider and a patient. Josh had gastric bypass by Dr. McDonald in February of 2019, after struggling with weight loss for many years. He’s a great resource for patients at any stage of the preoperative and postoperative stages.


Josh is seeing patients in the clinic for preoperative, postoperative and metabolic medication weight loss management and will be in the operating room at various facilities assisting with surgeries.

Get the latest news and session announcements by connecting with Capital Bariatrics on Facebook.

Weight-loss surgery can help you lose weight and improve many health problems related to obesity.These health problems include:

  • type 2 diabetes

  • high blood pressure 

  • heart disease 

  • unhealthy cholesterol levels

  • sleep apnea

  • urinary incontinence

  • knee, hip, or other body pain

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 

Weight-loss surgery also may be an option to consider if you have serious health problems related to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea. Weight-loss surgery can improve many of the medical conditions linked to obesity, especially type 2 diabetes.

For people with severe obesity, weight-loss surgery can extend years of life.

You may be better able to move around and be physically active after surgery. You might also notice your mood improve and feel like your quality of life is better. As an added benefit, you may be able to take fewer prescription medications as you move into a healthier weight, which can reduce the cost burden.

Success Stories

  • Dr. McDonald is one of the most important people in my life! Without even knowing it he inspired me in so many ways possible. He is truly an inspiration in everything he does, especially how he treats people, and how he inspires people. My journey with him has been nothing but the most amazing wonderful experience. I want to thank him for making this my journey one of the best experiences of my life. It has changed my life in so many positive ways.

    -GLB (Sleeve 2017)

  • Words cannot describe how Dr. McDonald has changed my life, he met me at a time I felt hopeless showing up to his office feeling like a failure because I couldn’t control my hunger and I had gained so much weight. His calm demeanor and amicable approach put me at ease and immediately allowed me to place all my trust in him. He gave me my life back and it is the most amazing gift anyone could have given me. I am now living a life beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you a million times over Dr. McDonald you are a miracle to me!

    – HM (Bypass 2020)

  • Dr. McDonald is the epitome of a true professional! He inspires his patients and most importantly listens to their needs! I couldn't have done it without him! Thank You, Dr. M!

    – BC (Sleeve 2017)

  • I truly believe in everything Dr. McDonald stands for, he really is an amazing doctor, and he is so passionate when it comes to what he does. He is my hero! He changed my life!

    – DS (Sleeve 2019)

  • It has been a life altering process and I every time I look in the mirror, or walk a flight of stairs or 2 or 3, or cross my legs or buy a new outfit, I thank you for being there for me during one of the lowest times in my life. If I could only give you back half of what you’ve given me, I certainly would.

    – KL (Sleeve 2020)