Dr. Vaimakis earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from New York University Medical School before completing a general surgery residency at Saint Vincent’s Medical Center in NYC. She then performed a training fellowship in advanced laparoscopy at Montefiore Medical Center’s Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery in New York. Dr. Vaimakis then started her private practice in 2005. In addition to her dual-fellow status, she is a member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), the Medical Society of New Jersey (MSNJ), the Bergen County Medical Society and the American Medical Association (AMA).

Dr. Vaimakis is medical director of bariatric surgery at both Holy Name Medical Center and Palisades Medical Center; she is also affiliated with Hackensack University Medical Center, Englewood Hospital and Medical Center and Hackensack UMC at Pascack Valley.

 Dr. Vaimakis  is very passionate about her work. As she explains, she is “amazed at the difference the procedure and weight loss makes in people’s lives, not just physically, but socially, professionally and emotionally as well. It is like no other field  because it allows the surgeon to have a lifelong relationship with the patient. It is also the most gratifying field because it gives the chance to really make a difference in someone’s life, and, because of that, I absolutely love what I do; this is why I have dedicated myself to this field.”

Allison obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Skidmore College and a Master of Science degree in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Columbia University, where she also completed her training as a registered dietitian. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the New Jersey Dietetic Association, the Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group, and the Medical Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group.

Allison's fresh perspective on nutrition allows her to educate her clients on current nutrition and fitness research in order to develop innovative, personalized programs. As a team, she works with each client to help identify certain behaviors in order for them to feel empowered to create new, healthier habits that will improve their overall wellness and achieve their goals.

Allison Vogel, MS, RD, CDN

Dr. Fredericks obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree at Temple University School of Medicine. He completed a residency in general surgery at the Graduate / Temple University Hospital. Dr. Fredericks then completed advanced fellowship training in bariatric surgery at NYU Langone Medical Center, studying under the highly respected surgeons Dr. George Fielding and Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding. Dr. Fredericks worked for Allergan as part of the development team; he constructed the “total care” procedure designed to improve Lap Band surgery outcomes.. Dr. Fredericks is a member of the American Medical Association, the National Medical Association and the Society of Black Academic Surgeons.

Dr. Fredericks believes our practice is “about the patients and not the numbers. We dedicate our time to ensure our patients are successful not only in losing weight, but also in reaching their ultimate goals of living a happy and healthy life.”

Duane Fredericks, MD

Meet the Team

Stefanie Vaimakis, MD, FACS, FASMBS

After working in the community for Rutgers University Cooperative Extension Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Education Program (SNAP-Ed) and the Robert Wood Johnson's "Power Over Diabetes Program," I learned about many of the contributing factors that have led to the obesogenic environment that we live in today which is setting the way to many nutrition-related chronic diseases. By providing nutrition education and individual counseling, I have witnessed so many of my patients reached their individual goals. These include weight loss; decrease in blood pressure; and the lowering of sugar and cholesterol levels in the blood.

I have experience in adult and pediatric weight loss and management. In addition, I provide nutrition counseling to patients with pre-diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and certain gastrointestinal disorders.As a team, I am committed to help you reach your individual and achievable nutrition goals. Remember, when it comes to nutrition, one size does not fit all. 

Jose Espinosa, RD