Learn About Our Practice

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Lael Forbes, MD, FACS, FASMBS is a board-certified general and bariatric surgeon and founder of Forbes Health, specializing in precision approaches to weight management and metabolic health. With advanced training in minimally invasive and gastrointestinal surgery, she integrates surgical expertise with GLP-1–based therapies and personalized metabolic care.

She has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor this year and every year since 2018. Visit the Recognitions tab to learn more about her honors and achievements.

Meet Dr. Lael Elizabeth Forbes

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  • » Founder & Medical Director — Forbes Health, with offices in New York City & Westchester Co./Greenwich, CT (2024 to the present)

    » Attending Bariatric Surgeon — Lenox Hill Hospital, Team Bariatric Surgeon - ACS Accredited Center of Excellence for Adult and Adolescent Bariatric Surgery (since 2019)

    » Associate & Partner — Metropolitan Wellness Medical & Surgical Practice, in NYC (2018–2024)

    » Associate  Professor of Surgery — University of Rochester, University of Rochester  Medical Center, Highland Hospital, Minimally Invasive General and Bariatric Surgery Program, Rochester, NY (2009–2017)

    » Assistant Professor of Surgery — University of Buffalo at Buffalo General Hospital  - Co-Founder/Director SRC Center of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery (2009–2017)

  • » Fellowship — Advanced Laparoscopic, GI & Bariatric Surgery, IRCAD (Université Louis Pasteur), Strasbourg, France - (1999 - 2002)


    » Surgical Residency — General Surgery, St. Luke’s–Roosevelt Hospital Center (1994-1999)

  • » Medical School  — Albert Einstein College of Medicine (1990 - 1994)

Our method of care is personal, comprehensive, and evidence-based. We begin by getting to know you and your health history in an extensive initial consultation personally conducted by Dr. Forbes. We perform extensive diagnostic testing that generates thousands of data points on weight health, metabolic and cardiovascular health, liver and hormone health, and lifestyle and genetic biomarkers. We develop comprehensive treatment plans that are specifically customized to each patient’s condition and health goals and that are designed to promote lasting vitality and health. 

And when we care for you, we also fight for you. We advocate for you in the often difficult process of getting insurance providers to approve coverage of obesity medications. And when (as often happens) insurers deny coverage, we don’t give up at the first no: we appeal, argue the merits, escalate if need be, and in a word we do our best to help patients minimize their out-of-pocket costs for GLP-1’s and other medications they need.

Philosophy of Care and Patient Advocacy

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The Patient Experience at Forbes Health

Initial Consultation

The heart of the patient experience at Forbes Health is the relationship between patient and physician, beginning with an extended initial consultation. In-depth patient info is recorded, including personal and family medical history, behavioral/lifestyle habits, medication and procedure history, previous treatment plans, existing and past diagnoses and conditions, and other key factors and indicators.

Advanced Diagnostic

An incoming patient undergoes an extensive range of tests, generating a database of diagnostic and biometric markers and forming a detailed clinical Patient Profile.  Data about blood composition, fat and muscle mass, metabolic health, heart health, liver health, hormone health, reproductive and sexual health, are evaluated to formulate precise and customized treatment interventions. 


Customized Treatment

A patient’s treatment plan is based on extensive diagnostic and biometric data and on clinically proven medications and therapeutics. Every patient’s condition, objectives, and needs are unique, and at Forbes Precision Health, every patient’s treatment plan is customized to address specific health issues and to optimize and sustain well-being and healthy longevity. 

Maintenance and Support

At Forbes Health we emphasize the importance of maintenance and support. That is especially important in a weight loss program. Patients in a weight loss treatment are typically seen every 6-12 weeks (depending on the individual patient and stage of treatment), in order to test body composition, update key health markers, monitor dosage and efficacy of medications, and assess the need for any additional medical or nutritional interventions. This frequency of evaluation and support make for more precise and effectual treatment. 

Recognitions

  • Cover image for U.S. News & World Report ranking page featuring patient reviews, ratings, and experience years.

  • Logo of Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2026 with a medical caduceus symbol and decorative elements on a teal background.

  • Logo of the American College of Physicians, featuring a yellow hand holding a lit candle, with the text "ACP" and the slogan "Leading Internal Medicine, Improving Lives."

  • Logo of the American College of Surgeons with large navy blue letters 'ACS' and the words 'American College of Surgeons' in smaller light gray font.

  • Award logo for 'Exceptional Women in Medicine 2026' by Castle Connolly, featuring a purple background with medical symbols and a shield emblem.

  • ASMB logo with a blue background and gold semicircular design

Nutritional Counseling & Services

One-on-one nutrition counseling is a core part of Forbes Health’s comprehensive weight management programs. Our licensed dieticians work closely with Dr. Forbes to create personalized, medically aligned nutrition plans.

Psychological Counseling

At Forbes Health, we combine advanced metabolic care with dedicated psychological support to address the full mind–body impact of obesity. Led by Dr. Lael E. Forbes, we incorporate evidence-based strategies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, emotional eating support, and counseling alongside GLP-1 treatments to promote sustainable weight management and mental-bell being.