Meet Our Care Team
For bariatric surgery, WakeMed Cary Hospital's experienced bariatric surgery team is assembled with surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, technicians and support staff who have expertise in and use the most advanced surgical techniques to provide our patients' with positive outcomes.
Meet The Surgeons
Advanced Practice Providers
Meet Our Bariatric Care Team
In addition to expertise and experience, our bariatric care team provides the individual attention and support that you need to succeed on your way to a healthier, more vibrant lifestyle. Your bariatric care team includes a coordinator, nurses, nutritionists, and health and fitness specialists who will treat you with patience, compassion and discretion. They will work closely with you to answer questions, gather information, and provide encouragement and support before and after bariatric surgery in a program that is personalized for your specific needs.
Registered Dietitians
Patrick Mahaney, RD, LDN, CPT
Patrick Mahaney is a registered dietitian specializing in bariatric patients. Patrick brings over a decade of experience to the team and completed his bachelor’s degree in dietetics at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Patrick completed his clinical and food service internship at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Patrick believes in meeting the patient where they are on their weight loss journey and focusing on an individualized approach to care that is as safe and healthy as possible.
Julianne Tobin, MS, RD, LDN
Julianne Tobin is a registered dietitian specializing in bariatric patients. Julianne earned her bachelor’s degree in nutrition science from North Carolina State University. She earned her master’s degree in nutrition and completed her dietetic internship at Meredith College. She is commissioned as a registered dietitian with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and is a Licensed Nutritionist/Dietitian within the state of North Carolina. Julianne believes in using food to promote health and healing in her community. It is her goal to partner with patients and help them enjoy the foods they prefer in a balanced lifestyle.
Trish Vulpis, RD, CSOWM, LDN
Trish Vulpis is an experienced registered dietitian specializing in bariatric patients.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in dietetics from Auburn University. She is board certified in Obesity and Weight Management and has over three decades of experience as a dietitian. Trish has experience counseling and consulting Whole Foods, hospitals, sports facilities and individuals as well as teaching weight loss classes. Trish has presented lectures for the American Cancer Society on nutrition and cancer treatments as for the American Heart Association on nutrition.
Our Health Psychologist
Jennifer Selensky, PhD
Dr. Selensky is a clinical psychologist. She specializes in the behavioral and mental health components of weight loss. She uses evidence-based health behavior change interventions and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy to address emotional and social factors that may be affecting physical health. Dr. Selensky works to teach patients tools and skills to help put the nutrition, exercise and other medical recommendations into practice. She supports and enhances the success of her patients, whether they are considering bariatric surgery, have had bariatric surgery or are pursuing non-surgical weight loss options.
Our Fitness Specialist
Joelle Sevio, BS, RDH, CPT
As a fitness specialist for the WakeMed Bariatric Surgery & Medical Weight Loss program, Joelle works with bariatric surgery patients to prepare for surgery and for life after surgery by providing tips to be more active throughout the day, develop a consistent exercise routine, and develop an individualized exercise prescription. Joelle's goal is to meet patients where they are while providing effective, individualized programs. She holds a BS in Health Science from UNC-Chapel Hill and has a passion for inspiring and motivating individuals of all fitness levels to reach their fitness and lifestyle goals through a whole person approach.