Medstar Montgomery Medical Center
Dr. John S. Brebbia is a double-board-certified surgeon specializing in advanced laparoscopic and bariatric surgery. He earned his medical degree and completed surgical training at the State University of New York at Buffalo, followed by a Master of Business Administration degree from George Washington University. Widely published, Dr. Brebbia is passionate about helping patients reclaim their health and live fuller lives.
For too many people, seeking help for weight management feels like admitting defeat after years of trying on their own. At MedStar Health, Dr. John S. Brebbia and his team are working to change that narrative—focusing on health, not numbers.
“This shouldn’t be a last resort; it should be a first step,” he says. “We can prevent problems before they start.”
MedStar’s comprehensive weight management program offers both surgical and non-surgical solutions tailored to each patient. Dr. Brebbia’s integrative approach includes nutrition counseling, behavioral health support, peer-led support groups and access to the latest weight loss medications, including GLP-1s. For those considering surgery, decades of innovation have made today’s procedures safer and more effective than ever.
“Whether someone needs to lose 20 pounds or several hundred, we meet you where you are—without judgment,” says Dr. Brebbia. “From the moment you walk in, it’s clear everything here is designed to support you.”
Board-certified in both surgery and obesity medicine, Dr. Brebbia, who’s spent much of his career in trauma surgery, brings a unique perspective: “In trauma, you save lives in critical moments. In weight management, I get to help people save their own lives.”
The results are life changing. Patients who never thought they’d travel are now exploring the world. Young adults are gaining confidence. Families are growing. Careers are flourishing. For many, daily medications are distant memories.
“Every time I hear one of these stories, it’s incredibly rewarding,” says Dr. Brebbia. “But I always tell my patients: I help steer—they’re the ones making it happen.”
