Dietitians

The bariatric dietitians at New Jersey Bariatric Center® play a vital role in the weight loss journey. Both medical and surgical weight loss patients meet with a registered dietitian at their first appointment. The dietitian team does an in-depth interview to review what patients’ eating habits are like and to pinpoint trouble areas. They will set dietary goals and be there for follow-up before and after surgery. After weight loss goals are reached, bariatric dietitians are available to offer support and guidance to keep patients on the path of good health.

Dana Babeu, R.D.

Registered dietitian Dana Babeu provides nutrition counseling on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Springfield location. She has experience working with patients on issues related to weight management, food allergies and sensitivities, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, disordered eating and metabolic syndrome. Dana’s passion is partnering with patients to create holistic, goal-oriented, individualized plans to improve health and achieve a better quality of life.

Dana graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition from Montclair State University and completed a dietetic internship with ARAMARK. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the New Jersey Dietetic Association and Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Nutrition. When she’s not at work, Dana can be found playing at the park with her daughter, cooking or practicing her headstands.
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Karen Kelly, R.D.

Registered dietitian Karen Kelly is available for nutrition counseling every Tuesday in our Springfield and Hoboken location.

She is a graduate of Ohio State University and the College of Saint Elizabeth where she received her registered dietitian degree. Karen found her true calling by helping people make better nutrition choices to improve their health. She is a member of the American Dietetic Association, the New Jersey Dietetic Association, Nutrition Entrepreneurs, Nutrition in Complementary Care as well as Sports and Cardiovascular Nutrition.
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Kelly Beneduce, R.D.

Kelly Beneduce is a registered dietitian who provides nutritional counseling for bariatric surgery and medical weight loss patients the first and third Wednesdays of every month in our Springfield office. She also sees patients in our Somerville, East Brunswick and Hackettstown locations. Kelly also leads the New Jersey Bariatric Center® Tuesday Talks, a support group, on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Somerville office. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition from the University of Delaware where she also completed her dietetic internship. She obtained a Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management through the Commission on Dietetic Registration for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Kelly has more than a decade of experience working with patients to help them with weight management, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, gastrointestinal disorders and cardiovascular disease. She is passionate about helping others achieve their nutrition goals and personalizing one’s diet plan to fit his or her lifestyle. In her spare time, Kelly enjoys traveling and walking outside with her son, husband and Bernese mountain dog.
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Clarissa Padua, R.D.

Clarissa is a registered dietitian who provides nutritional counseling for bariatric and medical weight loss patients. She has extensive experience in fitness and health education and is a certified personal trainer and specialist in fitness nutrition with certifications from ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association).

Clarissa received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Montclair State University where she also completed her dietetic internship. She is consistently motivated to assist others to achieve their goals to lead a healthier lifestyle. When she’s not at work, you can find Clarissa in the gym, DJing at events, recording mixtapes, or spending time with family and friends. She is also a former Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts fighter in which she has fought and trained both internationally and in the states.
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