UTMB Health Medical and Surgical Weight Loss

It’s time for the new you.

Working together to work wonders.

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS

Obesity is a life threatening disease. It is defined as being 20 percent or more over ideal body weight. Challenges related to morbid obesity can include depression, low self-esteem, physical disability and limitations, not to mention discrimination and unemployment. Health risks involved with morbid obesity include:

When you’re ready for the new you, we can help.

• Diabetes • High blood pressure • High cholesterol • Sleep apnea

• Degenerative joint disease • Infertility • Gallstones • Blood clots in the veins of the legs and lungs

• Incontinence • Increased pressure within the skull, resulting in headaches, vomiting, blurred vision, and more

Like other diseases, successful treatment of morbid obesity often requires professional medical help. The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health) offers the latest advancements in medical weight loss and bariatric surgery.

Our mission is to provide comprehensive and compassionate care and support for people who suffer from the effects of extreme obesity. We’ve got a solid record of helping our patients transform their lives and return to good health.

Our team of physicians, surgeons, and support staff are weight loss experts who specialize in the treatment of obesity through both medical and surgical options.

Bariatric certified nurses, registered dietitians, and physical therapists, are also part of the team that will work with you to develop and put into action the best possible treatment plan for you.

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We understand how to help you achieve long-term weight loss success. If you’re ready for the new you, let’s talk about your options!

The UTMB Center for Obesity and Metabolic Surgery has been granted full approval as an American College of Surgeons Level 1 Accredited Bariatric Center.

Bariatric surgery expertise you can trust.

The ACS BSCN is the premier accreditation program that verifies to insurance companies, patients, and the medical community that an ACS BSCN-Accredited Bariatric Center has undergone an independent, rigorous evaluation and meets the high-quality standards of surgical care, long-term follow-up, and data collection.

Insurance companies recognize and approve the UTMB Center for Obesity and Metabolic Surgery as an ACS BSCN-Accredited Bariatric Center, which means faster approval and payment of claims.

We’ve performed hundreds of bariatric surgeries that have led to successful long-term weight loss, including: • Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass • Adjustable Gastric Banding

“We strive to help each patient find a safe, effective weight loss solution that best meets their needs.”

• Gastric Sleeve • Revisions of Previous Bariatric Surgeries

– Dr. Obos Ekhaese, DO

Bariatric Surgeon

Expertise you can trust.

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At the UTMB Center for Obesity and Metabolic Surgery you’ll receive advice and support from registered dietitians, physical therapists, and other medical and surgical weight loss experts.

Support groups to enhance your success.

Why wait? Start today!

Bariatric support groups provide encouragement and camaraderie in a comfortable setting. Groups are available for patients who are working on the diet and lifestyle changes that are a part of lifetime weight loss and improved surgery outcomes.

Surrounding yourself with people who understand the process and support your goals will enhance your success.

FREE informational seminars.

Bariatric surgery should be considered with great care. To help you get the vital information you need we hold informational seminars. With no obligation on your part, and absolutely no pressure from us, these seminars give you an opportunity to get answers to your questions, including: • Determining if you’re a candidate • Surgical options and procedures • Results and possible complications • Comparison with medical weight loss approach

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Why wait? Call (832) 505-1500 or visit utmbhealth.com/weightloss today to register for a seminar near you!

A medical weight loss program, designed to empower you.

If bariatric surgery is not for you, our physician-directed medical weight loss program may be right for you. It is aimed at the root causes of obesity, and is designed to sustain a lifelong healthy weight.

UTMB medical weight loss doctors approach your weight loss and maintenance goals plus your overall health. For example, if you have a condition that requires medication that is limiting your weight loss efforts, your UTMB weight loss doctor will work with your primary care physician to find a safe, effective alternative that won’t block your success.

Our plan includes support, medicines, physical therapy, diet, accountability, and encouragement – everything you need to reach your weight loss goals and maintain a healthy weight for the rest of your life.

A prisoner in my own body, my quality of life was limited. I had difficulty walking, suffered from severe sleep apnea and couldn’t participate in any activities. My whole experience with UTMB was world-class. Dr. Ekhaese, the nursing team and dietitians coached me through every step. My sleep apnea is gone; I can ride my bike and workout at the gym. Everything in my life changed for the better. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done!

– Donald To learn more about Donald’s weight loss journey, visit our website.

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Weight loss experts who know how

to help you.

Our multidisciplinary team includes some of the most experienced, skilled physicians and support staff in the nation. Bariatric surgeons with decades of experience and proven records of success. Doctors who are recognized for advances in the treatment of gastrointestinal-related issues. Registered dietitians, physical therapists and other weight loss professionals with the knowledge and experience to help you succeed.

Guillermo Gomez, MD

Dr. Gomez is certified by the American Board of Surgery. He successfully completed the Fundamentals of Bariatric Surgery training course and the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) endorsed Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery Mini-Fellowship Program. His surgical expertise is in endoscopic, laparoscopic, and robotic surgeries.

Pictured left to right - Megan Grotzinger, Dr. LaForte, Kimberly Koonts, Casey Radicioni, Kelli Gondesen, Dr. Gomez, Sukwan Jolley, Dr. Ekhaese, Rachel DeSonier, Dan O’Rourke.

Russell LaForte, MD

Dr. LaForte is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is currently a physician for the University Internist Group at UTMB. He is the Medical Director of the Wellness Continuum, the university’s executive wellness program. His main areas of clinical interest are wellness and obesity.

Dr. Obos Ekhaese, DO

Dr. Ekhaese is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery. Dr. Ekhaese completed a fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston Northwest Medical Center. His surgical expertise is in bariatric, endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery.

Designed to empower you.

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Knowledge and experience to help you succeed.

Clinical Team Members

Jeanette Negrotto, FNP, CBN

Kelli Gondesen, RN, MS, CBN

Daniel O’Rourke, ACNP

Kelli is a Registered Nurse, and Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program Coordinator at the Center for Obesity and Metabolic Surgery. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from the University of Texas in Austin and a Master of Science in Education from the University of Houston in Clear Lake.

Sukwan Jolley, MPH, RD, LD

Sukwan is a bariatric nutrition expert on the Morrison Nutrition Specialty Committee and holds a certificate of training in Adult Weight Management by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She has a Master’s in Public Health from The University of Washington.

She provides extensive pre- and post-operative education and nutrition intervention for our surgical and medical patients. She also facilitates the patient support groups.

Sandra Soliz, HTA

Patient and Administrative Support Megan Grotzinger, PSS Kimberly Koonts, PSS Casey Radicioni, PSS II

Rachel DeSonier, MS, RD, LD Paul Evans, RD, LD Janie Martinez, LVN

Helping you succeed.

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We handle insurance companies so you can focus on your goals.

Take the first step to a new you.

Our financial team knows how to work with your insurance company, communicating in terms they’ll accept. We’ll do the work of getting approvals and payments, so you can focus on your weight loss goals.

Call today. Take the first step to a new you.

Call us today to schedule your no-obligation initial consultation. Our caring team of weight loss experts will answer your questions and get to know you. Together, we’ll determine the weight loss plan that’s best for you.

Why wait? Call (832) 505-1500 or visit utmbhealth.com/weightloss today to register for a seminar near you!

I had no energy to keep up with my kids. With multiple prescriptions, a family history of diabetes, and a lot of pain from hip dysplasia, my self-esteem suffered as a young, single woman.

The UTMB team was great to work with and gave me all of the information, encouragement and support I needed for success. I have tons more energy at work and at play with my kids – and clothes shopping is fun again!

– Donna To learn more about Donna’s weight loss journey, visit our website.

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2660 Gulf Freeway South League City, TX 77573

Working together to work wonders.

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(832) 505-1500

utmbhealth.com/weightloss