Important Resources
This website is sponsored by Allergan, the producer of the Lap Band System. Besides extremely valuable information including pictures, testimonials, and more web links, the site allows patients to register and track their journey. You can also go here to calculate your BMI and obtain literature references for some important information on obesity and weight loss options.
This site also has up to date information on Dr. Lee's informational sessions and the "Weigh to Go!" Support Group meetings sponsored by Oro Valley Hospital and led by Penny Riera, our Nurse Coordinator and Dr. Lee
Northwest Medical Center–Oro Valley website can guide you to phone numbers, maps, and other information about the hospital at which Dr. Lee performs her surgeries.
My EMMI https://my-emmi.com
This educational program is an invaluable resource for those considering or pursuing the Lap Band. You will be given information on how to get on this site and learn the modules at your visit with our Nurse Coordinator.
Specific patient stories and excellent information on obesity, with guides to talking with your physicians and family members about obesity and weight loss surgery. Contains wonderful references regarding statistics, safety, and efficacy.
Dr. Monica Ganz is a very knowledgeable woman with a passion for helping others obtain and utilize great information on obesity, surgery, etc. Dr. Lee knows her personally and has found her to be very intelligent, passionate, and supportive–a great resource for patients.
The Southern Arizona Weight Loss Surgery Support Group is a fabulous group of people who have had bariatric surgery and now run an energetic support group on the third Monday of each month at Northwest Medical Center on La Cholla. Dr. Lee has attended many of their meetings and is impressed with the resources they are able to provide weight loss surgery patients at all steps of their journey. A great group of people!
Terri J. Farmer, PhD, Psych/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Farmer provides counseling and educational services with extensive bariatric patient experience. Her Phone number is 520-877-3338 and her office is located in Oro Valley.
web.mac.com/vberkus/Site/Welcome.html
Vicki Berkus, MD, PhD, CEDS is a psychiatrist who focuses on mental fitness and has even written a book on the subject. She has done a lot of work with obese patients, runs an Optifast medically supervised program, provides great teaching, and significant psychological support for patients. She can do psychiatric assessment and preparation for surgery, or post operative psychiatric support.
This work out center is owned and operated by a friend of our program named Keri. She is clearly passionate about helping people. She and her staff are very sensitive and caring to patients at all steps in their weight loss journey. Dr. Lee and Keri have agreed to work closely on those patients who desire that. For true success with the Lap Band, movement and exercise are necessary. This is a great, fun, and time-efficient way to meet this requirement. Keri offers a special discount for Dr. Lee's patients.
Suzette Kroll, RD is a dietitian with a focus on gastric band patients and their dietary needs. She is very committed and knowledgeable, and a valuable resource!
Laura is a weight loss surgery patient who found a great protein during her journey and now sells it to other patients online.