Welcome to Bariatric Surgery Source, where doctors send their patients to learn about weight loss surgery online.
Medical Advisory Council
Writers and Policies
For over 10 years, the mission of Bariatric Surgery Source (BSS) has been to distill the complex topic of bariatric surgery into easily understandable information for everyday patients.
Rather than offer general health information across a wide variety of topics, BSS research and content focus exclusively on weight loss surgery. We offer prospective patients a "deep dive" into the associated risks, benefits, lifestyle changes, and financial consequences of these life-altering procedures.
Our more than 1,000 pages of content have been compiled by a team of over 20 healthcare, finance, and legal professionals, including board certified bariatric surgeons, registered nurses, licensed dietitians, insurance and employee benefits experts, lawyers, and data analysts.
BSS provides content you can trust so you can be confident in the next steps of your weight loss journey and towards better health. All content is extensively researched and continually updated to reflect the up-to-the minute "gold standard" consensus among practicing bariatric surgeons. Further, all health information presented throughout BSS has been thoroughly reviewed by our Advisory Council's healthcare industry professionals, which includes highly respected bariatric surgeons across the United States, Canada, and Australia.
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Spring 2019 Digital Health Awards Winner
Audience: Consumers
Classification: Web-based Digital Health
We Are a Resource for Major News Outlets
BSS is a go-to resource for trusted local, national, and international news organizations who are seeking credible research for articles and publications about weight loss surgery. We have been cited in hundreds of published articles, including those published in the following well-known outlets. Click the following logos for a few examples of where BSS has been cited:
We Are Recommended and Cited By Top Bariatric Clinics
BSS is the place where doctors send their patients to learn about weight loss surgery online. We are also a top destination for bariatric surgeons, product manufacturers, and service providers to find and reference trusted research for their own websites. Click the following logos for several examples of where top practices and organizations recommend or cite Bariatric Surgery Source:
John M. Rabkin, MD, FACS
Currently, Dr. Rabkin is the Director of Pacific Laparoscopy, a private surgical practice with locations in San Francisco and Ventura, California.
Upon completing his residency at UCSF, Dr. Rabkin was recruited to the Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU) in Portland, Oregon as the Associate Professor of Surgery and Chief of the Section of Liver/Pancreas Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery in the Medical School.
In his capacity at OHSU Dr. Rabkin built a basic science laboratory in the OHSU Department of Surgery to study transplant immunology. Dr. Rabkin initiated programs in Liver and Pancreas Transplantation at the University Hospital as well as at the Portland Veterans Administration Hospital in Portland, Oregon.
John Rabkin received his Bachelor of Arts and MD in 1982 from Boston University. Dr. Rabkin complete his internship in surgery and residency in General Surgery from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) from 1982-1988.
Dr. Vafa Shayani, MD, FACS
Currently, Dr. Shayani is the owner of the Bariatric Institute of Greater Chicago. He services patients in three separate areas of the Chicago-land area.
Dr. Shayani started his professional career at Loyola University Medical Center in 1996 ultimately holding the position of Associate Professor of Surgery and the Director of Minimally Invasive Surgery Program at Loyola University where he served until 2007.
Dr. Vafa Shayani completed his undergraduate degree at University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), and medical school at George Washington University in Washington, DC. He completed his general surgical residency at George Washington University.
Dr. Shayani is one of the leading experts on Lap-Band surgery in the United States. He was one of the first surgeons to begin performing the gastric banding procedure after the FDA approved the procedure in 2001. Because of his expertise in the procedure, Dr. Shayani is a "Proctor" for the Lap-band, which means he trains and qualifies other surgeons in the Lap-Band.
Gregg H. Jossart, MD, FACS
Currently, Dr. Jossart is the Director of Minimally Invasive Surgery for the California Pacific Medical Center and is the lead bariatric surgeon for Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation, practicing out of San Francisco and Novato, California.
During his more than 15 years as a board-certified bariatric surgeon, he has performed over 3,700 procedures.
Dr. Jossart is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Jossart received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School and completed his residency at the University of California, San Francisco.
Peter F. Rovito, MD, FACS
Currently, Dr. Rovito is a bariatric surgeon at St. Luke's Hospital in Allentown, PA as part of the Sacred Heart HealthCare System.
Dr. Rovito has authored numerous articles in respected peer-reviewed medical and surgical journals, including Surgical Rounds, Archives of Surgery, Journal of Obesity Surgery, Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, American Journal of Surgery, and Journal of the American College of Surgery.
Dr. Rovito received his BA in General Arts and Sciences from Pennsylvania State University in 1976. After undergrad, Dr. Rovito was a Masters Candidate in Biology at Bloomsburg University from 1977 to 1979 and then received his medical degree from Temple University Medical School in 1983.
Currently, Dr. Javaheri specializes in plastic & reconstructive surgery, with private offices in Berkeley and San Francisco, California. He is a second-generation plastic surgeon and is double Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology (ENT).
Dr. Shahin Javaheri began his education at the University of California Irvine where he received his Bachelors of Science in 1983. After spending two years at Faculte Libre De Medecine in Saville, France, Dr. Javaheri received his Medical Degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1988.
Vivek Kumbhari, MD
Director of Bariatric Endoscopy & Registered Nurse
Currently, Dr. Kumbhari is the director of bariatric endoscopy at Johns Hopkins Medicine. He is also an assistant professor of medicine at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He has been practicing medicine at Johns Hopkins for five years and recently joined the medical staff at Sibley Memorial Hospital.
Dr. Kumbhari was born and raised in Sydney, Australia. He completed his GI training at Sydney's leading hospitals and was one of the youngest ever to become an Attending GI Physician in Australia. To further his knowledge, he joined the prestigious two year Advanced Endoscopic Fellowship program at Johns Hopkins.
Nancy DeLuca
Currently, Ms. DeLuca is a registered dietitian and diabetes educator at Phoenix Children's Hospital and Gila River Health Care.
Certified in adult, adolescent, and childhood weight management by The American Dietetic Association, Nancy DeLuca is a registered dietitian with more than 20 years experience.
She is focused on assisting adult and adolescent patients to achieve healthier weights, using both surgical and non-surgical means.
Ms. DeLuca received her B.S. degree from the University of Delaware.
Dr. Anthony Clough
Currently, Dr. Clough is a bariatric surgeon in Melbourne, Australia offering procedures for public patients through Box Hill Hospital and privately in practice through the Epworth Hospital.
Mr. Clough is interested in innovative methods for performing weight loss procedures. In 2014 he was the first surgeon in Melbourne to perform a Gastric Bypass surgery using robotic technology. He intends to publish his results on this method along with colleague Patrick Moore.
Mr. Clough grew up in Melbourne and completed his medical degree at Melbourne University in year 2000.
Dr. Chris Cobourn
Currently, Dr. Cobourn is a Bariatric and General Surgeon serving as the Medical Director & Surgeon at the SmartShape Weight Loss Centre in Mississauga, Canada.
Dr. Cobourn is active in international organizations and conferences, including serving on expert committees and panels to establish worldwide practices for bariatric surgery. In 2011, he was invited to speak at the 2nd Annual Obesity Summit and the XVI World Congress of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders, both prestigious speaking roles. He is also accredited as a Centre of Excellence Surgeon in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation.
Dr. Chris Cobourn graduated with a medical degree from Western University in Ontario in 1983. He completed his surgical residence in 1988 from the University of Toronto and began practicing medicine in Mississauga in 1991.
Dr. Marc Bessler
Dr. Marc Bessler is the United States Surgical Professor of Surgery at Columbia University Medical Center and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
He earned his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine.
Dr. Troy LaMar
Currently, LaMar is a general surgeon in Arcadia, California and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Huntington Memorial Hospital and Methodist Hospital of Southern California.
In 1992, Dr. LaMar was awarded his medical degree from University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
Nadia Barhoumeh-Lee, RN
Bariatric Nurse
Nadia began her 30+ year nursing career in Illinois after receiving her BSN from Rush University in Chicago.
She has fulfilled many nursing roles for various hospitals and clinics in Illinois and California throughout her nursing tenure including Nursing Supervisor, High Risk Case Manager, Mental Health Coordinator, Bariatric Surgery Program Coordinator, and Bariatric Surgery Program Director.
Most recently, she served as the Weight Loss Surgery Program Coordinator at St. Mary's Medical Center in San Francisco.
Nadia is also a Certified Yoga Teacher with special interests in teaching bariatric patients.
William Hartman, PhD
Psychologist at Weight Management Program
Dr. William Hartman is a licensed psychologist and PhD with over 30 years of experience in weight loss psychology. He focuses on individual and group therapy, teaching, research, and behavioral health education.
Danielle DeKay, RN
Danielle DeKay is currently a Registered Dietitian at Seattle Weight Loss and has been with the practice since September 2015.
Ms. DeKay received her undergraduate degree from Central Washington University in 2000 and the Oregon Dietetics Association's Outstanding Dietetic Student Award in 2000. She is also a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Arif Ahmad MD, FRCS, FACS
Dr. Arif Ahmad is the Director of Bariatric Surgery at John T. Mather Memorial Hospital, a program that he founded. In 2001, Dr. Ahmad was appointed Director of Laparoscopic Surgery at Stony Brook University, where he instructed other surgeons on laparoscopic surgery generally and laparoscopic bariatric surgery specifically.
Dr. Arif Ahmad received his MD from the Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, then received Fellowships in both the UK and from Harvard, and finally completed his residency at the University of Connecticut.
Frank Chae, MD, CF, FACS
Dr. Frank Chae is a bariatric surgeon currently serving as the Chief Surgeon of National Bariatric Center in the Denver Suburb of Lonetree and the Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery Program at Sky Ridge Medical Center.
Dr. Frank Chae received his undergraduate degree from Columbia University and his medical degree from McGill University in Montreal. He did his surgical residency at Rutgers and a surgical fellowship at the George Washington University Medical Center.
Dr. Gilberto Ungson
Dr. Gilberto Ungson is the head bariatric surgeon at the Mexicali Bariatric Center in Mexicali, Mexico. He is a leading expert in the Duodenal Switch procedure in Mexico, being the first surgeon in the country to have performed the procedure.
He earned his medical degree from the Universidad Autónoma De Guadalajara and was a resident at IMSS in Guadalajara Jalisco from 1979-1985.
Dr. Alberto Aceves
Dr. Alberto Aceves founded the Mexicali Bariatric Center (MBS) in 2003 and served as the lead surgeon of MBS until 2014. At his time at MBS, he performed over 6,000 procedures on patients from Mexico, the United States, Canada, and around the world.
Dr. Aceves received his medical degree from Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara and completed his medical residency at Mexicali General Hospital.
Grace Chao, MD
Resident Physician
Grace Chao, MD is currently a surgical resident at Yale New Haven Hospital.
Ms. Chao received her undergraduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in anthropology and biochemistry. After graduation, she spent the summer as a White House Intern before starting her medical degree at Harvard, which she completed in 2017.
When it comes to information about your health, nothing is more important than ensuring it comes from a trusted, well-vetted source. That is why our writing staff, editorial board, and Advisory Council are made up of experts in their respective areas, from board-certified weight loss surgeons to insurance and benefits experts with decades of industry experience.
In order for an article to published on BSS, it must first pass through a stringent quality-control process. First, our medical journalists conduct extensive research of their assigned topic using medical texts, interviews with industry experts, and the most recent peer-reviewed medical publications to compile the consensus methods, findings, and viewpoints about the topic. No stone is left unturned.
Next, our researchers submit their draft to the appropriate Advisory Council member to ensure medical accuracy and completeness.
Finally, the BSS editorial board confirms that all published articles meet the criteria of being responsible, accessible, transparent, useful, and up-to-date.
You can read more about our Editorial Policies and our step-by-step Content Review Process here.
WOW!!! What a completely fabulous, informative site!! It answered most of my burning questions and gave me info I didn't even know I needed. It was not dry and boring, it was exactly what I was looking for.
Jan Wolf
Weight Loss Surgery Patient
"Bariatric Surgery Source is the best out there for patient-focused weight loss surgery information."
Dr. Joseph Kuhn
Center of Excellence Bariatric Surgeon
I LOVE your site and what you are doing…so much information!!
Laura Preston
Gastric Bypass Patient
Great site! I congratulate you on a job well done!
Y. Acherman, MD
This has been a great resource for me as I begin my journey. I have my first appointment with the surgeon on Friday.
Juliet Duncan
Bariatric Surgery Source is one of the most comprehensive sites I've seen… it is excellent.
Peter Rovito, MD, FACS
General & Bariatric Surgeon
I really explored your site, and found the content very helpful and accurate. I will be letting my support group know about your site, and also new patients to the practice.
Heather Reeves
Bariatric Coordinator, Sierra Bariatrics
I am very impressed with the breadth and quality of the information on your site.
Dr. Leon Cohen
Bariatric Surgeon, Mercy Bariatrics
Bariatric Surgery Source is packed with essential information you need to know before, during and after weight loss surgery.
Lonicera's LapBand & Other Stories
Weight Loss Surgery Blogger
Jeffrey A. Quinlan
CEO & Editor-In-Chief
Jeffrey Quinlan is the CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Bariatric Surgery Source ("BSS"), having founded the organization in 2008.
Prior to starting BSS, Jeff spent 10 years as an employee benefits consultant at Cigna Healthcare, a global health service company, and The Precept Group, a national employee benefits consulting, administration, and retirement plan services firm. Jeff's focus as a consultant was data-backed workforce health improvement and wellness initiatives to control health care costs and increase employee productivity. This focus is what sparked his interest in bariatric surgery.
Jeff received a B.S. in Business Administration, graduating Cum Laude from the Orfalea College of Business at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn.
Chief Practice Advisor
Scott began his career as a corporate finance attorney at a large, multinational law firm, finishing his legal career with Dechert, LLP. While he carries with him the work ethic and attention to detail practicing law instilled, he's grateful to be on the business-side pursuing his true passion: developing and implementing plans and partnerships that sustainably grow revenue.
Most recently, Scott was a Managing Director at LOYAL3 – a financial technology company with a strong loyalty marketing bend. During his time there, he was an integral part of the team that launched marketing solutions for clients such as Kraft Foods, Virgin America, AMC Theatres and GoPro.
Scott received his J.D. from the Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago and his B.S. from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo.
Connect with Scott on LinkedIn.
After receiving his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and History from the University of Colorado Boulder, Mr. Anderson went on to work in Governor Hickenlooper's Office, eventually helping to organize a technologically intensive community engagement project called TBD Colorado for the Governor's Office. After completing his work for TBD, Mr. Anderson worked for the Executive Director's Office for the Colorado Department of Healthcare and Financing.
Mr. Anderson joined Bariatric Surgery Source in early 2015 to leverage his healthcare, project management and computer science background towards optimizing all aspects of company operations and technology.
Connect with John on LinkedIn.
Lauren M. Donovan
UX Researcher & Content Strategist
Ms. Donovan received her Bachelors Degree in Broadcast Journalism from East Carolina University, allowing her to combine her passion for writing with her keen perception of the way people view world events through the eyes of the media.
After graduating, she joined CBS Television in San Francisco as a Research Analyst where she discovered that her passion lied in Internet marketing. She then transitioned into a marketing career with a reputable real estate marketing agency in San Ramon, CA.
Ms. Donovan joined Bariatric Surgery Source (BSS) in 2009 with a focus on optimizing site-wide user experience and the ongoing refinement of BSS's content development and delivery strategy.
Jeremy Peang-Meth
Creative Coordinator
Jeremy Peang-Meth is a digital designer and strategist, focused on creating compelling customer journeys by visualizing complex ideas to delight and inform, and, ultimately, increase reader satisfaction.
Jeremy's background in design began in architecture in New York City. Working with Italian, Austrian, and French international teams, he built commercial and boutique retail projects for celebrity clients, Milan-based fashion brands, and international organizations such as the United Nations.
Jeremy has a Bachelor in Architecture from the Virginia Tech School of Architecture and Design and continued his studies in Product Design at the Harvard Graduate School of Design.
Connect with Jeremy on LinkedIn.
Naresh Khokhaneshiya
Senior Applications Engineer
After receiving his degree in Computer Science, Mr. Khokhaneshiya joined Avinashi System Pvt. Ltd. (ASPT) where he played a key role in growing the company from 3 to 50 employees in less than 3 years.
Mr. Khokhaneshiya joined the Bariatric Surgery Source team in early 2013 where he continues to improve website functionality and usability and develop applications for both Bariatric Surgery Source and its international surgeon partners.
Naresh's diligent work ethic, attention to detail, project management skills and love of code set him apart as one of the top developers serving the bariatric surgery field. He has grown and currently leads a team of five Bariatric Surgery Source engineers.
Connect with Naresh on LinkedIn.
Patrick Furlong
Patrick graduated from the University of Colorado with a bachelors degree in psychology and ethnic studies. He returned to school for credentialing in the substance abuse field, eventually becoming a Certified Addictions Counselor.
Patrick's work in healthcare began at Arapahoe House, the largest substance abuse treatment provider in Colorado. During his five years at Arapahoe House, he worked in a variety of clinical settings that include residential rehabs, women's services, outpatient drug therapy, and drug/alcohol detox facilities. Years of clinical writing and direct mental healthcare experience make Patrick's role at Bariatric Surgery Source a perfect fit, considering the undercurrent of food addiction issues among bariatric patients and individuals suffering from obesity.
Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn.
General Inquiries: BSS is cared for daily by the same team that built it from scratch over the last decade. We would love to hear from you!
Click here to email our team
Call Us: (904) 516-5459 (Unfortunately, we are not able to help with any medical questions. If you are seeking medical advice, please contact a local surgeon's office.)
Bariatric Surgery Source, LLC
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Advertise With Us: Bariatric Surgery Source connects top-tier practices, product manufacturers, and services with our audience of current and prospective weight loss surgery patients. Email us at sales@bariatric-surgery-source.com to learn more.
Write for Us: BSS is always looking to connect with true experts in the field of bariatrics. If you are properly credentialed, have amazingly high standards, and looking to contribute to one of the top sites on the internet for preoperative bariatric surgery patient information, please click here to email us.
Important: BSS does not publish unsolicited guest-authored articles or blogposts.
Thank you for visiting Bariatric Surgery Source.
Page Last Updated: January 24, 2019