Meet Our Bariatric Surgery Team
The University of Chicago Center for the Surgical Treatment of Obesity features a multidisciplinary team focused on providing comprehensive care to all of our patients. We pride ourselves on offering patient-centered care that addresses the special needs of each person who comes to us with an interest in weight loss surgery. From the initial patient contact and pre-surgery evaluation to surgery and adjusting to life after surgery, our team is available to answer questions and ease fears.
The following videos are interviews with several members of our highly regarded team. These videos give a unique insight into our program from the perspective of our experts in surgery, nutrition, psychology and nursing.
Video: John Alverdy, MD, Surgeon
Surgeon John Alverdy, MD, describes weight loss surgery treatment options and success rates at the Center for the Surgical Treatment of Obesity.
Video: Vivek Prachand, MD, Surgeon
Surgeon Vivek Prachand, MD, discusses weight loss surgery treatment options and choosing the best approach for each patient.
Video: Eunice Chen, PhD, Clinical Psychologist
Clinical psychologist Eunice Chen, PhD, shares information about mental health support services for bariatric surgery patients.
Video: Kelly Gemmel, RD, LDN, CNSD, Dietician
Kelly Gemmel, RD, LDN, CNSD, is a dietician and program manager for the Center for Surgical Treatment of Obesity. In this video she describes points of difference about the program and its multidisciplinary approach.
Video: Christy Stavros and Tricia Skowron, Dieticians
Christy Stavros, RD, LDN, and Tricia Skowron, RD, LDN, MPH, are dieticians who play a key role in assisting patients with nutritional planning before and after weight loss surgery.
Video: Laurel Plahuta, APN, CPNP, Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioner Laurel Plahuta, APN, CPNP, describes the Center for the Surgical Treatment of Obesity and shares her views on the role of the patient as a member of the team.
Video: Judy Starkey, RN, Nurse
Judy Starkey, RN, is often the first person prospective patients meet. She conducts the program's information sessions and is active in the pre-surgical screening process.
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