Search UC Irvine Healthcare

UC Irvine Healthcare’s bariatric surgery services program, led by board-certified gastrointestinal surgeons, Drs. Ninh T. Nguyen and Kevin Reavis, offers individuals in Orange County and surrounding communities the most advanced minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques and features a multidisciplinary team of experts including surgeons, anesthesiologists, psychologists, dieticians, nurses and patient coordinators.

Dr. Nguyen and Dr. Reavis are experienced in the most advanced weight loss procedures, including the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

 

 

  Ninh T. Nguyen, M.D.
  Surgeon

Ninh T. Nguyen, M.D., is a specialist in surgeries of the gastrointestinal tract. He is highly experienced in minimally invasive techniques. These include laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and Roux-en-Y bariatric surgeries, staging of esophageal cancer, esophagectomy, fundoplication, resection of gastric stromal tumors and photodynamic therapy.

As a board-certified gastrointestinal surgeon, Dr. Nguyen is a strong advocate of laparoscopy, in which diagnostic and surgical procedures are performed through keyhole incisions rather than large open wounds. In fact, Dr. Nguyen and his colleagues published the first study directly comparing traditional open gastric bypass surgery with newer laparoscopic techniques.

In this study, the UC Irvine Healthcare team showed that laparoscopic patients had less post-operative pain, a lower risk of infection, shorter hospital stays, a faster recovery and a more rapid improvement in quality of life. In addition to the weight loss itself, Dr. Nguyen believes that bariatric surgery has many additional health benefits by lowering a patient’s risks of hypertension, diabetes, apnea and other related problems.

Learn more about Dr. Nguyen »

 

 

  Kevin M. Reavis, M.D.
  Surgeon

Kevin Reavis, M.D., performs bariatric surgery and treats patients with paraesophageal, ventral and inguinal hernias and severe gastroesophageal reflux disease. Dr. Reavis received his medical degree from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, and completed his residency in general surgery at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. He completed several postgraduate training courses in laparoscopic surgery and recently finished a fellowship in minimally invasive surgery at Ohio State University.

Dr. Reavis is a candidate member of the American College of Surgeons and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. Dr. Reavis is a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society and has received several awards for his clinical work and research.

Learn more about Dr. Reavis »

 

 

  Sharon So, R.N.
  Bariatric Program Coordinator

With more than eight years of experience as a gastroenterology nurse, Sharon So is the bariatric program coordinator for bariatric surgery services. She facilitates monthly bariatric support groups, coordinates patient care in the clinical setting and organizes patient visitations with all postoperative patients. Sharon studied nursing at Cerritos College and received her bachelors in science in business at St La Salle University in the Philippines. Sharon speaks fluent Chinese and Tagalog.

 

 Dariella Gaete, R.D.
 Bariatric Dietitian

As a bariatric dietitian, Dariella provides nutrition guidance and counseling to patients in the surgical weight loss program. She assists our bariatric patients through diet phases before and after surgery and provides clinical nutrition care, assesses the nutrition status of patients, recommends appropriate nutrition intervention, educates patients and formulates nutrition care plans.

 

 Lisa Dinglasan
 Clinical Social Worker

For the bariatric surgery team, Lisa provides psychosocial assessments and crisis intervention, facilitates patient and family conferences and addresses emotional issues. She also provides consultation to the care team regarding clinical dynamics related to problems of behavior and mental disorders. In addition, she is currently involved in planning and facilitating the monthly postsurgical support groups.

 

 Jaimee Hartman
 Clinical Research Coordinator

Jaimee is the clinical research coordinator for esophageal/gastric surgery services. She coordinates research procedures, oversees research procedures and helps organize patient care for those participating in clinical trials. Jaimee received her master’s degree in psychology from Pepperdine University and received her bachelor's degree from Villanova University.

 

 Pam Didur
 Surgery Scheduler and Authorization Coordinator

Pam Didur, surgery scheduler and authorization coordinator, registers patients and schedules appointments and surgeries. Pam is also responsible for verifying insurance coverage and obtaining authorizations for physician visits and surgeries.

 

 Erendira Rocha
 Medical Assistant

Erendira Rocha plays a vital role in a patient’s journey during their surgical procedure. She prepares patients by getting their preoperative vital signs, assists surgeons during procedures and provides postoperative care for patients. Erendira also participates in postoperative visits to patients to make sure they are doing well and educates patients on postoperative care. She is bilingual in Spanish and English.

 

 Katherine (Katie) Teetor
 Office Manager

Katie has administrative oversight of all academic, research and clinical support for colorectal and gastrointestinal surgery services. She serves as a management liaison in the coordination of local and national educational symposia and other events. Her familiarity with managing all aspects of the gatrointestinal and colorectal practices makes her an excellent advocate and resource for patients in respect to clinical scheduling, professional billing and resource referral. She is a graduate of University of California, Irvine.

top »