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Are you ready to take control of your health? GBMC's Comprehensive Obesity Management Program (COMP) is here to help you reclaim your life through the transformative power of bariatric surgery and other personalized weight loss solutions. 

Why Choose Bariatric Surgery? 

If your body mass index (BMI) is over 35, traditional diet and exercise alone may not be enough to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Our minimally invasive bariatric surgery options—Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Revisional Surgery—are effective tools to help you reach your weight loss goals. 

Surgical Options: 

  • Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: This procedure creates a small stomach pouch and bypasses part of the small intestine, reducing food intake and nutrient absorption for substantial weight loss. 
  • Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy: Most of the stomach is removed, leaving a sleeve-shaped stomach that reduces hunger and promotes significant weight loss with fewer risks of vitamin deficiencies. 

Comprehensive Support Beyond Surgery 

Our commitment to your success doesn’t end with surgery. The COMP Nutrition Program provides ongoing support with: 

  • Individual counseling (pre- and post-surgery) 
  • Pre-op group education sessions 
  • Monthly support groups (both in-person and virtual) 
  • Online nutrition resources 
  • Personalized, non-judgmental counseling to help you build lasting, healthy habits 

Explore Non-Surgical Weight Loss 

In addition to surgical options, we offer medical weight loss solutions including the latest injectable medications. Our program is designed to tailor a weight loss plan specific to your needs, combining medication management, nutritional counseling, and behavioral therapy. 

Eligibility and Coverage 

Our Medical Weight Loss Program is available for those who have a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI between 27 and 29.9 with obesity-related conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage for medication and services. 

Meet Our Experts 

Our dedicated team includes: 

  • Bariatric Surgeons: Shauna Costinett, MD, FACS; Timothee Friesen, MD, FACS; Emily Watters, MD, MPH 
  • Advanced Practitioners: Summer Esslinger, MSN, CRNP, CBN; Melissa Bearekman, PA-C, CHC 
  • Registered Dietitians: Jana Wolff, RD, LDN, CSOWM; Madison Friel, MSPH, RDN, LDN 

Contact Us Today 

Take the first step toward a healthier future. Call us at 443-849-3779 or visit gbmc.org/weightloss to schedule your consultation. 

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Timothee J Friesen, MD, FACS
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Shauna M Costinett, MD, FACS
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Emily J Watters, MD, MPH, FACS
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