The Temple Bariatric Program uses a multidisciplinary approach that brings a wide variety of specialists together to help you achieve your weight loss goals. Not only do we have some of the finest surgeons in the region, but we provide a unique support system that will help you maintain your "new you" for a lifetime.
Our team consists of surgeons, nurse practitioners, surgical assistants, registered dietitians, psychiatrists, exercise physiologists/certified personal trainers, nurses, case managers, home caregivers, and administrative assistants.
All Temple patients undergo thorough pre-operative testing and receive a private consultation with a Temple bariatric surgeon. After the tests are complete, our bariatric team meets with each patient to review his or her readiness for surgery. On the day of surgery, our surgeons meet with each patient prior to the procedure, talk to the family members after surgery, and monitor patients closely while they are hospitalized. All of our patients are carefully followed post-operatively at regular intervals during the first year, and at least annually thereafter.
Temple bariatric surgeons are board certified.
John Meilahn, MD
Director, Bariatric Surgery
Clinical interests: Bariatric surgery including laparoscopic and open gastric bypass, adjustable gastric banding, revisional surgery; advanced laparoscopic surgery; gastrointestinal surgery; general surgery
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Drexel University; medical degree, University of Pennsylvania
Training: Surgical fellowship, The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Certification: Surgery
PUBLICATION LISTING: PubMed
If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Meilahn, click here.
Daniel Dempsey, MD
Chair, Department of Surgery
Clinical interests: Gastrointestinal surgery; gastrointestinal cancer; surgery of the esophagus and stomach; laparoscopic surgery; bariatric surgery; reoperative surgery
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Princeton University; medical degree, University of Rochester
Training: Surgical residency, University of Pennsylvania
Certification: Surgery
PUBLICATION LISTING: PubMed
If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dempsy, click here.
Christopher J. Combs, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Temple has a dedicated bariatric psychologist who evaluates patients before surgery. This evaluation is valuable to measures a patient’s willingness and ability to make the lifestyle changes that are necessary for success. Dr. Combs is also available for follow-up care and lectures at the program’s monthly support group meetings.
Melissa Napolitano, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Napolitano is a clinical psychologist with over 10 years of experience working in weight management. She is part of the team that conducts behavioral/psychological evaluations of patients to determine their readiness for surgery. Additionally, she oversees the post-surgical support group for adjustable gastric band patients. Dr. Napolitano also directs the clinical weight loss services at the Temple University Center for Obesity Research and Education (CORE Program), where she supervises clinical psychology interns and post-doctoral fellows. The CORE Program is available for pre- and post-surgical behavioral and lifestyle counseling and support.
Dietitians
Temple dietitians educate patients about basic nutrition, an important component for long-term success. Our dietitians participate in the pre-operative educational classes, which all Temple patients attend before surgery. Patients are seen by the dietitians in the hospital after surgery for post-operative reinforcement and encouragement. Our dietitians participate in the monthly support group meetings. Further consultation with Temple dietitians are available via phone, e-mail or by a personal appointment. We believe that this ongoing support is vital to patients as they develop the habits that will lead them into a healthy lifestyle.
Cara Greenspan, RD
Dietitian
Tracy Oliver, MEd, RD, LDN
Dietitian
Rebecca Dilks, RD, LDN
Dietitian
Laurie White, CFA/LPN
First Surgical Assistant
Laurie has worked exclusively with Dr. Meilahn for 5 years as he has performed over 700 bariatric surgeries. She assists Dr. Meilahn in the clinic as well as seeing post-operative patients in the hospital.
Nyeesha Miller
Administrative Coordinator
Nyeesha expertly guides patients through the evaluation process with compassion and is a valuable resource for patients.
To register for a free informational seminar or to make an appointment for a consultation with a Temple bariatric surgeon click here or call 1-800-Temple-Med (1-800-836-7536).
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