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Your Weight Management Team

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• Your Weight Management Team

For surgical weight loss programs, you can be sure that you have a full-team of doctors, nurses, counselors and medical professionals helping you along the way. Our multi-disciplinary team includes staff from many different specialties.

This multidisciplinary team evaluates you before surgery and provides education and treatment after surgery. They deliver medical, nutritional, and psychological care, and looks at lifestyle changes following surgery.

Below are a just a few of the many people to help you along the way.

Medical Director/Surgical Weight Loss 

Michael Jiser, MD 

Doctor Michael Jiser started the Bariatric surgery program in Lowell in 2003. As Medical Director of the Center for Weight Management and Bariatric Surgery at Lowell General Hospital, he has completed over 1200 laparoscopic Bariatric surgeries. He is a certified member of the American Board of Surgery and an active member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) and the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES).

Dr. Jiser completed his medical training at New York Medical College and his residency at Sound Shore Medical Center in New Rochelle, NY. He completed his mini-fellowship in Bariatric surgery at the Montefiore Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery. He is well-known throughout the Merrimack Valley as a leading laparoscopic surgeon, and often serves as a clinical instructor to surgeons around New England for various advanced laparoscopic surgical procedures. In addition to spending his free time with his family, Dr. Jiser is a huge baseball fan and attends as many Yankee games as he can.

Surgeon

Roy Shen, MD 

Doctor Roy Shen is the first surgeon in the Merrimack Valley to offer the Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (Lap-Band®) to his Bariatric patients. He has completed over 1200 laparoscopic Bariatric surgeries.

Dr. Shen is the Chief of Surgery at Lowell General Hospital. He completed his medical training at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, PA, and his residency at the University of Illinois Metropolitan Group Hospital in Chicago, IL. He also completed a fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery under the direction of Christine Ren, MD, one of the most prominent Bariatric surgeons in the U.S. During his fellowship he completed over 300 Bariatric cases with Dr. Ren. He has published several papers on different aspects of Bariatric surgery. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery and is an active member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) and the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES). Dr. Shen enjoys spending time with his family.

Surgeon

Rebecca Shore, MD

Doctor Rebecca Shore is a graduate of University of Massachusetts Medical School and completed her surgical residency at University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. She went on to complete a fellowship in minimally invasive and Bariatric surgery at Tufts-New England Medical Center with Doctor Scott Shikora. Dr. Shore performed over 300 Bariatric cases as a fellow with Dr. Shikora. She has performed over 800 laparoscopic Bariatric surgeries.

She is a certified member of the American Board of Surgery. She is also an active member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) and the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), for which she is also an active committee member. She has presented at the national ASBS and SAGES conventions. Dr. Shore's interests are advanced laparoscopic Bariatric surgery and women's health. She enjoys skiing, wind surfing and spending time with her family.

Surgeon

Nari Sabeti, MD

Doctor Nari Sabeti is a graduate of Tufts Medical School and completed her surgical residency at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, MA. She went on to complete a fellowship in minimally invasive and Bariatric surgery at Tufts Medical Center with Doctor Scott Shikora. Dr. Sabeti performed over 300 Bariatric cases as a fellow with Dr. Shikora. She is a certified member of the American Board of Surgery. She has presented at the national and international conventions associated with the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES). Dr. Sabeti's interests are advanced laparoscopic Bariatric surgery and women's health. Dr. Sabeti enjoys spending time with her family.

Program Coordinator/Director

Christine LaBrecque, RN, BSN

Christine is our Program Director. Her role incorporates patient care, education, and management of the Center's programs and supportive services.

She is a certified bariatric nurse through the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and holds a bachelor of science in nursing from Emmanuel College. Christine is an affiliate member of American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, NAASO Obesity Society and the American Society for Bariatric Physicians.

Physician Assistant

Ketna Patel

Ketna is a licensed Physician Assistant. She earned her master's degree in physician assistant studies from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Manchester, NH. She also received a master's degree in elementary/special education and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ.

Ketna provides pre- and post-operative care for our patients as well as triages patient's needs and concerns via phone. Her other duties include ordering and analyzing appropriate tests including imaging studies and laboratory blood work. She is also qualified in performing gastric band adjustments. Ms. Patel feels it is important to educate patients and their families on the benefits of healthy eating, regular physical activity and making behavioral changes. Ketna wants patients to feel they are of importance and are deserving of good health and a good quality of life. Ketna is personable, empathetic and has a great positive attitude, which allows patients to feel comfortable communicating with her and allows her to provide encouragement to patients when it is needed. In her spare time, Ketna enjoys outdoor activities, such as kayaking and hiking. Ketna loves watching and attending Boston sporting events and hopes that one day she will meet David Ortiz (aka Big Papi) and/or Rajon Rondo.

Medical Assistant

Barbara Swett 

Barbara is our Medical Assistant. She is the first medical personnel patients see prior to their appointment with the Doctor or Nurse Practitioner. She is responsible for updating any medical and/or medication documentation for patient's medical files, blood pressures, and weight. Barbara enjoys dancing, walking and life.

 

Mental Health Counselor

MaryBeth Sherrin, ALM, M.Ed

Marybeth is our Bariatric Behavioral Therapist. She is responsible for evaluating patient readiness for Bariatric surgery and helping patients plan for long-term post-operative success. In addition, Marybeth develops and facilitates workshops, retreats and ongoing support programs. Marybeth has been helping individuals, groups, and families in private practice, clinics and organizational settings for the past 17 years. For the past 4 years she focused on treating binge eating disorders and stressors associated with morbid obesity. She holds master's degrees from Harvard University and University of Massachusetts-Boston. Marybeth loves to hike, dance and play squash.

Family Nurse Practitioner

Meghan Sullivan

Meghan is a licensed Family Nurse Practitioner. She earned her undergraduate degree as a Registered Nurse from Quinnipiac University and her master's degree from Quinnipiac University Graduate School for Family Nurse Practitioners. Meghan provides pre- and post- operative care for our patients. She is also responsible for ordering and analyzing appropriates tests including imaging studies and laboratory blood work. Meghan is also qualified in performing gastric band adjustments. Ms. Sullivan is a strong advocate for her patients and strives to make everyone feel comfortable at the weight management center. Meghan has a love and strong compassion for people. It is important to Meghan that patients feel they are important and know that they will receive the best care possible. During her spare time, Meghan enjoys watching reality television and spending quality time with friends and family. She looks forward to traveling more in the future and furthering her career with Lowell General.

Bariatric Dietitian

Sue-Ellen Anderson, MS, RD, LDN

Sue-Ellen is a licensed bariatric dietitian. She earned her bachelor of science in food science and human nutrition, specializing in dietetics with a minor in health science education, at the University of Florida. She received her master of science in nutrition and wellness at Andrews University and completed her dietetic internship at Florida Hospital. Sue-Ellen is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics with Massachusetts affiliation; Sports Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutrition Practice Group; and serves on the Public Health Committee of the National Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts-Young Professional Network. She has work experience in the areas of bariatric nutrition, diabetes management, wellness and disease prevention, and maternal and child nutrition. Sue-Ellen provides counseling for pre- and post-operative patients on weight management behaviors with concentration on bariatric diet guidelines, meal planning, exercise, and vitamin/mineral intake. She also facilitates nutrition classes, pre-operative educational classes and post-operative support groups. In her spare time, Sue-Ellen enjoys spending time with her husband, jogging, cooking, and reading. She looks forward to traveling the world.

Bariatric Dietitian

Jenny L. Hegmann, MS, RD, LDN

Jenny is a licensed bariatric dietitian. She earned a bachelor of science in dietetics from Idaho State University and holds a master of science in human nutrition and metabolism from Boston University. Ms. Hegmann completed her dietetic internship at Massachusetts General Hospital. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutritionists; and Weight Management/Bariatrics Dietitians Practice Group. Jenny also has expertise in sports nutrition, has authored articles for print and web, and is co-author of the book The Cyclist's Food Guide: Fueling for the Distance. A lover of nature and the outdoors, Jenny spends her non-work hours cycling, hiking, and traveling.

Educator

Nancy Dalpe, RNFA, CNOR

Nancy is our Bariatric Educator and also a registered nurse first assist in the operating room. Nancy is responsible for the pre-operative education and post-operative discharge instructions for the Bariatric patient. She holds a certification in operating room nursing and is a member of the Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN). Nancy loves to garden and spend time in Maine.

 

Patient Advocate

Susan Seamans, LPN

Susan is our patient advocate. She not only greets patients, but you will find her checking blood pressures, weighing patients and helping pre-operative patients navigate the system. If you have any questions about what your insurance mandates for a medically supervised weight loss program before you have surgery, Sue is the one to call. If you miss an appointment, maybe because you're not quite sure that it is the right time in your life to have weight loss surgery, Sue will help you sort out the pros and cons. The Patient Advocate’s role at the Center for Weight Management and Bariatric Surgery is to address any individual concerns that one may have when preparing for weight loss surgery. Susan's great sense of humor and kindness have made her a great addition to the clinic.

Insurance Coordinator

Nancy Mullin, RN

Nancy has worked for years in critical care and case management. She understands the ins and outs of health insurance and Bariatric medical policy. Nancy communicates with patients when the TEAM feels they are prepared for surgery and insurance approval is pending. Everyone always loves to hear from Nancy, it indicates they are approaching the final steps to a surgery date. Nancy lives locally with her husband and two children.

 

Unit Coordinator

Susan Dufresne

Susan is our Unit Coordinator. Not only is Sue a friendly face to greet patients as they come in for their appointments, she confirms patients visits and collects updated medical information for the Center and for insurance companies. She also assists patients with referrals and the scheduling of medical appointments. Sue enjoys walks and quality time with her grandchildren.

 

Unit Coordinator

Darlene Fertitta

Darlene is the Unit Coordinator for the Center for Weight Management and Bariatric Surgery. Not only is Darlene a friendly face to greet patients as they come in for their appointments, she confirms a patient's visit, updates any demographic information and assist a patient with insurance referrals. Darlene has worked at the Center for Weight Management since 2008. Darlene's motto is that all patients feel welcome and comfortable in our clinical environment. She also enjoys laughing and creating memories with families and friends on days that she is not working in her garden.

Quality Improvement Specialist

Jacqueline Eschle, BSN, RN, CNOR

After years as an operating room nurse, Jacqueline joined our team to focus on the bariatric surgery component of the American College of Surgeons data collection program which has a primary goal of improving patient care. According to the The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Bariatric Surgery Center Network (BSCN) Accreditation Program website, "the ACS BSCN accredits facilities in the United States that have undergone an independent, voluntary and rigorous peer evaluation in accordance with nationally recognized bariatric surgical standards. Bariatric surgery accreditation not only promotes uniform standard benchmarks, but also supports continuous quality improvement." Lowell General's Center for Weight Management and Bariatric Surgery has been fully accredited since February 22, 2008. When not quietly at her front office corner desk scanning charts, computer records and those "pesky" patient questionnaires you're asked to fill out at each follow up visit, Jackie might be found enjoying the outdoors any number of ways - snowshoeing, skiing, biking, kayaking, gardening - in every season.

Scheduler

Cynthia Marcano

Cynthia Marcano is the scheduler for the Center for Weight management, her knowledge of registration and scheduling assisted the department to meet the needs of every patient. Cynthia is an incredible women and fantastic team player. Cindy is fluent in both English and Spanish. She is always willing to help a patient with any question or concern. She is a great coach encouraging patients when they are preparing themselves for surgery. Cindy enjoys spending time with family and loves to vacation in Florida.

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