We are by your side every step of the way—from consideration to post-surgery needs. Let’s start now and take this first step together. Take our health questionnaire today to find out if you're a candidate for weight loss surgery.

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Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
Please join us the second or fourth Wednesday of every month at 6:00pm.
We recommend registering ahead of time to reserve a spot. To register and sign up, give us a call at (480) 728-5673
Westgate Medical Center in Glendale
Please join us on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 6:00pm.
We recommend registering ahead of time.
To register and sign up, give us a call at (602) 406‑0260.
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Tired of the weight loss struggle? You don't have to go it alone. We offer a compassionate, personalized approach designed to empower you at every turn. Picture yourself: lighter, more energetic, radiantly confident, and truly loving the skin you're in. We'll show you how to build healthy habits that last, turning that dream into your everyday reality. Take the first step towards a revitalized you. Join us now!
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Dr. Shawn Stevenson, Chief of Bariatric Surgery at Dignity Health Arizona, leads the way for those considering weight-loss surgery. In this informational video, Dr. Stevenson meticulously outlines the entire weight loss surgery journey, highlighting the pivotal role of a dedicated team of professionals—surgeons, dietitians, nurse practitioners, and psychologists—who provide unwavering support for patients every step towards enduring success.

Dignity Health Medical Group - Chandler
1100 S. Dobson Rd. Suite 204
Chandler, AZ 85286

Mercy Gilbert Regional Medical Center
3367 S Mercy Rd. Ste 110
Gilbert, AZ 85297

St. Joseph's Westgate Medical Center
7330 N 99th Ave. Suite 200A
Glendale, AZ 85307
Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG), often called "the Sleeve," is a common bariatric surgery that permanently reduces the stomach size to promote weight loss. This popular, minimally invasive procedure creates a small, banana-shaped stomach to limit how much you can eat. It also improves your gut hormones, helping you feel full and less hungry, and can even reverse type 2 diabetes. No intestinal bypass is needed.
Gastric Reduction Duodenal Switch (often abbreviated as BPD/DS) is an advanced bariatric surgery that combines stomach reduction and intestinal bypass. While more complex, it's highly effective, helping most patients lose around 80% of their excess weight in two years.
Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y) is a major weight-loss surgery that modifies the digestive system to promote significant weight loss. In this procedure, a small stomach pouch is created and connected to the small intestine, bypassing a section of it. This limits both the amount of food you can eat and the calories your body absorbs, promoting weight loss
The Weight Loss Center is now offering Medical Weight Loss options to help you achieve your goals. Medications can be a powerful tool for managing chronic weight issues in adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.

Nationally accredited Bariatric Surgery programs
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, Chandler Regional Medical Center, and St. Joseph’s Westgate Medical Center offer nationally accredited bariatric surgery programs, recognized by both the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) and the American College of Surgeons (ACS) as Surgical Quality Partners.
This dual recognition reflects our commitment to the highest standards of patient safety, staff expertise, and surgical quality, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Recognized for our commitment to excellence and high-quality patient care
Qualifications for bariatric surgery can vary based on factors such as a person's health, body mass index (BMI), and previous weight loss attempts. Patient selection for weight loss surgery is based on the National Institutes of Health criteria:
Take the health questionnaire to see if you are a candidate.
Whether you're aiming to lose weight through lifestyle changes or considering surgical options, Dignity Health's Weight Loss Center offers compassionate guidance and expert support—starting with a complimentary consultation. From the moment you step in for this initial one-on-one session to comprehensive post-surgery support, our dedicated team is with you at every step of the way. Our mission? To guide you into a new beginning marked by improved health, vitality, and longevity.
At Dignity Health, personalized care begins with your free weight management consultation, offering:

Our multidisciplinary approach includes dietary counseling, psychological support, ongoing expert care, and optional support groups. We help you lose weight with dignity, jumpstarting your journey to a better quality of life with improved health and sustained long-term weight loss success.
What to Expect:
Get in Contact With a Member of our Team




Primary Action: Highly effective for weight loss mainly through malabsorption (fewer calories/fats absorbed), plus some restriction and powerful hormonal changes.Gastric Reduction Duodenal Switch
Gastric Reduction Duodenal Switch (often abbreviated as BPD/DS) is an advanced bariatric surgery combining:
Candidates: Often for very severe obesity (BMI 50+) or lower BMIs with complex comorbidities due to its profound metabolic impact.
Benefits: Highest excess weight loss (70-80%+) and best resolution of diseases like type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Stevenson is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the Arizona Chapter of the American College of Surgeons. He is an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, an Assistant Professor at Midwestern University College of Medicine and an Adjunct Professor at A.T. Still University College of Osteopathic Medicine, and a Clinical Preceptor for Northern Arizona University.
His special interests are metabolic weight loss and advanced laparoscopic surgery.
Dr. Leavitt attended Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ for his medical school training. Upon completion of his medical degree, he was accepted into a general surgery residency program at Beaumont Health in Detroit, Michigan through Michigan State University. Dr. Leavitt trained heavily in laparoscopic surgery, trauma surgery, colorectal surgery, hernia surgery, anti-reflux surgery, breast surgery, wound care, and endoscopy including EGD and colonoscopy.
He is certified to a wide range of medical conditions including disorders of the gallbladder, stomach, intestines, and colon.
Dr. Potter, who specializes in bariatrics and weight loss, is a graduate of Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology and a Minor in Chemistry. He graduated with his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Midwestern University. He completed his General Surgery Internship, held the position of Chief Surgical Resident at Maricopa Medical Center. He went on to complete his fellowship in Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic and Gastrointestinal Minimally Invasive Surgery at Providence Cancer Center at Providence Portland Medical Center.
Dr. Lauren Rabach is a highly skilled, board-certified bariatric and minimally invasive surgeon dedicated to comprehensive weight loss solutions and advanced general surgery. With fellowship training in robotic surgery and advanced minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Rabach specializes in Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Bypass, gastrointestinal, and hernia surgery. She earned her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine, completed her residency at the University of South Florida, and further refined her expertise through an Advanced Minimally Invasive Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Surgery fellowship at Loma Linda University.
As a board-certified Obesity Medicine specialist, Dr. Rabach approaches weight loss holistically, integrating lifestyle, diet, and medical treatments to maximize patient success. She is an active member of leading organizations including the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Robertson received his medical training and degree from Harvard Medical School, then completed his surgical residency at the University of Arizona School of Medicine. He has been in practice in Tucson since 1990 and began coming to Chandler in 2014 to continue working with Dr. Stevenson. He enjoys the practice of Surgery, because it gives him the pleasure of direct patient care, along with the enjoyment of the technical aspects of operating.