Ready for a Happier and Healthier You?

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.

Headline Text Here, Two Lines Max

Brief description text here.

Weight loss informational meetings


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.

SERVICIOS DE MATERNIDAD

  • Parto
  • Cesárea
  • Epidural
  • UCIN
  • Parto natural
  • Pruebas prenatales
  • Embarazo de alto riesgo
  • Clases prenatales

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

Time to Focus on You.

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!

Reason to complete form here!

Reason to complete form here!

Reason to complete form here!

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed doeiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Bariatric Surgery at Dignity Health in Arizona: Patient Education

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.

The communities we serve

Location 1

Short description here, two lines max.

Location 2

Short description here, two lines max.

Dignity Health Weight Loss Center Locations

Chandler, AZ

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

Gilbert, AZ

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

Glendale, AZ

St. Joseph's Westgate Medical Center
7330 N 99th Ave. Suite 200A
Glendale, AZ 85307

What are my Weight Loss Options?

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

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

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

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

Medical 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.

Cardiothoracic Surgery & Specialty Care - Dignity Health Medical Group - Bakersfield, CA

Dignity Health Bariatric Surgery Centers: Recognized for Excellence

Bariatric Surgery Accreditation

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

When you choose the Dignity Health Weight Loss Clinic, you're choosing a program recognized for its commitment to excellence and high-quality patient care. Aetna recognizes our expertise and provides its members with information to help them make informed decisions about their health care needs.
dh-az-weight-loss-aetna-banner.png

Are You a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?

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:

      • BMI of 35 or greater with one or more obesity-related health conditions
      • 100 pounds or more above ideal body weight or a BMI of 40 or above
      • Certain obesity-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and joint problems
      • Psychological assessment to ensure realistic expectations and mental preparedness for the surgery and the lifestyle changes it entails

Take the health questionnaire to see if you are a candidate.

Get in Contact With a Member of our Team 

Achieve Lasting Weight Loss Results With Dignity Health: Start With a Free Consultation


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:

  • Personalized Weight Loss Plan Development: Our experts assess your health, goals, and lifestyle to create an individualized path.
  • Expert Guidance, No Pressure: Receive guidance, answers, and preliminary planning without obligation.
  • Explore All Weight Loss Pathways: Learn about medically supervised weight loss programs (like dietary counseling and weight loss medication options) and surgical weight loss procedures tailored for appropriate candidates.

What Happens During Your Free Weight Loss Consultation?


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:

  • Comprehensive Initial Assessment: Review of your BMI, health history, and specific weight loss goals.
  • Discussion of Your Ideal Weight Loss Path: Explore solutions from dietary planning and lifestyle modifications to surgical weight loss options.
  • Transparent Answers and Information: Get clear information on risks, recovery, results, and ongoing support for sustainable weight loss.
  • Decision on Your Terms: No obligation. We support your informed choice for your weight loss journey.
Get in Contact With a Member of our Team

Common types of weight loss surgery include:

Gastric Reduction Duodenal Switch
Gastric Reduction Duodenal Switch (often abbreviated as BPD/DS) is an advanced bariatric surgery combining:

  • Gastric Sleeve: Creates a larger-than-standard stomach sleeve (less restrictive).
  • Intestinal Rerouting: Drastically shortens the segment of small intestine where food mixes with digestive enzymes, causing severe malabsorption.

Primary Action: Highly effective for weight loss mainly through malabsorption (fewer calories/fats absorbed), plus some restriction and powerful hormonal changes.

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.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

Meet the team of Bariatric Surgeons

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.