Our Team
Weight Loss Surgery Requires a Team Effort.
You already know the team's MVP (most valuable person). It's YOU.
David C. Johnson, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Lead Bariatric Surgeon
Dr. Johnson is a native Arizonan who has over 20 years of private practice experience here in the valley. He is a trusted physician, who is well respected, not only by his peers, but by his patients as well. He has a distinguished career in level 1 Trauma surgery which is an ongoing part of his life, including the designation of Instructor in Advanced Trauma Life Support through the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Johnson's other affiliations include: American College of Surgeons (FACS) |Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) | American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons (ASMBS) | Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST).
Dr. Johnson has taken an active role in setting up a number of bariatric, surgical weight loss programs for hospital settings around the valley and is a welcomed addition to our staff at Arizona Weight Loss Solutions. He not only brings a wealth of knowledge, but his vast experience in caring for bariatric patients was recognized in the 2009, April, "Top Doc" issue of the Phoenix Magazine.
We believe that you will enjoy his straight forward approach along with his sincere care and concern for your personal weight loss solution. He believes in helping people achieve their individual goals, of becoming healthy through bariatric surgery, and he understands the process of that journey.
Ty Witt, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
Female Reconstructive Surgeon
Ty Witt, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., is a board certified OB/GYN, and he specializes in female reconstructive surgery. Dr Witt's other passion is helping people achieve weight loss along with renewed health. He is the physician for the non-surgical, medically supervised weight loss program at Arizona Weight Loss Solutions
Dr. Witt received his Bachelor's Degree from the University of California at Riverside, in Biomedical Sciences. He then attended UCLA Medical School.
Dr. Witt's obstetrics and gynecology residency was completed at the Oregon Health Sciences University Hospital in Portland, Oregon.
Throughout his career, Dr. Witt has held numerous titles. He was Chairman in the Obstetrics Department from 1992-2005; Chairman of the Maternal Child Health Department from 1996-1997; Chief of Staff from 2001-2002; a member of the Credentials Committee from 1999-2000; Chairman of the Ethics Committee from 2000-2001; and Clinical Professor for the Oregon Health Sciences University Hospital from 1995-2000.
Following the events of 9/11, Dr. Witt embarked on an active duty tour as an F-16 based flight surgeon. It was his responsibility to take care of the pilots and their families. He was a Flight Commander at Luke Air Force Base as well as a temporary Squadron Commander.
Dr. Witt is a member of the prestigious American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (F.A.C.O.G.). Dr. Witt currently holds licensure in Arizona, Oregon, and Washington State. Arizona Weight Loss Solutions is proud to have Dr. Witt on the team.
Dominic F. Heffel, M.D.
General, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
Dr. Heffel is both a General, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. He received his Bachelors of Science degree from Stanford University and his medical degree from the George Washington University School of Medicine. He studied General Surgery at the UCLA Center for Health Sciences. Furthermore, he completed a full residency in General Surgery at UCLA and is fully certified by The American Board of Surgery. Dr. Heffel served as a Clinical Faculty Attending Bariatric Surgeon at UCLA where he performed primarily weight loss surgery on high risk patients. Dr. Heffel is also a fully trained Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. He completed training in this field at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital. Kind, compassionate, and respected by his peers from across the country, Dr. Heffel is an outstanding and trustworthy surgeon and is respected throughout the medical community.
Andi Ross, B.S., CPT
Bariatric Program Coordinator, Nutritionist,
Lifestyle and Exercise Instructor
Andi is dedicated to helping patients understand the principals in nutrition that will help them achieve their lifelong goals. Patients appreciate her sensitivity to their frustrations, dilemmas and challenges regarding nutrition and exercise, as it relates to weight loss.
Andi helps prepare you for the changes, before and after surgery. You will meet with her individually to go over the foods you can eat and any special diet requirements, pre and post operatively. She will guide you through this transitional process every step of the way, offering you help and support.
Her goal is to educate patients and teach them to take control of their health and their lives. Arizona Weight Loss Solution patients love Andi for her candid, real life approach to the challenges bariatric patients face. Her sincere, care and concern for each individual is evident in her interaction with the patients. Not only will you meet with Andi before and after your surgery individually, you will meet in a group setting to go over topics that will help you achieve success and keep you committed to your healthy lifestyle changes.
Kathleen Gillespie, Psy. D, NCP, LISAC, LPC
www.arrowheadbehavioralhealth.com
Kathleen is a warm, passionate, individual … especially when it comes to Bariatric surgery and helping patients achieve long term success. She, herself is a Bariatric patient, who is acutely aware of the necessary life-changing knowledge and skills needed to achieve and maintain your new lifestyle. She's there to teach you how to do it. Don't let her small frame fool you … Kathleen is a powerhouse of energy and encouragement and Arizona Weight Loss Solutions is excited to have her as a part of the Educational Team for Bariatric Surgery.
"It's Not Brain Surgery" Education Work Book | Written by Kathleen Gillespie
"Making the decision to have bariatric surgery is a life-changing one and one that we all want to be successful for the remainder of our life. As a psychologist and bariatric patient, I am acutely aware of the necessary life-changing knowledge and skills required to maintain long-term success. "Knowing" what to do and "doing it" are two different things.
It is for this reason I have developed a 6 session pre and post surgery program which addresses all these issues. It is not enough to teach patients the skills they need, but the skills must be applied day by day for optimum change.
When food is used as a buffer from psychological and emotional problems as well as a stress mechanism, it becomes a complex issue. As we begin to practice the behavioral modification strategies for success, it can bring out many psychological and emotional issues. As this occurs we gain awareness which is the first step to permanent change.
I invite you to participate in these life changing classes, as we venture to achieve your own individual weight goals." Kathie Gillespie
Morgan Cooper
Contract Marketing Consultant
Morgan manages the development and implimentation of marketing campaigns for AZWLS.
Desiree Henry
Front Office
Arizona Weight Loss Solutions is lucky to have our very own professional ray of sunshine manning the front office. Desiree brings a lot to this traditional office position. She mans the phones, keeps all the medical records, organizes patient files, communications, handles surgery and appointment scheduling and manages to do it with a smile and pleasant demeanor.
Every office needs a strong, organized person in this position and Desiree handles it all with great finesse.
Kevin Olin, Ph.D.
Psychological Evaluation
Kevin Olin has worked with many of the Arizona Weight Loss Solutions patients during the Bariatric Psychological Evaluation process. His caring, gentle, nature makes patients feel comfortable immediately upon meeting him.
The psychological evaluation is required by all insurance providers and is necessary in order to proceed with the program. We are happy to have Kevin as a part of the team at Arizona Weight Loss Solutions and the foundational service he provides our patients.