Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is weight-loss surgery that is used to treat morbid obesity, which is defined as being 100 pounds or more above your ideal body weight or having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or 35 and higher with an obesity-related serious disease such as diabetes or sleep apnea (BMI Chart).  The following procedures are performed by our three bariatric surgeons: Adjustable Gastric Banding, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy. These procedures are usually performed laparoscopically.

 If you are interested in bariatric surgery, please call our bariatric surgery coordinators at 402-559-9500 to request more information or to sign up for an information session. Attending our New Life Information Session is the first step in our bariatric surgery process and you will be required to attend one before being scheduled for an initial bariatric evaluation. Our information sessions provide information to patients regarding the surgical options for weight loss. We hope you will bring your family and friends so they can learn more about your decision regarding weight loss surgery and help support you after surgery. The information sessions are held on the second Thursday of every month from 6-8 pm in Rooms 1-4 in the Ground Floor of the Storz Pavilion located at Clarkson Hospital (directions-Clarkson Hospital).

Our New Life Support Group is geared towards patients who have already had surgery (at The Nebraska Medical Center or elsewhere), however anyone is welcome to attend. Our support group topics vary each month and include subjects such as mindful eating, improving your eating habits, exercise, self-esteem, dealing with stress, etc. Families and friends are encouraged to attend as well. The New Life Support Group is held on the first Monday of every month from 6-8 pm in the same location as the Information Session (Rooms 1-4 in the Ground Floor of the Storz Pavilion in Clarkson Hospital).

Initial bariatric evaluation appointments are scheduled on Monday mornings at the UNMC Physician’s General Surgery Clinic located on the 5th floor of the Durham Outpatient Center (directions-Durham Outpatient Center).

The surgeons and physician assistant see potential patients for evaluations in the UNMC Physician's Surgery clinic located on 5th floor of the Durham Outpatient Center.

Contact Information:

Initial Information Request:  Please call the Bariatric Surgery line for more information or to register for an information session: 402-559-9500 (or via e-mail at bariatricsurgery@unmc.edu).

Surgery Clinic (for follow-up appointments): 402-559-4017

Bariatric Surgery Nurse Coordinators: 
Melissa Monzu-Sparks, RN, BSN, CBN (Dr. McBride & Dr. Goede) 402-559-8993 
Karen Sater, RN, BSN (Dr. Kothari) 402-559-4527
Rob Bayer, RN (Dr. Oleynikov) 402-559-8989
Linda Neumann-Potash, RN, MN, CBN 402-559-5812 


Insurance Coordinator:
Jamiela McMillian 402-559-5508

Administrative Offices: 
Kimberly Clark (Dr. Goede) 402-559-5248 
Kerrie Fraterelli (Dr. Oleynikov) 402-559-4581 
Cherie Kimble (Dr. McBride, Dr. Kothari & Emily Rossman, PA) 402-559-6592