2024 Fireside Chat: Comprehensive Weight Management — Mind, Body, & Medicine
July 1, 2024The Bariatric Connect 2024 Fireside Chat is dedicated to exploring the essential topic of Comprehensive Weight Management — Mind, Body, & Medicine. Facilitated by Psychologist Dr. Steven Reyes, this session features a distinguished panel of experts and thought leaders who will share their wisdom and experiences in an in-depth discussion on the treatment of obesity:
- Andrea Nakayama, Functional Medicine Nutritionist
- Dr. Tro Kalayjian, Internal Medicine & Obesity Medicine Physician
- Dr. Jaz Robbins, Psychologist & Holistic Nutritionist
- Dr. Michael Russo, Bariatric Surgeon
- Dr. Matthew Weiner, Weight Loss Specialist & Bariatric Surgeon
It’s important to recognize that the management of weight is a lifelong journey, and finding the right combination of methods is essential. Each expert will share their perspectives on how combining nutritional, psychological, lifestyle, and medical strategies, along with long-term follow-up, can support sustainable weight management.
Don’t miss this forward-thinking discussion at the 2024 Bariatric Connect Conference, where you’ll gain valuable insights into how integrating mind, body, and medicine can contribute to effective weight management strategies. Join the conversation!
2024 Fireside Chat Facilitator
Dr. Steven Reyes
Psychologist & Fireside Chat Facilitator
Dr. Steven Reyes, EdD, has specialized in bariatric psychology since 2005, working with thousands to achieve and maintain long-term health. Affiliated with multiple Centers of Excellence in southern California, he conducts pre-surgery psychological assessments and educational classes, with his curriculum used by hospitals for two decades. Dr. Steve's compassionate coaching helps patients nationwide address post-surgery challenges. An active weight loss surgery community member, he is dedicated to helping individuals implement and sustain long-term behavioral changes, with his zest for health and life evident in every interaction.
2024 Fireside Chat Panelists
Andrea Nakayama
Functional Medicine Nutritionist
Andrea Nakayama found her passion for using food as personalized medicine after losing her husband to a brain tumor in 2002. This experience led her to become a Functional Medicine Nutritionist. Andrea is regularly consulted as a global nutrition expert for challenging clinical cases and trains around 4,000 practitioners annually in her methodologies. As the founder of the Functional Nutrition Alliance, Andrea uses systems biology, mental models, root cause methodology, and therapeutic partnership to provide solutions for the growing chronic illness epidemic. In everything she does, Andrea brings her keen investigative prowess, vast knowledge of physiology, deep respect for each individual, and a genuine passion and love for her work.
Dr. Tro Kalayjian
Internal & Obesity Medicine Physician
Dr. Tro Kalayjian is a board-certified physician in Internal and Obesity Medicine, a founding member of the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners (SMHP), and co-host of the LowCarbMD podcast. He has a personal connection to obesity, having faced childhood obesity and struggled with weight loss himself. Weighing 350 lbs as an adult, he extensively researched and rejected conventional dietary advice to lose 150 lbs and transform his health. Determined to be the doctor he wishes he had, Dr. Tro built a practice focused on combating obesity with an evidence-based approach. Having personally dealt with the deep emotions of being overweight for most of his life, Dr. Tro is able to connect with his patients on a different level.
Dr. Jaz Robbins
Psychologist & Holistic Nutritionist
Jaz Robbins, PsyD, BCHN®️, is a psychologist and board-certified holistic nutritionist. She earned her bachelor’s degree from North Carolina State University in Food Science & Nutrition and her master’s and doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. She teaches graduate-level courses at the University of Southern California and Pepperdine University. Dr. Robbins has extensive experience working with clients who have complex trauma histories and is uniquely qualified to incorporate weight management and nutrition into mental health interventions. Dr. Robbins is a dynamic speaker and trainer sought after for her expertise and her unique ability to deliver presentations that are inspiring, encouraging, and memorable.
Dr. Michael Russo
Bariatric Surgeon
Practicing in Orange County, California, Dr. Russo has devoted himself to providing next-level patient care to his patients in the community as well as across the nation. He embraces the weight-loss journey with his patients and has been emphatic in supporting the weight loss community as a whole through his social media endeavors. As a board-certified and Stanford fellowship-trained Bariatric and Cosmetic Surgeon, Dr. Michael Russo specializes in minimally-invasive and robotic techniques to provide his patients with the best possible results. In addition to his extensive education, Dr. Russo has also earned numerous awards and honors, including placing first in the SAGES and ASMBS Laparoscopic Skills Competitions as a resident. As the President and CEO of Smart Dimensions Weight Loss, Dr. Russo's reputation and patient results are second to none in the Orange County community.
Dr. Matthew Weiner
Weight Loss Specialist & Bariatric Surgeon
Dr. Matthew Weiner is a leading voice in weight loss and bariatric surgery, known for his down-to-earth, forward-thinking, and evidence-based approach to managing weight. After practicing for 12 years in suburban Detroit, he moved to Tucson in 2019 and founded Pound of Cure Weight Loss in 2023. Dr. Weiner and his team focus on individualized weight management, incorporating the Metabolic Reset Diet, cognitive behavioral therapy, weight loss medications like GLP-1, and surgical techniques. He is the published author of three books, including a bariatric cookbook, and co-hosts the Pound of Cure Weight Loss Podcast.
Join the Conversation at the 2024 Fireside Chat
2024 Sponsors
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