A Multidisciplinary Team Approach

Memorial Health Bariatrics offers a comprehensive approach to bariatric surgery that is unlike any other weight-loss surgery program in the region. We provide extensive education before and after surgery, on-going psychological support, and world-class surgical facilities. Our program is made possible by our team of experts.

John D. Angstadt, M.D., FACS

Dr. John Angstadt is certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Bariatric Surgery. He is specially trained to perform the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure and the adjustable gastric band laparoscopically. This minimally invasive approach uses smaller incisions and results in faster healing times. After earning his undergraduate degree at Penn State University, Dr. Angstadt attended medical school at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He completed his residency and fellowship training at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. He joined Memorial Health in 2001. Dr. Angstadt has published numerous articles and given many lectures about various surgical procedures. You can meet Dr. Angstadt in person by attending one of our free bariatric surgery educational seminars held every Wednesday evening at 6 p.m., in the Medical Education Auditorium at Memorial Health University Medical Center.

Oliver Whipple, M.D.

Dr. Oliver Whipple is certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a member of the American College of Surgeons. He is specially trained to perform the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure and the adjustable gastric band laparoscopically. After earning his undergraduate degree at University of Georgia, Dr. Whipple attended medical school at Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon. He completed his residency at Memorial Health University Medical Center. He comes to Memorial upon completion of his laparoscopic fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic in Florida. Dr. Whipple has earned numerous teaching awards and has given many lectures about surgery. You can meet Dr. Whipple in person by attending one of our free bariatric surgery educational seminars held every Wednesday evening at 6 p.m., in the Medical Education Auditorium at Memorial Health University Medical Center.

Jody Hannah, MPAS

Jody Hannah is a certified physician assistant. She works with Dr. John Angstadt in all aspects of patient care, including pre-operative assessments, intra-operative surgical assisting, hospital admission care, and post-operative visits. Hannah also conducts public information seminars and patient education classes. She holds a bachelor of science degree from Aurora University in Illinois and a master of science - physician assistant degree from South University in Savannah. Hannah is a member of the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants and does frequent volunteer work in the community.

Khristine Clark, M.S., CSCS*D

In order for bariatric surgery to be successful, patients must live a healthy life that includes regular exercise. Memorial Health Bariatrics asks patients to follow a specially designed fitness routine before and after surgery. Khristine Clark helps patients design a safe and manageable exercise program. She is an exercise physiologist and the coordinator of FitnessOne, an exercise and wellness center at Memorial Health. Clark earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, and a master's degree in kinesiology/exercise physiology from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro. She has been working in the fitness industry for 13 years and specializes in helping people with unique exercise needs. Clark is a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. She has been recertified with distinction (*D).

Helen Hussey, R.D.

People who have bariatric surgery must learn to completely change their relationship with food. They have special dietary needs during the initial weight-loss period and for the rest of their lives. Helen Hussey is a registered dietitian who helps bariatric patients adjust to their new nutrition program. She holds a bachelor's degree in food and nutrition from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro. Hussey is an outpatient dietitian at Memorial Health University Medical Center, responsible for working with patients to assess their nutritional needs, develop appropriate care plans, and provide nutrition education.