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.

Oliver Whipple, M.D., FACS, Medical Director

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. In 2009, he was named Young Surgeon of the Year by the Georgia chapter of the American College of Surgeons. 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 Mercer Auditorium in the Hoskins Center at Memorial University Medical Center.

View a weight-loss surgery Web chat with Oliver Whipple, M.D.

Jody Hannah, PAC

Jody Hannah is a certified physician assistant. She works with Dr. Oliver Whipple 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 Hammond, M.S., CSCS

In order for bariatric surgery to be successful, patients must live healthy lives that include regular exercise. Memorial Health Bariatrics asks patients to follow a specially designed fitness routine before and after surgery. Hammond helps patients design a safe and manageable exercise program. She is an exercise physiologist, a wellness coach for our employee health program, and the coordinator of FitnessOne, an exercise and wellness center at Memorial Health. Hammond 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 20 years and specializes in helping people with unique exercise needs. Hammond is a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Helen Hussey, R.D., L.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 a dietitian at Memorial Health Bariatrics, responsible for working with patients to assess their nutritional needs, develop appropriate care plans, and provide nutrition education.

Sara Watson, BSN, R.N.

Sara Watson is a registered nurse and our bariatric coordinator. She is responsible for ongoing development, coordination, and management of Memorial Health Bariatrics. Watson works with patients through their preoperative and postoperative periods. She teaches the preoperative education class that is required of all patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Watson holds a bachelor’s degree from Valdosta State University and previously worked in the emergency department.

Gloria White, CMA

Gloria White is a certified medical assistant (CMA). She helps to keep the office running smoothly by preparing patients’ charts, scheduling tests, handling patient correspondence,  and ordering needed medical supplies. White holds an associate’s degree from South University

Terri Darby

Terri Darby is the surgery scheduler for Memorial Health Bariatrics. She works with patients to schedule surgery, education classes, and pre- and postoperative appointments. Her background includes practice management and nursing.    

Meghan Williams

Meghan Williams is the front office team leader for Memorial Health Bariatrics. She oversees day-to- day activity within the office including  scheduling, verifying insurance eligibility and requirements, ordering office supplies, and coordinating the physician schedule. She is also enrolled in nursing school at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah.  

Amber Morrison

Amber Morrison is our practice representative. She greets incoming patients, answers the main office phone, and checks patients in and out. Morrison also provides general information about the practice, reminds patients of upcoming appointments, schedules appointments, and helps patients stay updated through the preoperative process.