WBC Support

Wittgrove Bariatric Center

WBC Support App includes the following

1. Meal Logging

2. HIPPA Compliant Messaging and Scheduling

3. Integration with smart devices

4. Supplement and Hydration Tracking.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM:

Dr. Alan Wittgrove, our program Medical Director, is known as the father of laparoscopic gastric bypass. He performed the first laparoscopic gastric bypass in the world as primary surgeon in 1993. This was performed right here in San Diego, California. Dr Wittgrove is board certified in general surgery and is a Fellow of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. He served 10 years as a Navy surgeon and has been performing bariatric surgery since he set up private practice in San Diego in 1986. Since the mid 1990’s he has been practicing bariatric surgery in the setting of a multi-disciplinary team approach. Dr. Wittgrove is the past president of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) serving in 2003 – 2004.

Tracy Martinez RN, BSN, CBN, is our program director. She oversees all aspects of our program and our multidisciplinary team who provide support before and after surgery. She is dedicated to help every patient optimize their health and well-being. Tracy was the first elected president of Integrated Health Section of the ASMBS from 2000 – 2004. She is currently the chair of the International Society Integrated Health (IFSO). In addition, Tracy is a proud to serve on the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC). The OAC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to help individuals affected by excess weight-related health conditions through education and advocacy. Tracy is a certified Perfect Health Instructor at the Chopra Center in Carlsbad California. This has helped her bring a holistic aspect of care in helping patients achieve health and balance in their life.

Dr. Wittgrove and Wittgrove Bariatric Center have significant experience in Bariatric Surgery on the Adolescent Patient and Revision Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Wittgrove was a primary investigator for the LapBand System. We have added sections on all these specialties through the tabs above.

A 2009 addition to our clinic is our Medical Weight Loss Program. Surgery is a powerful tool, but it is not for everyone. Some insurance programs require a medical program before surgery can be considered. Millions of individuals suffer from “Obesity” (BMI less than 35) and surgery is not an option for them at this time. Many in this category need help and so we offer a comprehensive, multidisciplinary, medical program. Call the office to ask about this aspect of our program.

Few programs have evaluated their long-term outcomes as Dr. Wittgrove has. In fact, few programs have outcomes for longer than even a couple of years. In Bariatric Surgery, we know that results at one or two years are nice to know but the real important numbers are those at five years and longer. We have added our program’s data, which has been reported / published in peer reviewed journals and presented at annual society conferences. Since we believe outcomes and longer-term results are important, we have added a section on some questions we think you should ask of your bariatric surgeon.

Wittgrove Bariatric Center is a Certified Accredited Center by the American Society for Metabolic and bariatric Surgery and the American College of Surgeons in partnership with Scripps Memorial Hospital.

Our program has significant experience from all aspects of care! We provide Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery (weight loss surgery), medical weight loss, long-term follow up, back on track consultations, and monthly support groups.