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Pivot Weight Loss

Meet our team.

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These are the people that make Pivot Weight Loss the #1 destination for Bariatric Surgery and Weight Loss Programs

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Dr. John DeBarros.
Bariatric Surgeon
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Dr. Jason Richardson.
Bariatric Surgeon
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Dr. Rob Schuster.
Bariatric Surgeon

Our surgeons

Pivot Weight Loss has a team of highly experienced bariatric surgeons who specialize in performing weight loss surgery to help patients achieve their health goals. Together, they have over 35 years of combined experience in bariatric surgery. In addition, they are fellowship-trained in minimally invasive bariatric surgery and general surgery. They have extensive experience in several types of bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, duodenal switch, adjustable gastric banding and revision surgery.

Thousands of Weight Loss Procedures

Pivot Weight Loss’s Bariatric Surgeons are recognized for their expertise and innovation. They have also taught laparoscopic techniques to other surgeons nationwide and are well known for their research, uncovering new approaches to weight loss surgery.

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Flexible Payment Options
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Beyond the Procedure
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Modern Approach
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"I-Pivot" Community
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1:1 Coaching Support
Dr. John DeBarros.
Dr. John DeBarros.

John J. DeBarros, MD, is a bariatric surgeon and chief medical officer at Pivot Weight Loss Center (pivotweightloss.com), a tech-enabled healthcare company focused on helping patients lose weight safely and permanently. Pivot’s patent-pending program utilizes evidence-based medical, surgical, and behavior modification techniques to empower patients to live healthy and happy lives.

To date, Dr. DeBarros has performed thousands of bariatric surgical procedures. Born in Waterbury, Connecticut, Dr. DeBarros obtained his M.D. from the UCONN School of Medicine at the University of Connecticut in Farmington in 1995, where he also completed a surgical residency. Dr. DeBarros also completed a fellowship in colorectal surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in Florida.

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Dr. Rob Schuster.
Dr. Rob Schuster.

Certified by the American Board of Surgery, the American College of Surgeons, and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Dr. Rob F. Schuster, M.D., FACS, FASMBS has extensive experience as a bariatric and general surgeon, specializing in bariatric, general, oncologic, endocrine, and trauma surgery. Dr. Schuster has also served as a Clinical Instructor of Minimally Invasive Surgery and as a Research Fellow at Stanford University, in Palo Alto, California.

Dr. Schuster performs the following surgical procedures:Bariatric Procedures: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, Sleeve gastrectomy, Duodenal switch, Complex endoscopy, Excess skin removal, Bariatric revisions and Bariatric follow up and weight maintenance.

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Dr. Jason Richardson.
Dr. Jason Richardson.

Dr. Richardson received his medical degree from the Ohio State University Medical School. After earning his degree, he went on to become chief resident at Yale-New Haven Hospital Saint Raphael Campus in New Haven, Connecticut. Dr. Richardson has received extensive training in a number of specialties, including a prestigious fellowship in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery at the University of California, Irvine.

In addition to his work as a physician, Dr. Richardson also trains and mentors medical students, residents, and junior surgeons in advanced surgical techniques. He’s been published a number of times for his expertise in general and bariatric surgery.

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Our Team

Alexia
Bariatric Dietitian
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Alexia
Bariatric Dietitian

Alexia is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist dedicated to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care that meets patients where they are. With a strong background in outpatient medical nutrition therapy and community-focused nutrition, she specializes in supporting individuals managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease while guiding them toward sustainable, long-term lifestyle change. Alexia earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Arizona State University and completed her dietetic internship through California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where she trained in clinical nutrition at Harbor UCLA Medical Center, public health through WIC Orange County, and eating disorder recovery services. Her diverse clinical training allows her to provide well-rounded, individualized care tailored to each patient’s needs.

Philosophy: "Small, consistent changes create lasting results. My goal is to help you build habits that support your health in a way that feels realistic and sustainable for your life."

Katy
Bariatric Dietitian
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Katy
Bariatric Dietitian

Katy is passionate about helping people achieve and maintain their wellness goals. Since becoming a registered dietitian in 2014, Katy has worked almost solely in obesity, bariatrics, and weight management. With a Bachelor’s Degree from Arizona State University in Dietetics and Master’s Degree from Utah State University in Dietetic Administration; Katy has worked with over 10 different bariatric surgeons in the Phoenix metro area and have helped many bariatric facilities design their weight management programs. Hundreds of my patients have reached their goals and several have been featured on Channel 3 and Channel 5 news to showcase their success.

Philosophy: Nutrition should be easy and fit YOUR lifestyle. But unfortunately, it isn’t always that simple! My goal is help you make small, sustainable changes that you can maintain for life. One of my favorite quotes is “Focus on the step in front of you, not the whole staircase”.

Chelsea
Director of Operations and Patient Experience
our team
Chelsea
Director of Operations and Patient Experience

Chelsea is a highly accomplished professional in the field of nutrition and dietetics, currently serving as the Director of Operations and Patient Experience at Pivot Weight Loss Center. Her educational journey began at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she completed her undergraduate and master’s degrees in human nutrition and dietetics and community nutrition. Chelsea further honed her skills through a supervised dietetic internship at the same institution.

With a wealth of experience, Chelsea has held key positions as a bariatric Registered Dietitian (RD) and program coordinator at reputable health systems in Illinois and Arizona since 2016. Her commitment to the field is also reflected in her elected position on the Executive Committee for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Weight Management Practice Group. In her current role, Chelsea overseas the centre's operations and ensures an exceptional experience for patients.

Testimonials

What Pivot patients say

About the clinic
Mike Stamidis
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Ive been seeing Dr.DeBarros for about 8 months now ive lost 140 pounds before surgery and just had my surgery 2 days ago from the bottom of my heart this man saved my life hes a great surgeon and really cares about his patient's. Definitely made me feel welcomed and comfortable with the decision to get the sleeve. Im telling you in my opinion best doctor in arizona

Sarah Anderson
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Dr. Debarros is one hell of a surgeon. He made sure I was taking care of a full-time from start to finish he was always honest with me, upfront about what to expect. The staff were always friendly, always made me smile and laugh and always encouraging. I would trust them with my life LOL matter of fact I did and starting January 1st I'm trusting dr. Debarros with my child's life. I recommend dr. Debarros to everyone

Brittany Calkins
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Incredible staff and doctors! My husband had VSG a year ago and is down 130 pounds. I had vsg 5 weeks ago. Recovery was a breeze. I couldn’t be happier! Because of the pre op testing I discovered I’ve had sleep apnea for a long time, happy to be treating it now. These doctors are about safety which I appreciate and why I decided to go with them after watching how careful and thought out they were with my husbands care.

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years ago
Brady Foldy
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I had my surgery on January 10, 2024. Dr John debarros is a great and professionally doctor. He explained the entire process and made me feel comfortable and did a great job on repairing my hernia. He also is the best because he is a huge New York yankee fan. Thank you so much for helping me.

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a month ago
Amanda Porras
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I’ve had an amazing experience with Dr. DeBarros and the team and Pivot Weight Loss. The process was quick and thorough and they have done everything to ensure I continue to stay healthy while continuing to lose weight. Highly recommended!

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3 weeks ago
Zaina Khan
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Visited for a family member. We were able to have all my questions answered and she was given the relief she needed. I did over 10 consults and this was clearly the top bariatric centre. We did not have insurance but they worked with us to find a way. Super excited for this new journey and to have an amazing team behind us!

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8 months ago
Wendy Barker
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Such a great place! Everyone is very friendly. The doctors are very straightforward and upfront about everything you'd need to know to prepare you for surgery. Very hands on care. I feel like I'm friends with my surgeon and my surgery was 7 months ago! I highly recommend Dr. DeBarros and his team at Pivot! I had Sadi-s done Sept 2023 and at my 7 month postop appt today I am down 100lbs! Couldn't be happier with this entire prossess!

brad foldy
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I had my surgery on January 10, 2024. Dr John debarros is a great and professionally doctor. He explained the entire process and made me feel comfortable and did a great job on repairing my hernia. He also is the best because he is a huge New York yankee fan. Thank you so much for helping me.

Amanda Porras
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I’ve had an amazing experience with Dr. DeBarros and the team and Pivot Weight Loss. The process was quick and thorough and they have done everything to ensure I continue to stay healthy while continuing to lose weight. Highly recommended!

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years ago
Ciarra Falcon
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had my surgery Feb 6th and have had the best experience ever with Dr. Schuster and his team. i did the gastric sleeve and have had no complications. if you are considering it i highly recommend pivot weight loss.

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a month ago
gary williams
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The team over at Pivot are top notch. My journey was extremely smooth and I felt supported the entire time. I’m down 45 pounds in two months! I cannot tell you how great I feel and how different my life now is. I wish I would’ve done this sooner!

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3 weeks ago
Tiffany Bommann
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Dr Schuster is a literal all star. His team is remarkable. The level of attention and concern for patients comfort is unsurpassed. I will recommend Pivot to anyone who will listen.

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8 months ago
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Fax: 480-302-7818
Hours
Monday – Friday: 8.00 am – 5.00 pm
Saturday: 8.00 am – 12.00 pm