At Tri Star Center for Weight Management, patients are our top priority. We are very proud to offer one of the most comprehensive Weight Loss Surgery programs in the country. The goal of our our bariatric team is to partner with you to make your journey to health as successful as possible. *Please note, Drs. Douglas Olsen, David Dyer and Hugh Houston are independent practitioners and not employed by TriStar Centennial Medical Center.
In 1988, Dr. Olsen became one of the first in the nation to perform laparoscopic gallbladder surgery – a technique that revolutionized the way abdominal surgery is performed in the U.S. Dr. Olsen began performing bariatric surgery in 1999.
Specialties: Bariatric and General Surgery
Phone: 615-342-5840
Fax: 615-342-5845
Medical School: Rush Medical College
Board Status: The American Board of Surgery
Residency: Walter Reed Army Medical Center
Dr. Dyer has an extensive background in laparoscopic surgery. He was on the forefront of laparoscopic gallbladder surgery and trained numerous surgeons in this procedure. He began specializing in laparoscopic bariatric surgery in 2001 and has performed almost 3,000 bariatric procedures. In addition to minimally invasive surgical procedures, Dr. Dyer is also certified in the non-invasive placement and removal of the ORBERA® intra-gastric balloon. He provides compassionate, individualized care to all his patients, as they travel the road to a healthier and better lifestyle. Dr. Dyer is a past president of the Nashville Surgical Society and currently serves as Vice President of the Tennessee Chapter of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
Specialties: Bariatric and General Surgery
Phone: 615-342-5830
Fax: 615-342-5835
Medical School: University of Tennessee School for the Health Sciences, College of Medicine
Board Status: The American Board of Surgery
Residency: University of Tennessee Center for the Health Sciences; Chief Resident-Baptist Hospital
In 2003, Dr. Houston was one of the first surgeons in the country to complete a fellowship dedicated to laparoscopic bariatric surgery at Vanderbilt University. For the past 15 years, he has helped thousands of patients in the middle Tennessee area lose weight and is passionate about helping his patients achieve healthy lifestyles. He stays on the cutting edge of weight loss solutions being the first surgeon in the area to perform robotic gastric bypass surgery and place the ORBERA® intra-gastric balloon.
Specialties: Bariatric and General Surgery
Phone: 615-342-5820
Fax: 615-342-5816
Medical School: University of Louisville School of Medicine
Board Status: The American Board of General Surgery
Fellowship: Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Advanced Laparoscopic and Bariatric Surgery)
Residency: University of Cincinnati Hospital
Susan has been a nurse for 20+ years. Her experience includes surgical services, weight loss, and bariatric specialties. Susan is passionate about the life-changing aspect of bariatric surgery and the health benefits that it offers. She works behind the scenes coordinating care between our staff, surgeons and the hospital to make sure you have a safe and successful surgery. You may see Susan at one of your pre-operative classes, in support group and in the hospital during your post-operative stay.
Kristi has extensive experience in education, training and working with insurers. Kristi works with you primarily before surgery at the webinar and working to obtain insurance approval for your surgery. As the manager for the program, Kristi is a resource and mentor to our insurance specialists. Additionally, Kristi represents our program at employer and community health fairs and often leads support group.
Kendra is one of the first points of contact you will encounter with our program. She will help to guide you through the steps for surgery from webinar to insurance approval. Our insurance coordinators are experts in bariatric surgery and insurance coordination.
Casey has been a registered dietitian for 2+ years with a Master of Science degree in Clinical Nutrition. She will provide your nutrition education related to bariatric surgery or medical weight loss, and coach you through your nutrition-related behavioral change. You will work with Casey during your preparation for surgery class, medical weight loss program, and one on one visits.
You will see Emily, frequently throughout your weight loss journey. Emily is available in person, via phone or email to discuss your needs whenever they arise.
