CHRISTINA RYLE, PA-C

Christina Ryle is a graduate of the South University Physician Assistant Program where she completed the training for Certification as a Physician Assistant and was granted a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in 2006.   Ms. Ryle also underwent specialized training on the LAP-BAND® System through Allergan, Inc. (formerly INAMED).  Ms. Ryle works closely with Drs. Cywes and Baptista on patients' health and physical examinations and clinical needs.

JODY DEBORD - WEIGHT LOSS SPECIALIST

Jody is a valuable member of the Jacksonville Weight Loss Center team.  She brings extensive experience from a number of non-surgical weight loss programs.  Jody is the co-ordinator of the physician-supervised weight loss program required by many insurance companies prior to authorization of the LAP-BAND® surgery.

Jody assists Drs. Cywes and Baptista in preparing patients for the nutritional and behavioral changes leading up to the surgery and with monitoring weight loss post-operatively.  She is compassionate, approachable and helpful during a patient's journey to surgery and will continue to work with a patient after surgery as needed.

Jody also leads the Center's support group meetings and arranges speakers to come and discuss topics of interest to the group.

NICOLE BUSH - BARIATRIC INSURANCE COORDINATOR

Nicole has been a leading member of the team since the inception of Jacksonville Weight Loss Center.  She has an indepth understanding of the process required to obtain approval from insurance companies for the surgery.  She works closely with our patients to prepare the necessary paperwork for approval and guides our patients through the pre-operative testing for surgery.  Nicole liaises with the hospital for pre-op testing and surgery scheduling.

Nicole is always available to answer questions patients may have about insurance and coverage for the LAP-BAND® surgery. 

DANA ZAMOT - PROGRAM COORDINATOR 

Dana first came to Jacksonville Weight Loss Center as a patient while workingin a local hospital.  She underwent LAP-BAND® surgery in July of 2006.  To date she has lost over 50 pounds and is now very close to her goal BMI.   As a LAP-BAND® patient, Dana can speak to patients and potential patients first hand about her experiences.  Dana is available to prospective patients for free consultations about the LAP-BAND®.  

Dana also coordinates the practice's educational seminars and works with Nicole on preparing patients' paperwork for insurance purposes.