Weight loss Surgery Support Team

Dana Zamot - Program Coordinator /Office Manager

Dana first came to Jacksonville Weight Loss Center as a patient while working in a local hospital.  She underwent lap-band® surgery in July of 2006.  To date she has lost over 80 pounds and has exceeded her weight loss goals.  As a gastric 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 gastric banding surgery.  

Dana also coordinates the practice's educational seminars.  She served as master of ceremonies for Khaliah Ali's Jacksonville speaking engagement about her experiences after undergoing lap-band® surgery.  Dana also works closely with the other members of the team to provide advice and information regarding coverage and criteria for pre-approval under specific health benefit plans. 

Sarah Traband - Registered Dietitian

Sarah Traband is a registered and licensed dietitian/nutritionist.  Sarah is a graduate of the University of Florida.  Before joining the practice, she worked in Gainesville, Florida as a diabetes educator, helping clients manage diabetes and weight loss.  She has also helped facilitate support groups and nutritional seminars for gastric band and gastric bypass patients.

Sarah works with patients preparing for gastric banding surgery by teaching nutrition classes required and recommended by many insurance companies.  She helps to provide a basis for the nutritional changes needed to have successful weight loss pre- and post- operatively.  Sarah also works with surgical and non-surgical clients to provide nutritional information and support for continued and sustained weight loss success. 

Jody Debord - Weight Loss Counselor

Jody has been instrumental in developing and growing Jacksonville Weight Loss Center's program. Jody has a Bachelors in Computer Science and joined us after gaining extensive experience working for Metabolic Research as well as A New Weigh weight loss programs. Jody works closely with the physicians in the pre-operative stages and conducts the physician supervised weight loss program visits required by many insurance companies. Jody also provides support, guidance and counseling to patients at all stages of post-operative care. Finally, Jody is the clinical coordinator of our FDA adolescent Lap-Band® study and coordinates all of the patients' visits as well as providing support and guidance to the patients and their families.

Marilyn Mimbs - Surgery Scheduler

Marilyn has an in-depth understanding of the process required to obtain approval from insurance companies for gastric banding surgery.  She works closely with our patients to prepare the necessary paperwork for insurance approval and guides our patients through the pre-operative testing process for surgery.  Marilyn acts as a liaison between the facility and the patient to coordinate pre-op testing and surgery scheduling to ensure that our patients' needs and scheduling requirements are met.