The focus of the Alaska Bariatric Center is to offer the surgery that treats people who are suffering health consequences because of their excess weight. We use surgical treatment methods endorsed by the National Institutes of Health for patients who have repeatedly tried and failed other methods. We understand that medical attempts at relief from obesity are rarely successful in the long term.

 

Office Manager
	Dianna   Dianna grew up in Big Town, USA and has working with billing on and off since the tender age 12.  Her mother and father are both accountants, so numbers were in her blood.  She thrives on challenging insurance and billing questions.    Dianna also enjoys hiking and recently got out on a long trip down the Appalachen Trail.  She had a good time, but her favorite memories are the rest stops where she had time to relax, eat and mingle with the locals.   Dianna is happy to be working at the ABC and can't wait to meet each and every one of you!!
Administration/ Insurance
	Vee    Hi! My Name is Vee and I have been with the Alask Bariatric Center since October 2006. I am Dr. Todd's personal assistant. I am originally from Denmark and have lived in Alaska since 1995. I had a lap RNY in May 2006 and as of December 12 have lost 86 pounds so far!   My husband and I have been married 25 years and we have a beautiful son who is 7 years old. In my spare time I love to spend time with my family. We especially enjoy going fishing and camping.
	Jessica   Hi, my name is Jessica Fox and I have been with Alaska Bariatric Center since January 2010.  I enjoy helping people with their medical needs and love to see and hear the outcomes from patients after their surgery.  I have lived in Alaska since 1979 and I moved to Anchorage in 2003 with my Husband and Twin Boys.  I love camping, fishing, and going to any car show or race track.  I look forward to seeing all new and returning patients and hearing your stories of how you are getting your life back.
Nursing
	Annie      Welcome! Hello my name is Annie. I have been here at Dr Todd's office since June 2008. I am so excited to be apart of this wonderful team that does so many great things. I have been a Medical Assistant for a little over 12 years. I have been working in the medical field for about 17 years.   I am in the nursing department here at ABC and I also assist with IT issues and the website maintenance.   I thrive on the busy fast paced life and live for the serene comforts of the outdoors. I am a mother of 2 boys; 17 (going on 25) and 7, well its fun…no really it is like a backwards roller coaster ride. We love animals and have many; cats, fish and whatever the boys bring home. We enjoy four-wheeling, walking and riding bikes.   I am also a WLS patient #1430. I have lost 126lbs since 12/9/08 and kept it off.   I look forward to meeting each and every one of you.
	Kristen     Hello, my name is Kristen I am one of the Medical Assistants in the office. I was a Lap Band patient three months before I became an employee. I love all the people I work with. There is never a dull moment around here!   I was born and raised in Seward, AK and moved to the big city of Anchorage when I graduated from Seward High School in 2001. In my spare time I love to enjoy the fruits of Alaska. Camping and fishing are my favorites. I also have fun in the winter creating stained glass master pieces and I hope to learn how to ski/snowboard this winter.   I have two great kids. My son Justus is a fun loving, companionate nine year old foot ball player. And our four year old daughter Kaylee wants to be a princess/lady bug when she grows up. Rico is our two year old American Bulldog who had to have been fathered by Scooby Doo.  Life is good!!! See you soon, Kristen
	Justin    Hi everyone, I'm Justin.  I am pretty new to the office, and am excited to be here.  I function as a surgical first assistant/surgical technician for Dr. Todd when he is in the operating room. I was trained as a surgical technician in the United States Air Force and am currently a member of the Alaska Air National Guard, where I am waiting to go to school to be a Navigator.  I also hope to go to medical school some time in the near future.   I have lived in Alaska for a combined 10 years, and think it's great (despite this summer).   -Justin
	Debbie   Hi, My name is Debbie.  I am a born and raised Alaskan.  I joined this great team 01/26/09.  I am always excited to take on new adventures and meet new people.  Some of my favorite outings are to the Drag Races in Palmer to cheer on my family and friends and on the quiet side I really enjoy sitting on the dock out at our family cabin in Lake Louise.  I look forward to meeting all of you and helping in any way that I can help.
	Jodi       Hi, my name is Jodi. I recently graduated as a nurse and began my first nursing job here at Alaska Bariatric Center. I have not had bariatric surgery myself, but I love working with patients and seeing the amazing progress they make when going through this type of surgery. I have lived in Alaska all my life and love the outdoors here but hate the winters. I used to be in the army as a medic which is where I met my husband. We have one child currently who is three years old named Jasper. Some of my favorite things in life are my faith in God, spending time with my family, and doing as much running as I possibly can!
	Melissa   Hi, my name is Melissa. I’m grew up in Montana and decided that Alaska was the place I wanted to be next. I started out being a nursing assistant and have worked my way up to being a RN. I have worked as a traveling nurse, surgical nurse, ICU nurse and finally here as an office nurse. I have loved all that I have done but Bariatrics has a special place in my heart. All of us here have such an amazing chance to change so many lives.   On my free time I love being outdoors (in the summer). I love to camp, hike, and trying to get a little color to my very white skin! I am excited to meet you and help you through this amazing process that will change your life.
Reception
	Lexie    Hi! My name is Lexie.  I am Dr. Todd’s longest standing employee and I am proud of that. I love working at Alaska Bariatric Center with the many different patients.  It’s so much fun to see the progress of each of our patients from one visit to the next. I have met some wonderful people here and have made some special friendships. I had Gastric Bypass in November 2003 and have lost around 140 pounds.  My quality of life has improved immensely and I am grateful for the new found opportunities that have come with it. I look forward to the many more that are in store for me.
	Ann     Hi, my name is Ann Lee.  I am new to the office and very excited to be here.  I’ve lived in Alaska for over 10 years.  I am married and a mother of four beautiful children.  I love to go fishing and camping.  I enjoy working with patients and look forward to meeting you all.
	Deniece     Hi, my name is Deniece.  I was Dr Todd’s 165'th surgery patient. I have only been a part of the office team since 2008, but part of the wonderful world of weight loss surgery since 2002.  This has been the best thing for me.  It gave me another chance at having a life!  I have lost 260# and am very careful about not going back to where I came from.  I am married and have 1 adult child.  I have a dog that is my walking companion as well as having a bird and fish/frogs.  This can be one of the most exciting journeys available to someone that is overweight.  Hope to get a chance to meet all of you and encourage you as you take this new path to success.
	Nicki     Hi! My name is Nicki.  I work part time here at Alaska Bariatric Center. I work in a back office, doing a lot of data entry for the office. I enjoy the friends I have made while working here. I had weight loss surgery in September of 2006. It has really helped improve my quality of life.  I couldn’t ask for more than that.
	Kayla     Hello my name is Kayla; I was born and raised in Alaska. I graduated from Service High School in 2009.   I have been with Alaska Bariatric Center since June 2008. Working has opened many opportunities for me and has also shown me how to be responsible…I wouldn’t change it for anything.   My life is a very fast paced, I’m very independent and love living it to the fullest! My family comes first, I enjoy four wheeling, hiking with my family, swimming, running and simply taking a drive to wherever the road takes me. I’m outgoing yet laid back. My main goals are to be successful in life, and make my family & friends proud.        I look forward to meeting all of you!
Tech Support
	Danielle    Hello!   My name is Danielle, and I have worked with ABC off and on since I graduated high school in fall of 2007.  I handle the minor Tech Support problems around the office, as well as help to maintain and update the website.  I also design posters, presentations, fliers, invitations, and anything else that can hold an ABC logo.    When I’m not messing around with computers at work, I am a Psychology major at UAA, and (hopefully!) a future therapist.