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.
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.
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.
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.
Our Team
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.
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”.
What Pivot patients say
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
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.
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
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
9305 W Thomas Rd #480, Phoenix, AZ 85037
1855 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282
95 Soldiers Pass Rd, Suite B-2, Sedona, AZ 86336
Virtual Consultations Available
Friday: 8.30 am - 12.00 pm