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, and adjustable gastric banding.
Pivot Weight Loss’s bariatric surgeons have collectively performed thousands of weight loss procedures and 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.
The surgeons at Pivot Weight Loss are dedicated to providing their patients with the highest level of care possible, and work closely with each patient to develop individualized treatment plans tailored to their needs and goals. Finally, our surgeons are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest surgical techniques and technologies to ensure that their patients receive the best possible care.
01
Dr. John DeBarros.
John J. DeBarros, MD, is a bariatric surgeon and chief medical officer at Pivot Weight Loss Center (pivotweightloss.com), a tech-enabled healthcare company focused on helping patients lose weight safely and permanently. Pivot's patent-pending program utilizes evidence-based medical, surgical, and behavior modification techniques to empower patients to live healthy and happy lives. Dr. DeBarros is also the lead surgeon and medical director at WLIAZ Surgical Center, the preeminent bariatric surgery practice in Arizona. Dr. DeBarros has over 22 years of surgical experience specializing in all types of bariatric surgery, general surgery, and endoscopies.
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. DeBarros is a board-certified surgeon by the American Board of Surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. In addition, Dr. DeBarros has held numerous directorship roles, including bariatric medical director at Tempe St. Luke's hospital, Steward health care, East Valley Surgery Center, and Surgical Specialty Hospital of Phoenix. Dr. DeBarros has also been consistently named one of Phoenix's “Top Doctors” by Phoenix magazine since 2010.
When he is not taking care of patients, Dr. DeBarros is a committed man to faith and family. He enjoys spending time with his wife and two teenage sons. He also enjoys fishing, gardening, hiking, hunting, and loves being outdoors.
“I am committed to the health and well-being of my patients through a personalized team approach that includes weight loss surgery, diet, exercise, and educational support. I believe that the goal of weight loss surgery is long-term success, not just surgery.” —John D. DeBarros, MD.
02
Dr. Jason Richardson.
Specializing in advanced surgical techniques and compassionate care, Jason Richardson, MD, is a board-certified surgeon serving patients at Pivot Weight Loss Center, which has locations in Tempe, Mesa, and Glendale, Arizona.
Dr. Richardson received his medical degree from the Ohio State University Medical School. After earning his degree, he went on to become chief resident at Yale-New Haven Hospital Saint Raphael Campus in New Haven, Connecticut. Dr. Richardson has received extensive training in a number of specialties, including a prestigious fellowship in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery at the University of California, Irvine.
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.
Dr. Richardson is certified by the American Board of Surgery. As a current member of the American College of Surgeons, American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, Dr. Richardson continues to pursue the latest in treatments and technology in the field of bariatrics.
03
Dr. Rob Schuster.
Certified by the American Board of Surgery, the American College of Surgeons, and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Dr. Rob F. Schuster, M.D., FACS, FASMBS has extensive experience as a bariatric and general surgeon, specializing in bariatric, general, oncologic, endocrine, and trauma surgery. Dr. Schuster is currently affiliated with Pivot Weight Loss. Dr. Schuster has also served as a Clinical Instructor of Minimally Invasive Surgery and as a Research Fellow at Stanford University, in Palo Alto, California. He also has served in many leadership roles in the Phoenix area including Program Director for a surgical residency, Chief of Staff, Chief of Surgery, and Medical Director for Bariatric Surgery.
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.
Dr. Schuster has expertise with non-surgical weight loss methods, including the newest classes of effective weight loss medications.
General Surgical Procedures: Adrenal, spleen, colon and small intestine surgeries, Anti-reflux surgery, Appendectomies, Breast biopsies, Hernia repairs, Laparoscopic gallbladder, Lumpectomies, Mastectomies, Thyroid and parathyroid surgeries and Colonoscopies.
Throughout his career, Dr. Schuster has been frequently recognized for providing high-quality surgical services. He has been listed as a Top Doc by Phoenix Magazine for several years, and has earned America’s Top Surgeon Award by Consumer’s Research Council of America for many consecutive years. He has also been recognized as Educator of the Year, and Physician of the Year for several hospitals in the Phoenix area.
Certifications and Memberships:
- American Board of Surgery Certification
- American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
- European Association for Transluminal Surgery
- Fellow, American College of Surgeons
- Phoenix Surgical Society
- The Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons
