weight loss surgery - What you must learn before considering weight loss surgery

Dr. Jenkins specializes in general surgery and minimally invasive Weight Loss Surgery (Bariatrics), Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery. Jeffrey Jenkins, MD, is certified in General Surgery by the American Board of Surgery. He earned his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Dr. Jenkins went on to complete a residency in General Surgery at David Grant Medical Center, Travis AFB, where he eventually served as Director of the Surgical Intensive Care Unit and Assistant Program Director for the General Surgery Residency program. During his Air Force career, Dr. Jenkins also spent time as a staff trauma surgeon at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center.

Since November 2000, Dr. Jenkins has held active privileges as a General Surgeon at Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital. At Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital, he is the past Chief of Surgery, the immediate past Vice Chief of Staff and is currently Chief of Staff. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), and the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS).

For the past decade Dr. Jenkins has been actively involved in the care of the morbidly obese patients. He received formal training in Bariatric Surgery during his General Surgery residency. In addition, he has completed formal training courses in Bariatric Surgery from Dr. Mark Vierra at Stanford University as well as the Masters Course in Bariatric Surgery from the ASBS.

Dr. Black specializes in therapy and psychological evaluations. He has experience working with patients dealing with weight-related problems, stress and anxiety, relationship concerns, depression, addictive behaviors (including urges, cravings, and behavior change), workplace and career difficulties, and life transition issues. He tailors his treatment approaches with the goal of addressing the unique needs and aspirations of each individual.

Dr. Black also conducts pre-surgical psychological evaluations for Dr. Jenkins and Sierra Bariatric Surgery. He has completed the Masters Course in Behavioral Health through the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, and has given talks in California and Florida on psychological issues related to bariatric surgery, obesity treatment, and sustained behavior change.

An award-winning university instructor, Dr. Black has taught at the University of California, Davis; California State University, Sacramento; and the University of Georgia. Undergraduate and graduate courses he has taught over the years have included Abnormal Psychology; Methods of Psychology; Psychology of Adjustment; Theories and Techniques of Counseling and Psychotherapy; Alcohol and Chemical Dependency: Assessment and Treatment; Human Sexuality, Partner Abuse, and Couple Counseling; and Personality Theory.

Dr. Black received his Ph.D. and Master of Science degrees from the Clinical Psychology program at The University of Georgia, where he taught and conducted research in the Department of Psychology, provided clinical supervision, and treated patients in the UGA Psychology Clinic. He also received specialized Clinical Psychology training at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Seattle, WA; Children's Hospital Regional Medical Center in Seattle, WA; the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in New Orleans, LA; and in private practice settings in California and Washington. He graduated with dual baccalaureate degrees in Psychology and Philosophy from The University of Washington, where he assisted with psychological research programs at the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute and the Behavioral Research and Therapy Clinics.

Dr. Black is licensed (PSY 19195) to practice psychology in California and is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), the Society of Consulting Psychology, APA's Division of Health Psychology, and the Sacramento Valley Psychological Association.

Gregory I. Fields, Ph.D. - Clinical Psychologist

1020 29th Street, Suite 680
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 425-3177.

Dr. Fields completed his PhD in clinical psychology from Texas Tech University. As part of his training, he completed a one-year internship at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Sepulveda, CA focusing on neuropsychology, psychological assessment and geropsychology. Following internship, Dr. Fields began a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in clinical neuropsychology sponsored jointly by the Veterans Administration and UC Davis.

In private practice since 1999, Dr. Fields has offered a variety of services including neuropsychological and psychological assessment and psychotherapy with a specialty in behavioral health. He has been completing presurgical psychological evaluations for weight loss surgery patients since 2000. He has an increasing desire to be more involved with patients postsurgically. Through his practice, Dr. Fields strives to be a patient advocate and ally rather than someone merely offering clearance.

By maintaining involvement with the American Society for Bariatric Society (ASBS), including recent completion of the two day master’s course for mental healthcare professionals offered by ASBS, Dr. Fields works to remain current with psychological and behavioral issues relevant to weight loss surgery patients.

Dr. Fields maintains a private practice located at 1020 29th Street, Suite 680, in midtown Sacramento, and can be reached personally by telephone at (916) 425-3177.

Weight loss surgery gives new hope and a lighter healthier life through bariatric weight loss solutions. Sierra Bariatrics provides personalized care and professional treatment for patients in Northern California.