Medical Director
Lisa Saff Koche, M.D.
Dr. Lisa Saff Koche obtained her medical degree at Emory University school of Medicine and trained in Internal Medicine at the University of South Florida. She has a comprehensive practice focusing on wellness, weight loss, and the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Her weight loss program, Spectra Complete, and her work with the Bariatric surgeons at Tampa General Hospital (TGH) has received national recognition as the first ever JCAHO approved Bariatic ( the study of obesity) program in the country. Dr. Koche is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Bariatrics and is a diplomat for the American Board of Bariatric Medicine. She is also certified in anti-aging medicine. Dr. Koche is also the Director of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at TGH.

Assistant Medical Director
Amanda Camp, ARNP-C
Amanda has been with us for one year. She is an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) and will be seeing you for either follow ups or initial evaluations. She is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and is a member of the American Board of Bariatric Medicine. She attends frequent educational activities on weight loss, obesity and functional/wellness medicine.

Nutritionist
Barb M. Mahlmeister, RD, LD/N
Barbara is a Registered, Licensed Dietitian and Nutritionist who is certified in Functional Medicine and First Line Therapy . She counsels patients on many dietary interventions including but not limited to , fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, menopause, celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome. She provides initial and follow-up nutritional counseling for pre and post-op gastric bypass and non-surgical weight management.

Physician of Acupuncture
Merle Friedman, Physician Acupuncture & MS, RD, LD/N
Dr. Merle Friedman is a Licensed and Board Certified Acupuncture Physician, as well as a licensed dietitian and nutritionist. She has 30 years of experience as a healthcare practitioner. She is also a Diplomat of Acupuncture certified by the NCCAOM ( the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine). Merle is also a Master of Auricular Medicine.

Psychologists
S.Curtis Takagishi, Ph.D.
Curtis is a licensed psychologist with a special interest in healthy lifestyle change. He has over 15 years of experience as a therapist and researcher. He is a staff psychologist at TGH and will assist you in identifying and managing any stress issues you may have with food.

Perry Kaly, Ph.D.
Perry is a licensed psychologist with a specialty in Sports and Exercise Psychology. He is a staff psychologist at TGH and has been active in treatment, research and teaching for over 10 years. His practice focuses on general wellness and bariatrics.

Exercise Physiologist
Tom Reed
Tom is a state licensed and certified Athletic Trainer, a Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He is on the staff of TGH Rehabilitation Center and has over 16 years of experience with special populations including those with cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, neurological and musculoskeletal disorders as well as athletic populations designing rehabilitative, general fitness and sports training programs.

Practice Administrator
Patricia Chastain

Medical Assistant
Stephanie Brown, MA
Pam Lubiner, MA
Cassie Watson, MA

Administration
Kim Bell
Kim is our front office coordinator and is responsible for scheduling appointments and follow-up with patients. Kim provides customer service, answering patient's questions regarding the program as well as providing Spectra Complete testing kits, such as the latest cutting-edge saliva hormone kits.

Susan Hakanson
Susan assists with scheduling appointments for initial and follow up visits. She dispenses your medication and also has a broad knowledge on our vitamins and supplements. She is heavily involved in assisting our gastric bypass patients and can help you in any other way.