Dr. Deol's Philosophy - Dr. Deol believes that the cure for obesity is best achieved through a team approach. Surgery is only one part of it. She approaches each patient individually, with sensitivity, and a great deal of caring. Having a team of professionals working with her provides a comprehensive approach to each patient. Post-operatively, Dr. Deol will keep in close contact with you throughout the toughest first year and then continue through the easier second and third years. The relationship between you and your bariatric surgeon is a lifelong partnership which requires commitment from you and your surgeon. Be sure that the surgeon you choose has these same values in mind to ensure you the greatest chance for success.

Education/Honors - Dr. Deol received her bachelors degree from Albion College in Albion, Michigan, graduating Cum Laude. She went on to medical school at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. There, she received her M.D., graduating in the top 10% of her class, thus receiving the Janet M. Glasgow Memorial Achievement Citation.

Training/Specialization - Dr. Deol completed her year of internship in general surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio. She then completed a six-year general surgery residency at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan. Following this, she went on to complete Fellowship (sub-specialty) training in Laparoscopic (minimally invasive) General Surgery and Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. This Fellowship training implies that your surgeon has received dedicated specialized experience in all aspects of bariatric (weight loss) surgery. Always ask your surgeon if they have received Fellowship training. You should be able to see their diploma or certificate of Fellowship training displayed in their office.

Dr. Deol started performing Lap-Band surgery as soon as the FDA approved its use in 2001. The Lap-Band was part of her one year fellowship training in Chicago. She did not simply take a three day course as many Lap-Band surgeons do. Additionally, Dr. Deol spent several weeks in Australia operating with Dr. Paul O'Brien. Many consider Dr. O'Brien to be a pioneer of the Lap-Band surgery. She maintains this communication with Dr. O'Brien as part of her ongoing effort to remain in the forefront of bariatric technology and knowledge.

Board Certification - Dr. Deol was admitted as a Diplomat of the American Board of Surgery on April 17th, 2002. This means that Dr. Deol has met the highest standards established by the American Board of Surgery. American Board of Surgery was established in 1937. Becoming Board certified first entails a thorough evaluation of the candidate's education and training. If this meets the approval of the Board, the candidate goes on to complete an intense and comprehensive written exam. If this is successfully completed, the candidate then proceeds to the final stage, which is a half-day session of one-on-one interviews with distinguished members of the American Board of Surgery. During these interviews, the candidate's knowledge and skill in the field of general surgery are tested. Only after all Board members approve the candidate does the candidate become Board certified. There is an American Board representation for most medical and surgical specialties.

For more information on what it means that your surgeon is Board certified please visit the following web site: www.absurgery.org . For more information about Board certified medical doctors you may visit www.abms.org .

Memberships - Dr. Deol is an active member of the following associations

Committees: In addition to being a member of one of the most internationally recognized societies for minimally invasive surgery (Society of American Gastroendoscopic Surgeons- SAGES), Dr. Deol is an active committee member on the following committees: bariatric, international, research, and ethics committees for this society.

Research - In addition to her commitment to patient care, Dr. Deol is devoted to the understanding of diseases and the hope for improved treatment or cure. In this regard, she is involved in several areas of research. As her patient, you may be asked to participate in this frontier to stamp out disease. While research is a necessary and important part of medicine, patient care always comes first. No patient is ever under any obligation to participate in research.

Congratulations on taking the first step towards a healthier life!