Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson
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Bariatric Surgery Services at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson
Various methods can be used for weight loss, including diet, exercise, behavioral health programs and certain medications. While every method has its place in the treatment of obesity, bariatric surgery is the most effective tool in the management of weight loss.
Weight loss surgery is accompanied by a commitment to long-term, sustainable lifestyle changes to help you achieve and maintain your weight loss goals, opening the door to a more vibrant, active and healthy life.
Bariatric surgery utilization has increased over the last two decades and has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment option for weight loss. Our providers work with people throughout Tucson, Southern Arizona, and the region to determine if weight loss surgery is appropriate for them.
Here in Tucson, Arizona, at Banner – University Medical Center, we offer three different bariatric surgery options: Gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and revisional bariatric surgery, all with the support of a comprehensive and multidisciplinary team to support your long-term weight loss goals.
Learn more about bariatric surgery.
Meet the Providers
Iman Ghaderi, MD, MSc, MHPE, FRCSC, FACS, FASMBS
Dr. Ghaderi completed his general surgery residency training at the Western University in London, Canada. He then went on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed a 2-year research and clinical fellowship in advanced laparoscopic and bariatric surgery. He specializes in minimally invasive general surgery and bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and revisional bariatric surgery.
Dr. Ghaderi’s clinical research focuses on preoperative risk reduction, the management of upper GI and bariatric patients, and outcomes of various minimally invasive foregut and bariatric procedures.
Saad Ajmal, MBBS, FACS, FACS, Diplomat American Board of Obesity Medicine
Dr. Ajmal completed his internship and general surgery residency at Brown University’s Alpert Medical School. He completed a bariatric/minimally invasive surgery fellowship at Highland Hospital with the University of Rochester in New York, where he was also appointed as a faculty fellow in Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery.
Dr. Ajmal’s clinical interests include minimally invasive foregut/hiatal surgery, general surger and bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and revisional bariatric surgery.
Susan Messenger, FNP
Susan Messenger, FNP, is an ANCC board certified family nurse practitioner who specializes in bariatric surgery, weight loss and metabolic surgery. She received her FNP degree from the University of Phoenix - School of Nursing. She gives her full attention to each patient and strives to bring them the expert care for their individual needs.
"Your patient is embarking on a significant lifestyle change, and surgery is one part of the bigger picture. We partner with the patient to make sure they have the support, knowledge and resources they need to continue and accelerate their success."
Iman Ghaderi, MD, MSc, MHPE, FRCSC, FACS, FASMBS
Associate Professor of Minimally Invasive, Robotic and Bariatric Surgery
Understanding Bariatric Surgery
Why Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery can help you lose weight when other methods have produced limited results; Most studies show that bariatric surgery can help someone lose 60-70% of their excess weight.
What is Obesity, and Am I Eligible For Bariatric Surgery?
Obesity is a common, serious, and costly disease. In the U.S., 41.9% of the population was considered obese from 2017 to March 2020. Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, Type 2 Diabetes and certain types of cancer.
Types of Bariatric Surgery
Here in Tucson, Arizona, at Banner – University Medical Center, we offer three different bariatric surgery options: Gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and revisional bariatric surgery.
Take the first steps of your weight loss journey
Bariatric surgery is accompanied by a commitment to long-term, sustainable lifestyle changes to help you achieve and maintain your weight loss goals, opening the door to a more vibrant, active and healthy life.
Because of the commitment that comes with bariatric surgery, we want you to be informed so you have the knowledge and power to determine what is the best option for you. That is why we have a 2-step process to help set you up for long-term success following your bariatric surgery.
Attend a virtual information session
Offered regularly each month, our virtual information sessions will provide you with an introduction to weight loss surgery, our providers, and our philosophy for working with you to achieve your lifestyle goals.
Meet with a provider.
Consult with one of our providers to decide which option is best for you.
Do you have questions about bariatric surgery at Banner – University Medical Center?
Email TucsonBariatric@bannerhealth.com or call 520-694-6720.
Make an Appointment
For the best surgical care in Tucson, Southern Arizona or the Southwest, make an appointment by calling
(520) 694-8888.
Contact Us
University of Arizona Department of Surgery
Division of General Surgery
PO Box 245131
Tucson, AZ 85724-5131
Office Phone: (520) 626-2635
Fax: (520) 626-1411