LAP-BAND®, Realize System and Gastric Bypass Surgeons Serving Los Angeles and Orange County

Dr. Peter LePort, our highly trained LAP-BAND®, Realize System, Adjustable Gastric Band and gastric bypass surgeon in Orange County, has helped Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino patients, as well as patients from around the world, with his advanced surgical weight loss techniques. He leads the Lite & Smart DIMENSIONS™ team of highly skilled surgeons and medical professionals. Our experienced surgeons have performed more than 8,000 weight loss procedures. These experts in bariatric care provide effective LAP-BAND®, Realize System and gastric bypass solutions so that our patients can achieve their weight loss goals. Dr. LePort and his team are proud that the Lite & Smart DIMENSIONS™ program has been recognized by the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons (ASBS) as a Center of Excellence. The ASBS only bestows this honor on bariatric programs that have a proven track record of favorable outcomes. The ASBS seal of excellence denotes outstanding care by an experienced and superbly run bariatric surgery program.

If diet and drug weight loss treatments have failed you, and you are ready to have laparoscopic weight loss surgery to overcome the negative health and social effects of obesity, we urge you to consider the Lite & Smart DIMENSIONS™ surgical weight loss program. Our team of professionals will help you every step of the way to lose up to 90 percent of your excess weight so that you can lead a normal, healthy, and happy life.

The Lite & Smart DIMENSIONS™ Medical Team

Peter LePort, M.D. — Medical Director

• General & Bariatric Surgery
• 9920 Talbert Ave.
• Fountain Valley, CA 92708
• 1 (877) HEALTHY

Dr. Peter LePort is a general surgeon with special training and more than 20 years of experience as a gastric bypass and LAP-BAND® or Realize System System surgeon. At his Orange County Lite & Smart DIMENSIONS™ bariatric surgery practice, Dr. LePort has helped hundreds of people regain control of their lives through surgical weight loss. Our skilled physician received his Doctorate of Medicine degree and completed his surgical training, including bariatric training, in Brooklyn, New York, at Downstate Medical College. Dr. LePort also served as an assistant professor at Downstate for two years prior moving to California.

In 1985, Dr. Peter LePort started the Lite & Smart DIMENSIONS™ program in California to help his obese patients lose significant weight and regain control of their lives. He felt that he had a special responsibility to improve the health and well-being of morbidly obese patients with his exceptional skills as a gastric bypass surgeon. Patients soon arrived from Los Angeles and Orange County as word of mouth spread about the effectiveness Dr. LePort's program. In 2001, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the LAP-BAND® or Realize System for use in the United States, Dr. Peter LePort became a LAP-BAND® System surgeon to better serve his Orange County and Los Angeles patients and his ever-growing retinue of patients from throughout the United States and the world.

Dr. LePort is currently a faculty member of the American College of Surgeons. He is a member of the Orange County Surgical Society as well as the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons. Dr. LePort is married to Dr. Cristina Rizza, a practicing internist. He and his wife live in Southern California with their three children.

Dr. LePort is a founding member of the charitable organization Americans for Free Choice in Medicine. A primary goal of the organization is to educate the public about how some individuals are using "the right to medical care" as a subterfuge to violate everyone's right to choose. Americans for Free Choice in Medicine promotes free-market economics, individual liberty, and personal responsibility. Dr. LePort is also a member of the Objectivist Professional Health Care Network.

In addition to his many responsibilities as a gastric bypass and LAP-BAND® or Realize System surgeon, Dr. LePort serves on the Ayn Rand Institute's board of directors. The Ayn Rand Institute is dedicated to promoting reason, rational self interest, and free markets (capitalism). It also promotes the ideas of Ayn Rand as put forth in her novels Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead. You can order books by Ayn Rand and other authors by visiting our eSTORE®.

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Mir B. Ali, M.D.

Dr. Mir B. Ali graduated from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1984, and earned his medical degree at Hanemann University in 1990. Dr. Ali interned for a year at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He then completed his residency at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

While serving as a Navy physician, Dr. Ali was decorated for outstanding service after providing medical care to more than 1,000 Marines in several countries as a solo physician. Dr. Ali left the military as a Lieutenant Commander to pursue a career in private practice.

Dr. Ali joined the Lite & Smart DIMENSIONS™ surgical team in 2000 as a gastric bypass and LAP-BAND® System surgeon serving patients from Los Angeles, Orange County, and throughout the world. Since that time, his patient base has grown immensely.

Dr. Ali is a member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgery. Our expert gastric bypass and LAP-BAND® or Realize System surgeon lives in Southern California with his wife and three children. His favorite pastime is spending time with his family. He also enjoys reading and playing golf in his spare time.

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Kelly M. Francis, M.D.

Dr. Kelly M. Francis studied on an academic scholarship at David Lipscomb University, where she made the Dean's List. After her graduation, she attended the Tulane School of Medicine in New Orleans, and she received her medical degree in 1994. Dr. Francis went on to complete her surgical internship and residency at New Orlean's Charity Hospital. While there, she also took part in research involving surgery, otolaryngology (ENT), and molecular genetics.

Dr. Francis left New Orleans to pursue a fellowship at the University of Southern California. The fellowship focused on emergency surgery, laparoscopy, and teaching residents and medical students. After completing her fellowship, Dr. Francis was warmly welcomed as a gastric bypass and LAP-BAND® or Realize System surgeon at our Orange County practice.

Dr. Francis is an Associate Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons and the American Medical Association, and is certified by the American Board of Surgery. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and biking.

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Atif Iqbal, M.D.

Dr Atif Iqbal is a board certified and fellowship trained general surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive and bariatric procedures. Dr. Iqbal completed his surgery residency and graduated as Chief Resident from the North Oakland Medical Center- affiliated with Wayne State University in Pontiac, Michigan. Dr. Iqbal later joined the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska where he completed his fellowship in advanced laparoscopic surgery and worked as a senior fellow and clinical instructor in the division of minimally invasive and bariatric surgery.

Dr Iqbal is dedicated to the highest quality outcomes in advanced laparoscopy, general, and bariatric surgery. He recently relocated from a bariatric program in Altamonte Springs Florida, to join the Surgical Associates team at Lite and Smart Dimensions. Dr Iqbal is a fellow of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and a Diplomate Of the American Board of Surgery.

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Kenneth K. Tieu, M.D.

Dr. Kenneth K. Tieu is originally from Southern California and graduated from the University of California at San Diego in 2000. He went on to receive his Doctorate of Medicine at The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine. Dr. Tieu completed his surgical residency and graduated as chief resident from the University of Texas at Houston. During his chief resident year, he was recognized as the most outstanding laparoscopic surgeon by the department of surgery. After his residency he stayed at The University of Texas to complete his fellowship in minimally invasive surgery with special emphasis on bariatric and robotic surgery. At the same time he was appointed as a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Surgery where he was involved with teaching residents and medical students.

Dr. Tieu has been a speaker at both national and international meetings on topics in bariatric surgery. In addition to bariatric surgery, he performs a wide variety of advanced laparoscopic procedures. Dr. Tieu is an Associate Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and is a Diplomate of The American Board of Surgery. In his spare time, he enjoys being active by running, playing basketball, hiking and traveling.

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Michael D. Cordia MPAP, PA-C

Michael has been assisting Dr. Peter LePort and our other LAP-BAND® or Realize System and gastric bypass surgeons since 2007 as a member of the Lite & Smart DIMENSIONS™ bariatric team. Prior to his work in bariatrics, Mike’s training included general surgery, orthopaedic surgery, primary care and emergency medicine.

Mike graduated with a Master’s in Physician Assistant Practice from the Keck School of Medicine at USC. Prior to his master’s Mike earned a BA in Psychology, minor in Sociology and Asian American Studies, at the University of California, Irvine. On a lighter note, prior to becoming a PA, Mike was a professional dancer, teaching break dancing and performing for over 10 years.

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Ashley De La Haye, PA-C

Ashley De La Haye has been assisting Dr. Peter LePort and our other LAP-BAND® or Realize System and gastric bypass surgeons since 2002 as a member of the Lite & Smart DIMENSIONS™ bariatric team. Prior to her work in bariatrics, Ashley's broad training included family practice, cardiothoracic surgery, emergency medicine, and obstetrics and gynecology.

Ashley earned her Master of Science degree in physician assistant studies at Western University of Health Sciences. While at Western, she was on the Dean's List for two years and was nominated to the 2000–2001 National Dean's List. In addition, Ashley was featured in the 2001 edition or Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

Ashley is a member of both the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the California Association of Physician Assistants.

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Tramanh Vu, PA-C

Tramanh Vu has assisted our LAP-BAND®, Realize System and gastric bypass surgeons as a member of the Lite & Smart DIMENSIONS™ bariatric team. Tramanh graduated with a Bachelor of Sciences degree in biological sciences from the University of California-Irvine (UCI) and obtained her Master of Physician Assistant Practice from the University of Southern California. During this time she also achieved placement on the Dean's List and was a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta honor society at UCI. In her past work experiences, she has worked as a physician assistant in an urgent care, industrial medicine, and family medicine setting in Hawthorne, California. She also worked as a neuropsychometrist in Alzheimer Disease research at UCI and as a math, science, and reading tutor at Sylvan Learning Center. Tramanh is a member of the California Academy of Physician Assistants and the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

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Richard Hoang, PA-C

When Richard and his family emigrated to the United States, he did not speak a word of English. He quickly absorbed the language and culture. Aspiring to be a marine biologist, he attended the University of California at Santa Barbara, but changed his mind when he discovered how few jobs were available. After working a few years as a research associate at a pharmaceutical company, he then went on to pursue a Physician Assistant degree at Charles R. Drew University. Richard joined Dr. Leport’s office in 2004. When not at work he enjoys spending time with his ladies…wife, daughters, and hens. His accomplishments include completing a marathon in under 5 hours, landing a 100 pound bluefin tuna, and winning “Writer of the Year” in eight grade.

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Farisha Patel, PA-C

Farisha joined Le Port Bariatrics and General Surgery Associates in January of 2010. She received her Master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Western University of Health Sciences in 2009. While at Western University she was placed on the Dean's list in the Fall of 2007 and was nominated in the 2009 edition of "Who's Who Among Student in American Universities and Colleges." When she is not working, Farisha enjoys traveling. Her most favorite destinations have been China and Japan.

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Melanie Pasion, PA-C

Melanie Pasion grew up in the Bay Area in California. She attended the University of California- Berkeley and graduated with a degree in Molecular Cell Biology. She then attended Western University of Healthy Sciences where she was placed on the Dean’s List and graduated with a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies. She also did a clinical rotation with Dr. Leport’s group as a physician assistant student. Previously, she has worked in Family Practice and Orthopedic Surgery. She has also served as a sub-investigator for multiple clinical research studies. Melanie was enthusiastic to join Dr. LePort’s practice as she remembered how gratifying the field of Bariatric Surgery was as a student. She is a member of the California Academy of Physician Assistants and the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

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To have a personal consultation with a Lite & Smart DIMENSIONS™ LAP-BAND®, Realize System or gastric bypass surgeon, Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, and San Bernardino residents can contact our Fountain Valley practice. We serve patients throughout the United States and the world.

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Office Staff

Ellen Rohan

• Bariatric Liaison

Ellen Rohan has been part of the Lite & Smart DIMENSIONS™ LAP-BAND®, Realize System and gastric bypass team since 1993. She coordinates both the team and Dr. LePort's office. Ellen takes care of all aspects of the program, including insurance, patient counselling, patient scheduling, and post-operative care. “I find the success of our patients the most gratifying part of my job. I feel fortunate to be part of this devoted team of health care providers and look forward to working closely with the bariatric patients.”

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Anesthesiologists

Benjamin Ho, M.D.

• 9920 Talbert Avenue
• Fountain Valley, CA 92708

Dr. Ho is a graduate of Loyola School of Medicine, class of 1996. He completed his residency at Baylor School of Medicine and began his current position practicing anesthesia at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center. He lives in Huntington Beach with his wife, Stephanie. Dr. Ho enjoys camping, swimming, and playing soccer in his free time.

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James Chang, M.D.

Dr. James Chang is a graduate of National Taiwan University. He completed his internship, residency, and fellowship at the University of California at Los Angeles and has practiced anesthesia at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center since 2001. Dr. Chang enjoys playing golf in his spare time.

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Larry Yip, M.D.

Dr. Larry Yip graduated from the George Washington School of Medicine and subsequently completed his internship at the Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. After completing his residency at Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Yip began practicing at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in 2002.

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Magdi Sidhom, M.D.

Dr. Sidhom is a graduate of the Alexandria University of Medicine in Egypt. He completed his internship at Cook County Hospital. Dr. Sidhom completed his residency at Illinois Masonic Medical Center and joined Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in 2000. Dr. Sidhom leads his peers in staying current with new technologies.

When you come to Lite & Smart DIMENSIONS™, you have the assurance that every member of our team, from your anesthesiologist to your LAP-BAND®, Realize System and gastric bypass surgeon, is a skilled professional. In Orange County, near Los Angeles, our clinic provides state-of-the-art bariatric care so that you can regain control of your life. Contact us today for a free evaluation.

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Gastroenterologists

Jay Diliberto, M.D.

• Gastroenterology
• 15464 Goldenwest St.
• Westminster, CA 92683

Dr. Jay Diliberto is a board-certified gastroenterologist. He completed his training at the prestigious Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the University of California at Los Angeles. His knowledge of digestive diseases and nutrition is an important aspect of his contributions to our team approach.

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David Truong, M.D.

• Gastroenterology
• 11160 Warner Ave., #305
• Fountain Valley, CA 92708

Dr. David Truong is board certified in both gastroenterology and internal medicine. He graduated with his medical degree from the University of California, Davis and trained in internal medicine at the University of California at Los Angeles. Dr. Truong completed specialized training in gastroenterology at Tufts University in Boston. In addition to being a private practice physician, Dr. Truong is an assistant professor of medicine at the University of California, Irvine. He is fluent in both Vietnamese and French, and his personal interests include traveling, swimming, and oil painting.

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Surinder Saini, M.D.

• Gastroenterology
• 11100 Warner Ave., #360
• Fountain Valley, CA 92708

Dr. Surinder Saini is board certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine. Dr. Saini completed his fellowship at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, and has been in full time practice in Orange County since 1992. Dr. Saini is married and has two daughters. He enjoys computers, flying, and golf.

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General Medical Physicians and Internists

Frank Marino, M.D.

• 7677 Center Avenue, #208
• Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Dr. Frank Marino graduated from Wright State University School of Medicine in 1988. He completed his Family Medicine Residency at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio in 1991. Dr. Marino is a board-certified family physician who has been practicing in Orange County since 1991. He began working with the Lite & Smart DIMENSIONS™ LAP-BAND®, Realize System and gastric bypass surgeons in 1998. Dr. Marino performs pre-operative medical evaluations for bariatric patients and provides post-operative medical care for coexisting medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. He is a firm believer in providing quality medical care to every patient. Dr. Marino has chaired Orange Coast Memorial Hospital's Quality Council since 1998 and has been elected twice to serve as Chief of Staff.

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Kathryn Rigonan, M.D.

• Internal Medicine
• 11100 Warner Ave., #154
• Fountain Valley, CA 92708

Dr. Rigonan is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. She has been practicing for eight years and has worked extensively with Dr. Peter LePort. Dr. Rigonan specializes in women's health, bariatric medicine, and cardiovascular disease.

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Mikio Tachibana, M.D.

• Internal Medicine
• 11100 Warner Ave., #154
• Fountain Valley, CA 92708

Dr. Mikio Tachibana completed his residency training in internal medicine at Loma Linda University Medical Center in 1982. He taught and performed research at the school from and 1982 to 1986, and in 1994 he was promoted to assistant professor. Dr. Tachibana began working as a private practice physician in Fountain Valley, California in 1998, treating obesity patients with drug therapy while working closely with a registered dietician. In March of 1998, Dr. Tachibana began working with bariatric surgery patients at Orange Coast Memorial Center in Fountain Valley. He specializes in pre-surgery evaluation and post-surgery management of LAP-BAND®, Realize System and gastric bypass patients. Dr. Tachibana is board certified in internal medicine.

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Plastic Surgery

Eugene D. Elliott, M.D.

• Plastic Surgery
• Board Certified
• 9900 Talbert Ave., #101
• Fountain Valley, CA 92708

Dr. Eugene D. Elliott graduated with a medical degree from the University of Rochester. He has worked closely with the Dr. Peter LePort and the Lite & Smart DIMENSIONS™ team for more that 15 years, helping bariatric patients with expert body contouring procedures. Dr. Elliot is board certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery. He and his family live in Corona del Mar. In his spare time, Dr. Elliott enjoys art and sailing.

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Thomas T. Nguyen, M.D.

• Plastic Surgery
• Board Certified
• 11190 Warner Avenue, Suite 400
• Fountain Valley , CA 92708

Dr. Nguyen has worked closely with the Lite & Smart DIMENSIONS™ Program for several years. He has performed hundreds of body contouring procedures for patients who have lost significant amount of weight and is dedicated to the special needs of gastric bypass patients. Dr. Nguyen has over 12 years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery and is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is currently the Associate Director of The Grossman Burn Center at Western Medical Center in Santa Ana and the Medical Director of The Institute of Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery in Fountain Valley.

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Alan Tran, M.D.

Dr. Tran is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. He completed his Plastic Surgery Residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. Dr. Tran also completed General Surgery Residency at the University of Nevada. He received his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma but recently relocated to Orange County to be near his family.

Dr. Tran's special interests include Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery. He is currently involved in the Cleft Palate program in Los Angeles, California and has been on Medical Mission to South America. Dr. Tran loves music, art, and triathlon. He has worked closely with the Bariatric Surgery Program over the last several years and is highly sensitive to the needs of bariatric patients and the role plastic surgery plays in their new life.

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Contact a LAP-BAND®, Realize System / Gastric Bypass Surgeon in Orange County

Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Peter LePort or another Lite & Smart DIMENSIONS™ LAP-BAND® System and gastric bypass surgeon today. At our Orange County clinic, near Los Angeles, you will be treated with the utmost respect, and you will experience the ultimate in bariatric care.

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To learn more about the Lite & Smart DIMENSIONS™ gastric bypass and LAP-BAND® or Realize System surgeons, contact our Orange County clinic, near Los Angeles. A member of our friendly staff will assist you.