Our Surgeon
Dr. Tiesenga obtained a bachelor of science education at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He received his medical education from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. After serving his general residency at the Metropolitan Group Hospitals in Chicago, Dr. Tiesenga completed a fellowship in bariatric surgery at The University of Pittsburgh and the University of Virginia. Dr. Tiesenga is board certified by the American Board of Surgery. He holds many society memberships which include The Illinois State Medical Society, The American Society of Breast Surgeons, The American Academy of Surgeons, The Chicago Medical Society Association, The DuPage Medical Society, The Society of Laparoendospic Surgeons as well as being a distinguished member of The American Medical Association.

Dr. Tiesenga has been asked to speak to a number of lay and medical audiences on a variety of bariatric surgery topics. Dr. Tiesenga has contributed extensively to the scientific literature with research and publications.

Patient Care Coordinator
Cheryl, our Patient Care Coordinator, has been warmly greeting Dr. Tiesenga’s’s patients both in person and on the phone since she joined Watertower Surgicenter. She enjoys interacting with people and finds her position as a Lap-Band assistant incredibly enriching. This position provides her with the opportunity not only to welcome Dr. Tiesenga’s surgical patients, but also to make them feel comfortable and relaxed.

Attending a seminar and having a complimentary consultation in our office provides our patients with the opportunity to discuss specific surgery goals and expectations. A thorough evaluation, including a medical history and physical examination, is performed to offer the best treatment options. We believe in utilizing safe, effective, and time-tested surgery techniques to achieve realistic and favorable results. We are committed to patient education and believe this is the foundation for a positive surgical outcome and an extremely satisfied patient.

Cheryl attends to the patients from the time of their initial phone call until their office visit. She is available to answer questions at all seminars and on an individual basis. These questions may include surgical and non- surgical options, scheduling of surgery, financing, and billing. Cheryl has seen, firsthand, the remarkable results of the Lap-Band Procedure.

Nursing and Program Assistant
Rebecca, a nursing student, has been with Watertower Surgicenter since 2005. Rebecca works closely with Dr. Tiesenga during the initial consultation and helps guide the patient through the pre and post operative periods. In addition, she assists in the verification process of our insured patients while assisting with the financial needs of our self-pay patients. Rebecca enjoys being part of the “positive experience” provided for all patients by Dr. Tiesenga and his team. She is an advocate of patient education and is a very knowledgeable and caring assistant who places the concern of the patient above all else. Rebecca wants patients to know that she comes to the office every day because she enjoys working with Dr.Tiesenga and the rest of the staff to provide quality care and education.

Psychotherapist & Psychoeducational Consultant
Dr. Susan Sigel, a licensed clinical psychologist, specializes in assessment. She uses research driven instruments to assist in diagnosis and treatment guidelines. Dr. Sigel works in close contact with the rest of the medical team to predict the issues that may compromise results and deter them. Dr. Sigel is available for post-operative counseling to help adapt to lifestyle changes.

As part of the approval process, you may be asked to submit to a psychological consultation. Dr. Sigel completes a thorough examination to determine that you are a good candidate for Lap-Band surgery.

Program Dietician
All Lap-Band patients will see a Licensed Dietician to complete the approval process. Our dietician will suggest a healthy and safe diet for pre-operative and post-operative Lap-Band surgery.

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