What Makes Our Program Unique and Patient-Centered

Obesity is a disease – not a character flaw. At Emerson Health’s Center for Weight Loss, our surgeons and care team take a unique, compassionate approach to bariatric surgery, supporting patients from their very first visit through long-term success.

David Lautz, MD, Medical Director of Emerson’s Center for Weight Loss, and Laura Doyon, MD, bariatric surgeon, explain what sets the program apart from others in Massachusetts and beyond.

A Judgment-Free Approach to Obesity

Too often, patients with obesity feel judged when seeking care. Some weight loss programs even require patients to lose weight first to “prove” they are a good candidate. Emerson’s team takes a different approach:

• Obesity is treated as a disease, not a personal failure.
• No proving your worth before care—patients are accepted and supported from the start.
• Compassion replaces judgment, creating a safe, empowering environment.

Surgeons Meet Patients from Day One

At many weight loss centers, patients may not meet their surgeon until months into the process—or even the day of surgery. At Emerson, patients meet directly with a surgeon at their first appointment, establishing trust and partnership early on.

“Our approach is a collaboration. Patients must do their part, but we also make sure we have done ours.” – Dr. Lautz

A Team Dedicated Solely to Bariatric Care

Unlike larger systems where staff may split time between different specialties, Emerson’s program has a fully dedicated team:

• Front desk staff who bring warmth, kindness, and encouragement from the very first call.
• Dietitians and behavioral health specialists who focus only on weight loss patients.
• Nurse practitioners and physician assistants who work closely with surgeons throughout the patient journey.

This specialized team understands the challenges of obesity and provides consistent, expert support.

A Clinic Designed for Comfort and Respect

Every detail of the clinic is designed with patients in mind:

• Comfortable seating and exam tables sized for our patients.
• Accessible clinic and free and easy parking, with shorter walking distances.
• All services under one roof—nutrition, behavioral health, and surgery in a single location.

By eliminating barriers and discomfort, patients can focus on healing and long-term success.

Long-Term Success Through Trust

Weight loss surgery is not just about the procedure—it is about maintaining results for years to come. Emerson’s program emphasizes trust and ongoing support:

• Patients are encouraged to return for follow-ups without fear of judgment, even if they struggle.
• Surgeons and staff work together to adjust care plans, ensuring anatomy, nutrition, and behavior remain aligned.
• This non-judgmental partnership helps prevent setbacks and strengthens long-term outcomes.

Transforming Health and Quality of Life

For many patients, the most powerful outcomes extend beyond medical improvements:

• Reversing chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
• Restoring confidence and reducing the shame often tied to obesity.
• Unlocking new opportunities—from pursuing a new career to traveling or starting relationships.

“We are not just lengthening lives. We are improving the quality of life in ways patients never imagined possible.” – Dr. Lautz

Key Takeaways

• What makes Emerson’s weight loss surgery program unique?
  Compassionate, judgment-free care, early access to surgeons, a dedicated team, and a clinic designed for patient comfort.
• Do patients meet the surgeon right away?
  Yes. Unlike other programs, patients meet directly with Dr. Lautz or Dr. Doyon at the very first visit.
• How does Emerson support long-term success?
  Through trust, non-judgmental care, ongoing follow-ups, and a dedicated multidisciplinary team.

Begin Your Journey at Emerson Health

At Emerson, every patient’s journey is personal. From the first call to years after surgery, the entire team is committed to your success.