Meet Our Bariatric Surgery Team

Multi-disciplinary Team Approach

Attempting to maximize patients chances of having a successful surgical outcome starts with education and knowledge. Although much is gained through personal research, studies show that the pre-operative education and evaluations from a multi-disciplinary team approach of professionals working with the same goal lead to a higher likelihood of successful surgical outcomes.

This team consists of more than the just the surgeon who performs the operation. It includes the many dedicated consultants who evaluate to ensure a safe surgery. Also involved are a team of nurses who routinely take care of bariatric patients post-operatively and bariatric coordinators of the office and of the hospital who act as immediate contact people for support and questions.

The entire philosophy and mutual goal of the multi-disciplinary team is to carefully screen all patients before the surgery to identify any potential problems and correct as appropriate to ensure safety and success during and after the operation.

NGPG General Surgery – Bariatric Support Team

Alex C. Nguyen, MD

Physician

About Dr. Nguyen

Dr. Nguyen is the Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at NGMC and serves the surrounding communities of Northeast Georgia from offices in Gainesville and Braselton. Board Certified in General Surgery, Dr. Nguyen has provided excellent healthcare for patients in this area for nearly over 5 years. He enjoys working with patients to bring them into the place of health they need and want to be.

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Lacey Miranda, PA-C

Physician Assistant

About Lacey Miranda

Lacey Miranda, PA-C received her undergraduate education at the University of North Georgia and her Master’s of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Suwanee, Georgia. Lacey has lived in this area of Georgia all her life, and always knew she wanted to return here to work in the community and hospital system that helped shape her into the advanced practitioner she is today.

She joined NGPG and Dr. Alex Nguyen as a new graduate in August 2018 and considers herself blessed to be a part of such a wonderful team. She is an active member of the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants, American Academy of Physician Assistants, Obesity Medicine Association, and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

Lacey looks at obesity as a disease and not a lifestyle choice. She is involved in all aspects of the patient’s weight loss journey, including pre-operatively, intra-operatively, and post-operatively. She enjoys seeing patients monthly leading up to their surgery, and she uses every opportunity to encourage them in all aspects of the pre-operative journey. She also enjoys assisting Dr. Nguyen at the bedside during surgery, ensuring that the surgery goes as smoothly as possible. Furthermore, she looks forward to celebrating with patients post-operatively just after surgery in the hospital, as well as at their 6 month and yearly visits.

April Robinson, LPN

Bariatric Nurse

About April Robinson

April received her practical nursing diploma from North Georgia Technical College in 2008. In 2014, she joined NGPG Surgical Associates as Dr. Alex Nguyen’s primary nurse. She loves working with bariatric patients and helping them to be successful with their weight loss journey.  In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and working in her home, all while pursuing her bachelor’s degree at the University of North Georgia.

Jennifer Way, RD, LD

Bariatric Program Coordinator | NGPG BMI Dietitian

About Jennifer Way

Jennifer is a Registered Dietitian who received her degree from The University of Georgia in Dietetics. Her post-baccalaureate graduate degree was completed with the dietetic internship program at Georgia Southern University. Jennifer is motivated to encourage her clients to eat more mindfully, consciously and most importantly improve their relationship with food and nutrition. She welcomes and enjoys working with all stages of each person’s journey towards a healthier lifestyle.

Rebecca Costa

Bariatric Program Specialist

About Rebecca Costa

Rebecca is typically the first person our surgical weight loss patients come in contact with and one of the main points of contact. She handles all incoming referrals for the NGPG Bariatric surgical program. She sends out information to get the patients started with the program and then verifies their benefits. She coaches patients on the importance of sticking to the plan and being compliant to have a successful journey after weight loss surgery.

As a previous weight loss surgery patient of Dr. Alex Nguyen, she understands how scary starting this process is. Rebecca greatly enjoys helping our patients succeed in this life-changing process! She is a follower of Jesus, a wife and a mother to 3 wonderful children (and a dog mom)! She loves anything outdoors, and spending time with her friends and family.

Charlotte Hill, MS, RD, LDN

NGPG BMI Dietitian

About Charlotte Hill

Charlotte grew up in Georgia and received her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from the University of Georgia. She moved out of state to attend the University of Pittsburgh where she received a Coordinated Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics. After working in various realms of the nutrition world including healthcare, foodservice and the food industry, Charlotte moved back to her home state of Georgia and is happy to be a part of the NGPG BMI team. She is passionate about health and wellness and educating patients on nutrition so they feel empowered to take control of their health through diet and exercise.

Megan Kreft

Practice Administrator

About Megan Kreft

Megan has been in Medical Practice Management for over 10 years and working in healthcare since high school. She has worked with bariatric practices for over 6 years and enjoys working with her team to provide the highest quality of care possible. Megan is originally from Michigan where she attended Western Michigan University with a focus in Business Management.

Contact Our Team Today

Would you like more information about our services, procedures, and free educational opportunities? Call 770-219-9200 or fill out a quick contact form.