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Meet Our Surgeons

LAP-BAND VIP boasts a team of highly-trained specialists who have perfected the LAP-BAND procedure for our patients. Come and meet these brilliant professionals today!

Hooman Shabatian, MD, MS

Hooman Shabatian, MD, MS

Certified LAP-BAND Surgeon

Dr. Hooman Shabatian graduated with summa cum laude honors from UCLA and obtained his Master’s and Medical degree from Chicago Medical School. He started his surgical career with an internship at Cornell University associated Lincoln Medical Center in New York and completed his surgical training at some of the most respected institutions in this country.

It was under the supervision of LAP-BAND pioneer Dr. Shayani at the Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago that Dr. Shabatian performed his first LAP-BAND procedure in 2002. He became profoundly impressed with the life changing experience that the Lap-Band procedure brings to patients and focused his attention and skill to treating patients with a variety of surgical problems focusing on weight-loss surgery.

Dr. Hooman Shabatian is a Board-Certified Surgeon and a member of the American College of Surgeons. He specializes in General, Minimally Invasive, and LAP-BAND Surgery.

Dr. Shahram Salimitari

Dr. Shahram Salimitari, MD, MS

Certified LAP-BAND Surgeon

Shahram Salimitari, MD is a fellowship trained laparoscopic/bariatric surgeon. He graduated with honor from the University of California, Irvine and earned a Master’s Degree in Physiology from the Chicago Medical School. In pursuit of his lifelong dream of becoming a surgeon, he obtained his M.D. degree from the Chicago Medical School. Dr. Salimitari undertook his General Surgery residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago and continued his training with a fellowship in minimally invasive surgery specializing in advanced laparoscopic and bariatric surgery at the University of South Florida.

Upon completing his surgical training, Dr. Salimitari moved to California where he joined a private medical group in Beverly Hills. He consults with patients throughout the Southern California area and specializes in weight loss surgery with a focus in gastric banding procedures.

Dr. Salimitari believes that active involvement in the care of his patients is crucial to helping them attain their goals for a healthier life.

Pam Barley

Pam Barley

Regional Director of Patient Care

Pamela Barley grew up in Redondo Beach and is the mother of four wonderful children. She has worked in management for over 20 years and takes great pride in her ability to provide outstanding customer service.

Pam is the Patient Care Manager for LAP-BAND VIP and a LAP-BAND patient herself. She started working for the Drs. because she wanted to help other people who were going through the LAP-BAND process. From initial questions to getting insurance approval for the LAP-BAND, Pam often gives out her personal cell phone number to patients so they can call her anytime when they have a question or need help. Pam oversees the scheduling of each patient’s LAP-BAND surgery and organizes Support Groups for patients to help them lose the most weight in the quickest and healthiest manner possible.

Pam’s own battle with weight started after giving birth to her last two children. She tried all kinds of diets, worked out at the gym and even tried starving herself; nothing worked. She was and is a happy person, but the extra weight was holding her back. She wasn’t able to play with her kids the way she always had before and suffered all the time from back and knee pain. She knew she needed to do something and decided to take a look at getting the LAP-BAND. Pam considers the LAP-BAND “the best decision I have made. I have not regretted it once and I still think I was very lucky to find Drs. Shabatian and Salimitari. Not only are they awesome surgeons, but they truly care for their patients from the heart.”

As a LAP-BAND patient herself, Pam can relate to what patients are going through because she has been there. She finds it very fulfilling to be able to help a patient through the LAP-BAND process and she really enjoys helping them lose their weight. “It is the beginning of your LAP-BAND journey and I feel honored to be able to come along for the ride.”

Dr. Michael Zarrabi

Dr. Michael Zarrabi, MD

LAP-BAND Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Michael Zarrabi is a Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon who has dedicated his career to the field of Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Zarrabi specializes in all aspects of body contouring including skin reduction surgery, tummy tucks, liposuction, breast augmentation and reductions and cosmetic enhancement through body sculpting.

Dr. Zarrabi understands the value of beauty and works directly with his patients to develop a personal relationship based on a mutual commitment to improve their health and self-esteem. After significant weight loss, Dr. Zarrabi can help patients improve their mobility and image by trimming and tightening the body through body lifts and thigh lifts to remove excess skin that is either loose or sagging. Dr. Zarrabi performs personalized plastic surgery where each patient is treated with an individualized operative plan that fulfills their every need.

Dr. Zarrabi began college at the age of sixteen and graduated from UCLA where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He became the youngest student to obtain a Medical Degree from the Saint Louis University School of Medicine and graduated with multiple honors. Dr. Zarrabi completed his five-year postgraduate residency training in General Surgery at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Zarrabi then served as a Fellow in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and Hand Surgery at the prestigious Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon. Overall, Dr. Zarrabi has over 9 years of surgical experience. Dr. Zarrabi maintains operating privileges at Saint John’s Health Center and Santa Monica – UCLA Medical Center.

Dr. Zarrabi has been invited to lecture and present research at local and national meetings in Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C. and Portland. He is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to plastic surgery after the LAP-BAND procedure and is committed to helping LAP-BAND patients look their best after their weight loss surgery.

Desi Mirooni

Desi Mirooni, MPH

LAP-BAND Nutritional Therapist

Desiree’s passion for food and extensive knowledge on nutrition make provide an exciting journey towards a healthy, yet enjoyable lifestyle for all of her clients. She has been an advocate for healthful eating and developing positive relationships with food for many years and holds a Master’s in Public Health and Nutrition from USC’s Keck School of Medicine.

Her unique sessions motivate clients to revitalize their lifestyle and cleanse their mind, body, and soul. Sessions involve one-on-one consultation on the psychology behind eating habits, custom meal plans, food demonstrations, and support systems. Initial consultation introduces clients to healthy nutrition and the secret to losing weight.

Desiree also guides patients who are having the LAP-BAND surgery pre-operatively and post-operatively. She is available to her patients throughout the weight loss journey. Desiree knows that while getting a LAP-BAND means making necessary lifestyle changes, patients may still enjoy their favorite foods when coupled with portion control and when worked into a sensible and balanced diet.

Desiree has over 8 years of experience in the field of Nutrition and Wellness and has been featured as an expert Nutritionist on many radio shows, seminars, and events. She is passionate about helping people improve their quality of life and guiding her patients through their transformation, inside and out.

To learn more about LAP-BAND surgery, as well as schedule an opportunity to meet our committed LAP-BAND VIP staff, please call our offices at 855-690-0560.

LAP-BAND Success Stories

LARRY

Occupation: Realtor Height: 6' 1" Date of LAP-BAND Surgery: 07/30/2010

Larry BEFORE Weight Before: 350 lbs
Larry AFTER Weight After: 240 lbs
“I am more active and starting to do things I like again, like surfing, diving and dating! ”

LORI

Occupation: Licensed Vocational Nurse Height: 5' 4" Date of LAP-BAND Surgery: 8 years 32 weeks ago

Lori BEFORE Weight Before: 322 lbs
Lori AFTER Weight After: 222 lbs
"I actually look forward to each and every day now"