Bariatric Surgery Center: Meet our team

The Bariatric Surgery Center team, led by Drs. Matthew Newlin and Stephen Schmidt, will assist you in all aspects of your surgery, from preoperative preparation to postoperative follow-up.

Matthew Newlin, M.D., FACS Medical Director, Surgeon Bariatric Surgery Center at Altoona Regional View Dr. Newlin's biography	Stephen Schmidt, M.D., FACS, FRCS (C) Surgeon Bariatric Surgery Center at Altoona Regional View Dr. Schmidt's biography

Mike Burggraf, MPAS, PA-C Lexington Surgical Associates, Program Coordinator, Altoona Regional Bariatric Surgery Center Mike is the physician assistant for Dr. Newlin. He assists Dr. Newlin during surgeries, including gastric bypass operations. In addition, you will see him assisting in Dr. Newlin's office and in the hospital during your stay after surgery. Mike can provide you with education and support throughout your entire surgical experience.

Nutrition Services

Altoona Regional

• Dona Baughman, R.D., L.D.N.
• Connie Plowman, R.D., L.D.N.

Mainline Medical Associates

• Beth Lutton, R.D., L.D.N.

As important members of the Bariatric Surgery Team, Dona, Connie and Beth provide nutritional education to help patients achieve their weight loss goals. Overall food selection, meal planning, fluid intake and vitamin supplementation are tailored to meet each patient's needs. Patients meet one on one, both preoperatively and postoperatively, to learn and implement important lifestyle and nutritional changes necessary for long term success after surgery.

Behavioral Health Services

Altoona Regional

• Michael Moran, M.A., Licensed Psychologist
• Denis Navarro, M.A., Licensed Psychologist

Preoperative psychological evaluations are required for all bariatric patients and these are performed by either Mike Moran or Denis Navarro, members of our Bariatric Team. The psychological evaluation is meant to ensure that our patients are appropriately motivated and able to make the necessary postoperative lifestyle changes that will promote long term success. Mike and Denis evaluate each patient to assure that they are emotionally prepared to undergo the surgery and understand both the risks and benefits of the surgery. They may make recommendations for counseling either before or after surgery. They remain available postoperatively for continued support and/or counseling as needed.