About The Practice
The Live Life Again Center for Bariatric Surgery a state-of-the-art facility with weight loss surgery programs designed to be all-encompassing, serving your needs before, during, and after surgery to ensure the highest chance of successful results. Our facility has been honored with the designation of “Center of Excellence” by the American Society of Bariatric Surgery, an achievement that is earned by only one out of every 303 bariatric surgery centers. The bariatric surgery team at our Dallas-Fort Worth and Arlington, Texas-area facility is composed of experienced, compassionate experts in a variety of fields to offer a multi-disciplined approach to the weight loss surgery process. We are with you through every step of this life-changing new path. Contact the Live Life Again Center for more information on our practice and programs.
Our Staff
In addition to Dr. David D. Kim, we rely on a host of experts, including dietitians, physical and respiratory therapists, psychologists, an anesthesiologist, medical assistants and a caring administrative staff to give you the support you need while making this exciting new lifestyle change. All of our team members here at the Live Life Again Center share the commitment of Dr. Kim to offer you the most comfortable and effective treatment program for your needs. Each of our procedures, including LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding, REALIZE™ Band surgery, and laparoscopic gastric sleeve resection, are part of a multi-disciplinary program with a number of staff members who assist in the various steps of the process. They are all experienced and skilled experts in their fields, and are here to serve your needs and assist in your ultimate goals. Some of our dedicated team members include:
Pam – Bariatric Nurse Coordinator
Pam is a certified bariatric nurse specialist and has worked with Dr. Kim since the Live Life Again Center first opened its doors. She acts as a patient advocate and assists you through every stage of the weight loss surgery process. With an abundance of clinical knowledge, she is known for the care and compassion she extends to every patient. Pam also oversees the Bariatric University – our program devoted to pre-operative education – and also heads up our aftercare programs and support groups. Pam’s sister Kim is one of Dr. Kim’s weight loss surgery patients and one of the Live Life Again Center’s many success stories. Pam has helped Dr. Kim treat over 3000 bariatric patients with Dr. Kim since 2003.
Shelley – Medical Assistant
Shelley’s experience, knowledge, and naturally friendly attitude helps patients feel more comfortable throughout the process, whether she’s taking them into the exam room, assisting Dr. Kim with LAP-BAND® System Fills, or helping patients with answers to questions and concerns over the phone. She is also one of Dr. Kim’s weight loss surgery patients, and has a first-hand understanding of what patients go through when struggling with morbid obesity.
David – Certified Physician Assistant and Registered Dietitian
David is a registered dietitian and counsel’s patients on nutrition both before and after surgery. He also assists Dr. Kim with band adjustments under fluroscopy for our adjustable gastric banding patients. David assists Dr. Kim during surgery, helps care for patients after the procedure, and works to make sure that the surgery and recovery process are as smooth as possible. He received his registered dietician education at Harvard’s esteemed hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital. He completed his Physician Assistants education at the University of Florida.
Jane – Office Manager
Jane is an integral part of our bariatric surgery practice here in the Dallas – Fort Worth and Arlington area. Working to make sure patients are comfortable and that their needs are being fulfilled, Jane is eager to assist with paperwork, forms, and any questions or concerns. Jane also helps patients explore the different options available to them in terms of financing weight loss surgery procedures.
Melissa and Kathy – Insurance Approvals
Melissa and Kathy assist patients with gaining approval for weight loss surgery procedures from their insurance companies. They both have the valuable experience and diligence that is necessary in making it possible for many patients to attain life-changing treatment for morbid obesity. In fact, Melissa is one of Dr. Kim’s bariatric surgery patients, and, by her own experience, understands the financial and insurance concerns of patients. Kathy is a licensed nurse and brings clinical experience to aid in the insurance approval process for our patients.
Kristin – Front Desk
Kristin will likely be the very first member of the Live Life Again Center to greet you when you call or visit our office. She is a vital component of our practice, helping with appointment scheduling, seminar registration, and many other aspects of the weight loss surgery process.
Fabiola – Front Desk
Another member of our Front Desk team, Fabiola is likely to be one of the first Live Life Again Center staff members you will meet when you call our office or visit the practice in person. Fabiola helps schedule appointments for patients, and assists with filing and registration for our seminars.
Dr. Jane Counts, Ph.D., LCSW
Dr.Counts is a wonderful caring psychologist who has specialized in seeing any of Dr. Kim’s patients that feel they need assistance on a more, private level. Patients often describe Dr. Counts as more of a friend and not a doctor because of her compassion and caring for weight loss surgery patients. She has an in-depth view of this surgery from the patient’s emotional perspective as she is a bariatric surgery patient herself. She is actively involved in Dr. Kim’s support groups.
Patient Information
The Live Life Again Center prides itself on operating a comprehensive weight loss surgery program with educational before and aftercare services and an extensive follow-up evaluation and support process to help you along your journey to a new and healthier you.
We offer free monthly weight loss surgery seminars, educational and emotional support groups, and lifelong follow-up care to monitor your progress. Our bariatric surgery team understands the many needs and issues that must be undertaken by patients before, during, and particularly after weight loss surgery as you adjust to new lifestyle habits. At the Live Life Again Center, your care does not stop once the surgery is completed.
Learn more about our weight loss surgery program and support services.
Financing and Costs
Dr. David Kim and his bariatric surgery team in the Dallas-Fort Worth area can assist you with financial preparations for your procedure. We offer a range of financing and payment options, to bring the cost of weight loss surgery into your budget. Although exact the exact cost of weight loss surgery depends upon each patient’s unique needs and which procedure is involved, prices generally run from about $9,950 and $12,500. Bear in mind that, since weight loss surgery is often considered an operation to protect your health, many insurance companies cover at least part of the cost of some bariatric procedures. We have team members at the Live Life Again Center whose specific job is to assist you with insurance paperwork and hopefully gain approval for your procedure.
The cost of weight loss surgery should never be a barrier to someone wanting to protect their health. Dr. Kim and his team will work diligently to help you with your financial concerns.
Learn more about cost and financing options.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. David D. Kim at the Live Life Again Bariatric Surgery Center, or to sign up for one of our free educational seminars, please contact our practice.
