Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
Trace W. Curry, MD dr.c@curryweightloss.com
Minimally Invasive Weight Loss Surgeon
Medical Director, Bariatric Surgery
JourneyLite Surgery Center
JourneyLite Physicians
Jewish Hospital Kenwood
Dr. Trace Curry is a board-certified general surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive weight loss surgery and medical weight loss, and is a Lap Band patient himself. He is a Cincinnati native and trained at Good Samaritan Hospital. He is the director of bariatric surgery at Jewish Hospital, JourneyLite Surgery Center, and JourneyLite Physicians. He has performed over 4000 laparoscopic gastric bands, 1000 laparoscopic bypasses, and 1800 sleeve gastrectomies, making him one of the most experienced surgeons in the country. Dr. Curry was the first surgeon in Ohio to perform both Orbera and ReShape gastric balloons, and he continues to be a national leader in this new, non-surgical treatment of obesity.
Dr. Curry’s practice at JourneyLite and Jewish Hospital have been certified as Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence.
Dr. Tracy Pitt
Minimally Invasive
Weight Loss Surgeon
Tracy Pitt, DO, FACOS dr.pitt@curryweightloss.com
Minimally Invasive Surgeon
Dr. Tracy Pitt is a board-certified general surgeon who is fellowship trained in minimally invasive surgery and specializes in weight loss surgery. Dr. Pitt is a native of Northeast Ohio and completed his General surgery residency at South Pointe Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. He subsequently completed fellowship training in Advanced Laparoscopic and Bariatric surgery at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio.
Dr Pitt’s primary focus is the comprehensive management and care of patients who suffer from obesity and its consequences. He has performed over 1000 laparoscopic bariatric cases. The most common operations performed by Dr. Pitt include: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, Laparoscopic adjustable Gastric Banding, and Laparoscopic revision surgery (converting one operation to another for weight gain or complications). Dr. Pitt also focuses on advanced endoscopy, including the Overstitch procedure for patients with weight gain after gastric bypass, and gastric balloon therapy.
Dr. Pitt is an active member of several organizations including: American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Obesity Action Coalition, American Osteopathic Association, American College of Osteopathic surgeons, American College of Surgeons and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. Additionally, Dr. Pitt is committed to patient care as evidenced by being awarded the PRC National Excellence in Healthcare, Top Scoring Physician, 2012.
Dr. Steven Udelhofen
Minimally Invasive
Weight Loss Surgeon
Steven Udelhofen, DO, FACOS dr.udelhofen@curryweightloss.com
Minimally Invasive Surgeon
Dr. Steven Udelhofen is a fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon and board-eligible general surgeon. He completed his general surgery training in Detroit, Michigan at Sinai-Grace Hospital, nationally recognized for its busy inner city trauma service. He then completed his fellowship in Advanced Laparoscopic and Robotic surgery and Bariatric Surgery through the University of Texas, in affiliation with the prestigious BMI of Texas.
Dr. Udelhofen’s focus includes advanced foregut and weight loss surgery including: robotic revisional surgery of previous weight loss surgery, sleeve gastrectomy, loop duodenal switch, and endoscopic revisional bariatric procedures such as Overstitch.
In addition to weight loss surgery he does robotic Heller myotomy to treat achalasia, giant paraesophageal hernia repair, as well as Nissen fundoplication and Stretta therapy for the treatment of GERD.
Dr. Udelhofen is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, American Osteopathic Association, American College of Osteopathic surgeons. He has had several local and national speaking engagements and presentations including poster presentation at the ASMBS National Obesity Week 2016.
Dr. Udelhofen prides himself on good communication and timeliness. He is committed to your success and wants to provide you with convenient state-of-the-art care.
In addition to these experienced weight loss doctors, we have a entire team of nurse practitioners, PA’s, and registered dietitians. Our team can help you lose weight, whether through a medical weight loss program or a minimally invasive procedure.
Many of our procedures are done on outpatient basis at our state-of-the-art bariatric surgery center, JourneyLite Surgery Center. We also do surgical procedures at The Jewish Hospital. All our facilities are MBSAQIP Centers of Excellence.
Hello,
I currently have Anthem BCBS and I am very interested in surgical weight loss. I have a neighbor that referred me to you and her outcomes were fabulous. My BMI is currently 45 but I’m not sure if I have any comorbidities associated. I’m wondering if Anthem will cover any costs and what procedure is recommended. Thanks for your time.
Hi Whitney,
I will have one of our PSR’s contact you.
Dr. Curry
Hi, one of my patients had spoke highly of you and had me very interested in your program. I was wondering what types of insurance coverage you accept or if there is a certain age or weight group before you accept a patient. I just have a few questions if you could get back with me, thank you.
Hi Miranda I’ll have someone reach out to you to discuss.
Dr. Curry
I am a 64 year old woman that has high blood pressure and had a heart attack 17 months ago. I am 5’4″ and weigh 276. I also have arthritis and spinal stenosis. I am interested in weight loss surgery. When I mentioned it to my cardiologist he was for it as long as the lung dr approved it also. I was wondering am I to old for this and what was the oldest person you ever performed surgery on? I also have Care Source insurance and will be getting Medicare soon, so I was wondering do you except these?
We have operated successfully on patients well into their 70’s! We have to get clearances from all specialists involved in a patients care, so I would start with that. CareSource requirements are onerous, Medicare much easier. For more info just call 513-259-2555 and one of our patient service reps can help assist you!
Dr. Curry
I have recently been diagnosed with sleep apnea, I am on BP and gerd medications and have a BMI of 43.1 currently. I have CIGNA insurance and have met my deductible for the 2016 benefit year. Is there a possibility of having a gastric bypass approved and done by 12/31?
It’s unlikely unfortunately as most Cigna plans require a 3 month supervised diet. But give the patient service reps a call at 513-259-2555 and see if they have any ideas.
Dr. Curry
I am 5’6″ 188 and am wondering if I may a candidate for Endoscopic Sleeve gastroplasty?
Most likely yes, we will be rolling this procedure out in 2017. Most studies show 30-40 BMI are good candidates.
Dr. Curry
I have Anthem and they cover Lap Band if BMI of 35 or greater with comorbidity. How do most companies have someone provide proof of the comorbidity?
We would have to submit medical records along with your authorization, it’s not a problem as long as there is documentation.
I’m 5 foot 7 in and weigh 195. I have struggled with my weight for years. I would like some help with weight loss. I don’t know if I could be considered for the sleeve?
That’s a BMI of 30.5, we would in some cases offer a sleeve or a band but insurance would not cover it at this BMI.
Dr. Curry
To whom it may concern:
I am 5 foot 3 inches and weigh 158 pounds. I am also 57. I have been trying to lose weight for several years but just can’t seem to get it off even with exercise. I get very discouraged but I really don’t want to get diabetes. Do you have any program to help me lose about 30 pounds? My insurance is Anthem PPO.
Hi Sharlene, gastric balloon or medical weight loss could be an option for you, call 513-259-2555 and someone can guide you through your best option.
Dr. Curry
I was wondering do you guys treat people with pcos ..I have that and I have gained a lot of weight from it have tried multiple ways to get weight off and I am having a very hard time. I have united health care insurance. Do yall accept that? I also put in info for a consultation request as well
For patients with PCOS I recommend a more powerful operation such as a sleeve typically. Lap Band does not perform well.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
I had the dual balloons inserted on Nov 4 2016. As of today I have lost 50 pounds and hope to get 20 more before you take them out in May. I have really learned to eat a lot less and not snack on unhealthy things. I know I can continue on this path once they’re removed. If you are wondering if it works, it does. It won’t do it all by itself but it helps you realize you can eat a lot less. I’d do this again in a heartbeat. Thank you!
Congratulations on your success!
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
Hello, I am 5’6 aprox 240 in weight. I have tried many supervised medical weight loss programs and have failed at every attempt.I have also tried my own personal diet and exercise programs, nothing works. I’m desperate. I currently have Medicaid. Will they cover the cost of the gastric sleeve? I need help. I can’t keep this weight off of me, and I’m tired of being fat. What should I do?
Hi there, some Medicaid products do cover surgery and some don’t. I’d recommend calling our Patient Service Reps at 513-259-2555 and discuss it with them directly.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
I have Pcos What Be good Weight loss Program I should use. I Weight about 255 I try about everything eat less working out nothing seems to work at All
At that weight with PCOS, a sleeve or a gastric bypass would have the best chance of long-term success.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
I have LADA(latent autoimmune diabetes of adulthood). Am not insulin dependent, yet, but am struggling with weight-BMI +30. I have done 2 successful rounds of HCG and kept off for 12months each. It always comes back!
Is bariatric a safe option for someone with autoimmune diabetes?
I’m not aware of any issues with bariatric surgery and LADA. A procedure like a sleeve has much better long term results than any medical weight loss regimen.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
Hi, I weigh approximately 250. I’ve been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea, possible diabetic, etc. if I came there would you help me encourage my health provider to pay for this? Anthem is my health provider.
It really depends on what your specific plan benefits are, call 513-259-2555 and they can help you.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
Lower BMI sleeve patients typically do have better results, but I don’t think any would do a sleeve on a patient with a BMI of 25. That’s considered a normal BMI!
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
what insurance do you take for GERD treatments? Such as Aetna Core source, interested in the
Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication
We are in network with Aetna, shouldn’t be a problem. Just call 513-259-2555 and one of our patient service reps can help you.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
Hi, I currently weigh 255 & I’m 5’5 and was wondering if I would be a candidate for one of your surgeries? I’ve struggled most of my life with my weight, I have failed at diets & I’m out of options, I also worry about my insurance if it will cover it I have medicare ( indiana ). I also have some health problems I have asthma and it makes it hard to walk a long distance or play with my grand kids, I also have pain in my legs and doctors can’t find out what’s going on.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
I forward your info to our PSR’s, someone will be in touch!
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
That would be great, I did forget to mention that I was 55. And was wondering if you do free consultations if so I’ll make an appointment to come and talk to you but it would have to be on a Friday. Thank you for your time.
Sorry I’m not 55 I’m 50.
Hello! I was sleeved in November of 2014. I am interested in having a revision to bypass. Do you perform revisions?
Thank you!
Yes we sure do, just call 513-259-2555 and our patient service reps can help you figure out a plan.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
I had gastric bypass over 20 years ago. I have gained all my weight plus some back. Do you all perform the band over bypass surgery?
I have done many band over bypass procedures over the years and have found that the weight loss isn’t so great, so we don’t do them any more. My partner Dr. Pitt does do the Overstich pouch reduction procedure which could be an option.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
I have a bmi 40, 53 y.ol. fairly good health., just high blood pressure. struggle with overweight for the last 19 years I am afraid of surgeries. Which will be a good option to do? thanks so much
I would probably recommend one of our medical weight loss programs, or perhaps the ESG.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
Hello,
I am 39yrs old 192 pounds. I have tried so many diets since I had kids and nothing worked till now. I started taking oxypro elite and lost 27 pounds but took like 6 months to lose that. I’m afraid that it is going to make me sick taking these for so long. I’m stuck at a rut and can’t lose anymore. I go to the gym and I eat a lot less then I used to. I have blue cross blue shield insurance.
We have many options, first you need to find out if you have bariatric surgery benefits through your Blue Cross plan, as not everyone dose. Check into that first, and if you need help call our patient service reps at 513-259-2555.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
Hello,
I am a 34 year old female struggling with pcos,fertility, sleep apnea and a host of other obesity related issues. I’ve been through the classes and diet trials that my insurance requires but once the surgery comes I frankly chicken out. I think they time is my problem. If I wanted to just have it done, is there a way to pay out of pocket so that I can skip having to redo the insurance stuff and just do it? Thanks for any advice
We do certainly have self pay options for patients. We don’t skip over any important steps but you wouldn’t have to do a 3-month or 6-month supervised diet as many insurance plans require. Just call 513-259-2555 and someone can help you out.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians