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Welcome to Optimal Weight Loss and Surgery Consultants, where we are dedicated to helping you achieve your health and wellness goals through a comprehensive approach to weight loss and general surgery. Our practice specializes in advanced robotic surgery, providing minimally invasive solutions with precision and care.

At Optimal Weight Loss and Surgery Consultants, we believe that a successful weight loss journey involves more than just surgery. Our comprehensive approach includes personalized plans that encompass nutritional guidance, lifestyle modifications, and ongoing support to ensure lasting results. We also offer a range of surgeries, including hernia surgery, appendicitis surgery, and more.

My name is Dr. Tarik Al-Kalla, and I am honored to lead the team at Optimal Weight Loss and Surgery Consultants. My journey in the field of surgery began with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Chemistry from the University of Houston in Texas. I earned my Doctor of Medicine from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in Lubbock.

I then completed my residency in general surgery at Michigan State University/Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, where I gained extensive experience in various surgical procedures. My passion for minimally invasive techniques led me to pursue a fellowship in MIS/Bariatrics Surgery at St. Luke's Surgical Specialists in Kansas City, Missouri. I have obtained several awards and accolades including 2024 Texas Super Doctors® Rising Stars, Best Doctor in Collin county D magazine for bariatric surgery multiple years (2022, 2023, 2024), Top doctors (2022, 2023), Michigan State University/Spectrum Health Emergency General Surgery Chief Award during surgery residency, and Intuitive robotic surgery proctor. I am also the Trauma Medical Director at Medical City Frisco.

With a commitment to excellence and a patient-centered approach, I strive to provide the highest standard of care. Whether you are considering weight loss surgery or need general surgical services, you can trust that you are in capable and compassionate hands.

Thank you for considering Optimal Weight Loss and Surgery Consultants. We look forward to partnering with you on your journey to better health.

Karen Zaghiyan, MD, FACS, FASCRS, is a renowned expert and leader in in the field of colorectal surgery. As a board-certified colorectal surgeon Dr. Karen Zaghiyan sees patients in her practice in Los Angeles, California and does all major surgeries at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Beverly HIlls, CA. Dr. Zaghiyan’s interests lie in providing minimally invasive treatments for conditions of the colon, rectum, and anus through the use of robotic, laparoscopic, transanal and natural orifice techniques.

Her special interests in colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have driven her success as one of the early adopters and innovators of transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) and transanal ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (taIPAA) for patients with rectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.

Dr. Zaghiyan is the Director of the Colorectal Cancer Tumor Board at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. She is also the Associate Professor of Surgery and Program Director for the Colorectal Residency Program at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. 

Dr. Zaghiyan graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles. She then completed medical school at the University of California, San Diego before pursuing her general surgery residency and colon and rectal surgery fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. During this time, she traveled to Singapore for additional training from international leaders in her field prior to return to Los Angeles to start her practice. 

Dr. Zaghiyan is an innovator and expert in her field who is regularly invited to speak and teach at top national and international conferences. She is the principal investigator of numerous local, national and international research projects with the goal to improve the care of patients with colorectal conditions. Her research focuses on practical issues in colorectal surgery such as the use of local nerve blocks to minimize surgical pain and improve recovery, early diet advancement, optimal steroid dose after IBD surgery, and quality of life after J-pouch surgery, to name a few. 

Dr. Zaghiyan remains dedicated to making advancements in her field, which directly impacts the well-being of her patients. With her clinical and research expertise along with her commitment to providing the highest-quality care, Dr. Zaghiyan delivers the most cutting-edge treatments for men and women with colon and rectal diseases.

Jack Guan, DPM, is a foot and ankle surgeon offering the best in cutting-edge foot, ankle, and lower extremity care to patients of all ages at Bay Area Foot and Ankle Medical Clinic. Dr. Guan is the only podiatrist in the San Jose, California, area to focus on sports medicine, ankle arthroscopy and total ankle replacement, and pediatric deformity corrections. He also offers specialized regenerative medicine treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP). 

Dr. Guan earned his undergraduate degree in molecular cell biology at the University of California, Berkeley, in Berkeley, California. He went on to earn a Master of Science in biochemistry at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in Richmond, Virginia. Dr. Guan earned his podiatry degree at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

Dr. Guan also has advanced surgical training in limb deformity correction, Charcot foot reconstruction, diabetic limb salvage, and ankle replacement. He is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons, and the American College of Podiatric Medicine. 

Patients trust Dr. Guan for superior surgical care. He demonstrates how much he values that trust by using the most sophisticated minimally invasive surgery techniques and the most innovative and technologically advanced ankle replacement hardware to give every patient the very best results. 

Dr. Guan welcomes new patients to call Bay Area Foot and Ankle Medical Clinic or schedule online to arrange a personal consultation. 

Saluja Varghese-Goldman, MD, RVT, RPVI, is a board certified vein and vascular specialist at Goldman Vein Institute, which has two locations in Jupiter and Wellington, Florida. Since 2011, Dr. Varghese-Goldman has been a full-time specialist in phlebology at the practice. 

Dr. Varghese-Goldman received her undergraduate degree from Indiana University in 1994 and then completed her medical studies at Ross University of Medicine, receiving her Doctor of Medicine in 1999.

Upon graduation from medical school, Dr. Varghese-Goldman attended Loyola University/West Suburban Medical Center for her internal medicine residency, which she completed in 2002. In 2003, Dr. Varghese received and has continued to maintain her board certification in internal medicine. Dr. Varghese-Goldman is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and maintains full staff privileges at both Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens Medical Centers. She is also a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT).

Dr. Varghese-Goldman demonstrates expertise and commitment to treating venous disorders, such as spider veins, varicose veins, venous stasis ulcers, and deep venous thrombosis. Dr. Varghese-Goldman offers a variety of comprehensive non-surgical, highly effective methods for treating these conditions, including endovenous ablation techniques and sclerotherapy.

At the Goldman Vein Institute, Dr. Varghese-Goldman exclusively provides effective, minimally invasive, state-of-the-art treatments for venous ablation, such as ultrasound foamed and visually guided sclerotherapy, as well as endovenous laser thermal-ablation. Dr. Varghese-Goldman prides herself on providing her patients with both compassionate, thorough, and expert care.

Dr. Varghese-Goldman and her staff maintain the highest credentials, treatment modalities, and patient care standards at the Goldman Vein Institute, by staying abreast of the latest developments in phlebology.

Are you ready to get back on your feet and experience life free of varicose and spider veins? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Goldman or Dr. Varghese-Goldman of the Goldman Vein Institute today! Simply call the office or book an appointment online.

Saluja Varghese-Goldman, MD, RVT, RPVI, is a board certified vein and vascular specialist at Goldman Vein Institute, which has two locations in Jupiter and Wellington, Florida. Since 2011, Dr. Varghese-Goldman has been a full-time specialist in phlebology at the practice. 

Dr. Varghese-Goldman received her undergraduate degree from Indiana University in 1994 and then completed her medical studies at Ross University of Medicine, receiving her Doctor of Medicine in 1999.

Upon graduation from medical school, Dr. Varghese-Goldman attended Loyola University/West Suburban Medical Center for her internal medicine residency, which she completed in 2002. In 2003, Dr. Varghese received and has continued to maintain her board certification in internal medicine. Dr. Varghese-Goldman is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and maintains full staff privileges at both Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens Medical Centers. She is also a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT).

Dr. Varghese-Goldman demonstrates expertise and commitment to treating venous disorders, such as spider veins, varicose veins, venous stasis ulcers, and deep venous thrombosis. Dr. Varghese-Goldman offers a variety of comprehensive non-surgical, highly effective methods for treating these conditions, including endovenous ablation techniques and sclerotherapy.

At the Goldman Vein Institute, Dr. Varghese-Goldman exclusively provides effective, minimally invasive, state-of-the-art treatments for venous ablation, such as ultrasound foamed and visually guided sclerotherapy, as well as endovenous laser thermal-ablation. Dr. Varghese-Goldman prides herself on providing her patients with both compassionate, thorough, and expert care.

Dr. Varghese-Goldman and her staff maintain the highest credentials, treatment modalities, and patient care standards at the Goldman Vein Institute, by staying abreast of the latest developments in phlebology.

Are you ready to get back on your feet and experience life free of varicose and spider veins? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Goldman or Dr. Varghese-Goldman of the Goldman Vein Institute today! Simply call the office or book an appointment online.

Brittany Story, MD, started with Rockwall Surgical Specialists in 2024. She sees patients at their locations in Rowlett and Rockwall, Texas. Dr. Story specializes in robotic surgery and performs all general surgery, including thyroid, gallbladder, intestinal, hernia repair, and many other procedures. 

Dr. Story grew up in Winnsboro, Texas. She graduated from Rice University in Houston, Texas, where she played for the women’s basketball team. She then attended Texas A&M College of Medicine and completed her surgical training at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. During her time at Baylor University Medical Center, Dr. Story researched diversity in surgical training in an ongoing effort to ensure a surgical workforce that is representative of the patient population.

Outside of work Dr. Story enjoys spending time with her husband and children. She enjoys all sports, particularly basketball and golf. She also enjoys spending time on the lake fishing. 

Brittany Story, MD, started with Rockwall Surgical Specialists in 2024. She sees patients at their locations in Rowlett and Rockwall, Texas. Dr. Story specializes in robotic surgery and performs all general surgery, including thyroid, gallbladder, intestinal, hernia repair, and many other procedures. 

Dr. Story grew up in Winnsboro, Texas. She graduated from Rice University in Houston, Texas, where she played for the women’s basketball team. She then attended Texas A&M College of Medicine and completed her surgical training at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. During her time at Baylor University Medical Center, Dr. Story researched diversity in surgical training in an ongoing effort to ensure a surgical workforce that is representative of the patient population.

Outside of work Dr. Story enjoys spending time with her husband and children. She enjoys all sports, particularly basketball and golf. She also enjoys spending time on the lake fishing. 

Eugenio Rodriguez, MD, is an experienced wound care specialist practicing at Wound Care Associates, located in Delray Beach, Florida. Relying on his years of experience and keen medical expertise, Dr. Rodriguez provides comprehensive care for trauma, burns, and a myriad of other severe injuries. 

Dr. Rodriguez completed his undergraduate education at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, where he graduated magna cum laude with a degree in biology/pre-med. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Puerto Rico in 1986, again graduating magna cum laude. 

After graduating, Dr. Rodriguez completed his postgraduate training at the San Juan Veteran Affairs Medical Center and the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus. Soon after, he relocated to Florida, where he completed a clinical and research fellowship in trauma at Tampa General Hospital under Alexander Rosemurgy, MD. 

Today, Dr. Rodriguez is certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Wound Medicine and Surgery. He is also an integral part of the trauma and surgical team at Delray Medical Center, which is one of four Level 1 trauma centers in the South Florida area. As part of this team, Dr. Rodriguez has the opportunity to care for some of South Florida's most critical patients.

Using the most advanced technology in the operating room when working with trauma victims, Dr. Rodriguez can find effective solutions for patients with chronic wounds that typically stay open or take several years to close in an outpatient setting. 

At Wound Care Associates, Dr. Rodriguez leverages the extraordinary skills and expertise he's acquired as a trauma surgeon to help patients living with intricate wound care needs. 

Dr. Leacroft Green is a specialist in Otolaryngology and Plastic Surgery and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Brookdale Hospital Medical Center and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. He received his medical degree from Yale University School of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years. Dr. Green has extensive experience in treating all aspects of ear, nose and throat diseases and disorders in children and adults, he is also trained in neck and head surgery. Dr. Green’s goal is to provide each and every one of his patients with best care possible so that each concern is addressed and treated according to the highest standards of care.

Dr. Leacroft Green is a specialist in Otolaryngology and Plastic Surgery and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Brookdale Hospital Medical Center and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. He received his medical degree from Yale University School of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years. Dr. Green has extensive experience in treating all aspects of ear, nose and throat diseases and disorders in children and adults, he is also trained in neck and head surgery. Dr. Green’s goal is to provide each and every one of his patients with best care possible so that each concern is addressed and treated according to the highest standards of care.

Brad Carofino, MD is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in Shoulder and upper extremity surgery.  Dr. Carofino is among a small number of orthopaedic surgeons in the country with dual fellowship training in both Shoulder Surgery and Hand Surgery, which allows him to care for the entire spectrum of upper extremity injuries. He is also the only surgeon in the Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, Virginia areas who has completed a Shoulder surgery fellowship.

A regional leader in shoulder surgery, Dr. Carofino currently performs over 200-250 shoulder replacements per year. This is the highest volume of any surgeon in the Hampton Road’s area and among the top 5% nationally. Dr. Carofino is also highly skilled in minimally invasive shoulder surgeries such as rotator cuff repairs, labral repairs and superior capsular reconstruction. His surgical practice attracts patients from throughout the state of Virginia as well as out of state.

Dr. Carofino is the Head Orthopedic Team Physician for the Norfolk Tides and serves as an area consultant to several Universities and High Schools for expert shoulder and elbow opinons. He frequently treats shoulder and upper extremity injuries in high-level athletes who play baseball, volleyball, football, tennis, lacrosse, and swim. In addition to his surgical treatments, he offers professionally guided accelerated rehabilitation programs.

Clinical research is a passion of Dr. Carofino’s and he is committed to developing better techniques to treat shoulder and upper extremity injuries. He has presented his research at national and international meetings and is involved in educational programs to teach advanced shoulder surgery techniques to other physicians. Dr. Carofino has also served as a reviewer for The Bone & Joint Journal and Clinical Orthopaedics and Realted Research.

When not working with his patients, Dr. Carofino enjoys spending time with his family, surfing and working on his terrible golf game.

Brad Carofino, MD is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in Shoulder and upper extremity surgery.  Dr. Carofino is among a small number of orthopaedic surgeons in the country with dual fellowship training in both Shoulder Surgery and Hand Surgery, which allows him to care for the entire spectrum of upper extremity injuries. He is also the only surgeon in the Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, Virginia areas who has completed a Shoulder surgery fellowship.

A regional leader in shoulder surgery, Dr. Carofino currently performs over 200-250 shoulder replacements per year. This is the highest volume of any surgeon in the Hampton Road’s area and among the top 5% nationally. Dr. Carofino is also highly skilled in minimally invasive shoulder surgeries such as rotator cuff repairs, labral repairs and superior capsular reconstruction. His surgical practice attracts patients from throughout the state of Virginia as well as out of state.

Dr. Carofino is the Head Orthopedic Team Physician for the Norfolk Tides and serves as an area consultant to several Universities and High Schools for expert shoulder and elbow opinons. He frequently treats shoulder and upper extremity injuries in high-level athletes who play baseball, volleyball, football, tennis, lacrosse, and swim. In addition to his surgical treatments, he offers professionally guided accelerated rehabilitation programs.

Clinical research is a passion of Dr. Carofino’s and he is committed to developing better techniques to treat shoulder and upper extremity injuries. He has presented his research at national and international meetings and is involved in educational programs to teach advanced shoulder surgery techniques to other physicians. Dr. Carofino has also served as a reviewer for The Bone & Joint Journal and Clinical Orthopaedics and Realted Research.

When not working with his patients, Dr. Carofino enjoys spending time with his family, surfing and working on his terrible golf game.

Yaqub Baraki, M.D is a board certified general surgeon specializing in cosmetic surgery. Dr. Baraki completed his General Surgery Residency at St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. He then received his diploma in Facial Plastic, and Cosmetic Surgery from the University of Chicago. Dr. Baraki strives to create natural looking facial and body rejuvenations. He balances artistry with science and surgical skill to create beautiful results for all of his patients.

“I believe that each patient’s body and facial features are unique. Corrections are tailored to the individual need. The principles of medical ethics, compassion, patient safety and high quality patient care are important to me. It is my aim to provide excellence in facial and body aesthetic services."

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Biology, California State University Northridge 1997
• Doctor of Medicine, SMU School of Medicine, 1998-2002
• General Surgery Internship and Residency, St. Agnes Hospital, Baltimore MD 2003-2008
• Facial Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery fellowship, University of Chicago 2008-2009

Membership

• American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
• American College of Surgeons
• American Medical Association

Hospital Affiliations

• INOVA Loudoun
• Fair Oaks Hospital
• Fairfax Hospital
• Suburban Hospital

Licensure

• Virginia
• Maryland
  

Dr. Meka received training in venous valve repairs, deep venous reconstructions, perforators ablations during medical school. During her General Surgery training at Memorial Health University in Georgia, she developed core vascular surgery operating skills. She also presented and published several vascular papers during her residency. She then completed advanced training in endovascular techniques during her vascular surgery fellowship. Dr. Meka completed her Vascular Surgery Fellowship at the University of Arkansas in 2011. After Fellowship, Dr. Meka worked as a consulting vascular surgeon at Harris Methodist hospital in Texas. Following this, she took academic vascular surgery position at VA Medical Center in Phoenix, in affiliation with Banner University Medical Center. She holds a position as Clinical Asst. Professor and is double board-certified by the American Board of Vascular Surgery and American Board of Vascular Medicine.

Jordan Richardson, DPM of Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center in Phoenix and Maricopa, Arizona received his bachelor’s degree at Arizona State University and his doctorate from Western University of Health Sciences, College of Podiatric Medicine in Pomona, California.

 

Dr. Richardson was born and raised in Arizona and loves the desert. He completed a three-year podiatric and surgical residency with reconstructive rearfoot and ankle certification at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah. During residency training, he spent time training with top-tier surgeons and physicians. Training all aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery including reconstructive diabetic limb salvage, foot and ankle trauma, and sports medicine. He is well trained in both conservative and surgical approaches to podiatric care and believes in putting his patient’s needs first.

 

Prior to a career in medicine, Dr. Richardson acquired many skills from careers as a veterinary technician, police aide, and home automation. However, he found his passion in podiatry and caring for patients. Outside of work, he can be found spending time with his wife and five children. He also enjoys working on cars, cooking, playing guitar, and outdoor recreation. 

Jordan Richardson, DPM of Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center in Phoenix and Maricopa, Arizona received his bachelor’s degree at Arizona State University and his doctorate from Western University of Health Sciences, College of Podiatric Medicine in Pomona, California.

 

Dr. Richardson was born and raised in Arizona and loves the desert. He completed a three-year podiatric and surgical residency with reconstructive rearfoot and ankle certification at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah. During residency training, he spent time training with top-tier surgeons and physicians. Training all aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery including reconstructive diabetic limb salvage, foot and ankle trauma, and sports medicine. He is well trained in both conservative and surgical approaches to podiatric care and believes in putting his patient’s needs first.

 

Prior to a career in medicine, Dr. Richardson acquired many skills from careers as a veterinary technician, police aide, and home automation. However, he found his passion in podiatry and caring for patients. Outside of work, he can be found spending time with his wife and five children. He also enjoys working on cars, cooking, playing guitar, and outdoor recreation.