Nationally Recognized Bariatric Surgeon Joins Center for Surgical Weight Control at Garden Grove Hospital; Dr. Carson Liu Brings Next Generation LAP-BAND(R) Adjustable Gastric Banding Expertise to Local-Area Patients.

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. -- The Center for Surgical Weight Control at Garden Grove Hospital today announced that Dr. Carson Liu, a board-certified and nationally recognized bariatric and gastrointestinal expert, has joined as its new medical director. Most recently seen on Good Morning America, Entertainment Tonight and in the Los Angeles Times, Dr. Liu is one of Southern California's most experienced LAP-BAND(R) surgeons, successfully performing more than 2,000 weight loss procedures including gastric bypass surgery and the state-of-the-art LAP-BAND procedure.

In his new position, Dr. Liu will perform both gastric bypass surgery as well as the LAP-BAND adjustable gastric banding procedure, in which an inflatable, prosthetic ring is applied to narrow the stomach opening and limit food intake for severely overweight patients. He is one of only a handful of bariatric surgeons nationwide who specialize in gastric banding, a safer, less invasive and reversible alternative to gastric bypass surgery.

"I am thrilled to join the talented and dedicated patient care team at the Center for Surgical Weight Control at Garden Grove Hospital," says Liu. "By expanding our bariatric program we can fulfill a great need for Southern California, and I believe the addition of the state-of-the-art LAP-BAND procedure will help potential patients control their weight and greatly improve or eliminate the dangerous risks associated with obesity, especially if these signs are recognized at an early stage."

Among his numerous medical distinctions and professional honors, Dr. Liu was the Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery for the UCLA School of Medicine in 2003, where he conducted research and published studies on gastrointestinal hormones, intestinal absorption and pancreatic cancer. Dr. Liu has also researched robotic minimally invasive surgery for diabetes and obesity, in addition to studying the scientific differences and similarities between laparoscopic and open gastric bypass.

Prior to joining the Center for Surgical Weight Control at Garden Grove Hospital, Dr. Liu served as the medical director of the Minimally Invasive Bariatric Surgery at Century City Hospital in Los Angeles for three years. He has also served as staff surgeon and director of the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at West Los Angeles Veterans Hospital.

About The Center for Surgical Weight Control at Garden Grove Hospital

The Center for Surgical Weight Control at Garden Grove Hospital offers the latest innovations in personalized surgical weight control. The Center features a 3,700 square foot facility supported by highly qualified specialists that develop personalized treatment plans to help patients that are 100 pounds or more overweight successfully achieve their weight loss goals. Comprehensive programs feature preoperative consultations, ongoing patient education, insurance and financial coordination as well as support groups and follow-up care.

Garden Grove Hospital is owned by Tenet Healthcare Corporation, who, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates acute care hospitals and related health care services. Tenet's hospitals aim to provide the best possible care to every patient who comes through their doors, with a clear focus on quality and service. For additional information about Garden Grove Hospital and the Center for Surgical Weight Control at the Grove, please log onto www.gardengrovehospital.com/weightloss or call [phone].