National Institute of Health and American College of Surgeons

Step 6: Continued Support for Ongoing Success

Emerson’s Center for Weight Loss is with you before, during, and long after your surgery. One of the hallmarks of successful bariatric care is to support patients throughout their life. Emerson’s team sees patients regularly to ensure continued success. If a patient hits a lull at any point after surgery, the team is happy to assess them and discuss options for continued success.

Dr. Doyon is specialty-trained in laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery for weight loss and upper digestive disorders, such as gastroesophageal reflux, hiatal hernias, and achalasia. She brings expertise in upper digestive health to enhance patients’ experience with bariatric surgery, and at times can treat more than one condition with a single procedure. She enjoys offering collaborative and individualized surgical care to create the greatest positive impact on a patient’s quality of life after surgery. Her compassionate and nonjudgmental approach to weight loss surgery reflects her commitment to her patients’ long term success.

Dr. Doyon is passionate about safety and quality of surgical procedures and is proud to offer care that exceeds national safety standards. She spearheaded the campaign at Emerson to enhance postoperative recovery with techniques that reduce the need for patients to use opioids for pain relief. Dr. Doyon specializes in laparoscopic bariatric surgery, sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, Duodenal Switch, SADI (Single anastomosis duodenal ileostomy) procedure, Revisional bariatric surgery, Anti-reflux surgery, Hiatal and Paraesophageal hernia repair, Nissen fundoplication, and Heller Myotomy.

Dr. Doyon received Boston Magazine’s Top Doctors award in 2021, 2022, and 2023. She was the first bariatric surgeon in Massachusetts and one of just a few in New England to be dual-boarded by the American Board of Obesity Medicine, which designates medical weight loss practitioners. She is an active member of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. She has received numerous awards recognizing her commitment and excellence in surgery and the art of the patient-doctor relationship. Dr. Doyon completed her surgical residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and fellowship training at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center. She presents at international medical conferences on the latest approaches to treating obesity.

As the Director of Emerson Health’s Center for Weight Loss, Dr. Lautz is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and successful outcomes of bariatric patients. As one of the highest volume bariatric surgeons in new England for the past 20 years, Dr.Lautz has performed over 6,000 bariatric procedures. He is highly-regarded as a revisional expert and attracts patients from throughout New England and beyond. Based on his expertise, many patients come to Dr. Lautz at the recommendation of other weight loss programs.

Dr. Lautz joined Emerson in 2012 to build its Center for Weight Loss, which is now the largest bariatric surgery program in New England. As the Chair of Surgery for Emerson Health, he is responsible for ensuring the highest-quality and safest care to all patients undergoing surgery at the hospital.

Prior to joining Emerson, he served as the Director of Bariatric Surgery at the Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital for nearly a decade. He earned his medical degree from the University of Chicago and completed his internship and residency in general surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. While at the Brigham, Dr. Lautz trained 14 minimally invasive surgical fellows, authored more than 50 peer reviewed publications, was an NIH funded researcher, and received two coveted Matsen Awards for teaching excellence. He has also participated in several regional and national quality improvement efforts in bariatric surgery, including serving as a member of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Betsy Lehman Center Expert Panel on Bariatric Surgery as well as a founding member of the governing committee of the American College of Surgeons Bariatric Surgery Center Network.

Patients praise Dr. Lautz for his ability to understand their health and lifestyle challenges, listen closely, and provide expert insights and trusted experience to achieve their goals. He has received numerous awards for his deep commitment to patient care. These include:
The Partners in Excellence Award from Partners HealthCare, Compassionate Caregiver Award Honorable Mention from the Kenneth B. Schwartz Center for Compassionate Care, the Most Compassionate Doctor Award, and the vitals.com National Patient’s Choice Award. In addition, he earned the Boston Magazine Top Doctors award in 2023.

Dr. Lautz has tremendous experience performing a variety of bariatric procedures and specializes in the following: Bariatric surgery revisions, bariatric surgery, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and laparoscopic duodenal switch. Several of the procedures he offers in revisional surgery are not offered anywhere else in New England, including distalization of a gastric bypass and conversion of a gastric bypass to a duodenal switch.

Step 1: Free Info Session

Our comprehensive program begins with a free virtual information session where you’ll learn all about the different weight-loss surgery options available to you. You’ll receive detailed literature and a confidential questionnaire to complete prior to your initial consultation.

Step 5: Your Recovery

Recovery varies depending on the individual, as well as which procedure is performed. Most patients resume normal activities within two to three weeks of surgery. Light exercise such as walking is encouraged within three to four weeks of your operation, limited only by any discomfort you feel. You shouldn’t lift anything over ten pounds for the first six weeks after surgery. Full recovery is expected between three to six weeks.

Step 4: On the Day of Surgery

On the day of your surgery, your weight-loss surgeon will walk you through the entire operation and answer any remaining questions. Emerson’s bariatric surgeons use a minimally invasive technique in which ¼- to ½-inch incisions are created and long-handled instruments are used. This laparoscopic method is associated with faster recovery, less pain and less scarring. You can expect to spend one to two nights in the hospital, depending on the type of bariatric surgery you’re having.

Step 3: Before Surgery

A few days before surgery, you’ll meet with your surgical team again to review the procedure and learn what to expect during your hospital stay and the following two weeks. Our staff will also address any remaining questions or concerns you or your family may have. In addition, you’ll have a preoperative appointment with the anesthesia staff to evaluate any anesthesia concerns.

Step 2: Your Initial Consultation

At the initial consultation appointment, our team of specialists will assess if weight-loss surgery is right for you. If the answer’s yes, we’ll guide you through choosing the most appropriate surgical option. Then we’ll schedule your pre-surgery appointments and ensure you meet any other insurance requirements.

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