Meet the Team
To learn more about our program and how we can help, please call us at (805) 332-8446.
Dr. McCloskey is an experienced bariatric surgeon and has performed more than 2,000 bariatric surgery procedures over the last ten years. She performs a wide range of surgery procedures; in addition to minimally invasive gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy surgeries, she offers advanced techniques in hernia repair, anti-reflux surgeries, and routine general surgery. She emphasizes minimally invasive and laparoscopic techniques that reduce pain and shorten recovery times.
Dr. McCloskey received her medical degree from University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and went on to complete her surgery residency at University of Pittsburgh as well. She performed an additional year of fellowship at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in minimally invasive bariatric and general surgery, making her an expert in this field. Dr. McCloskey is Board Certified in Surgery since 2006. She joined the Weight Loss Surgery Institute of the Central Coast team in 2015. She serves as the Medical Director.
Kim Blanton, BSN, RN
Kim Blanton is our Bariatric Nurse Program Coordinator. She has been a nurse for more than 19 years and has experience in multiple fields of nursing including; Administration, Critical Care, Telemetry, Antepartum, and Med Surg. As the Bariatric Nurse Coordinator she has extensive training regarding the care of the morbidly obese and bariatric surgical patients.
Kim completed her BSN at Holy Names University in Oakland, Ca. Kim carries certifications in Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. She is excited to be part of the Bariatric multi-disciplinary team and enjoys helping patients achieve their goals with weight loss and improving their overall health.
Andrea Hughes, MS, RDN, CDCES
Andrea has been a registered dietitian for over 20 years and now she works exclusively at the Weight Loss Surgery Institute of the Central Coast on the multidisciplinary bariatric team with our patients. Andrea graduated from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science and Nutrition, two Master of Science degrees from Mississippi State University and earned and maintained certification in diabetes over 15 years ago. Andrea has worked in many healthcare settings from 15 years exclusively in pregnancy and in various fields of nutrition; head-start to hospice and management.
Currently, Andrea works with our patients both before and after surgery, teaching them about the unique nutritional needs pre and post metabolic bariatric surgery. Andrea’s goal is to help patients feel comfortable with their bariatric care while assisting patients to confidently use their weight loss “tool” for success and maintenance as well as to provide support long-term for optimal health and nutrition.
Norma Lagattuta, PA-C
Norma Lagattuta is a local physician assistant who earned her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from A.T. Still University. She believes in a patient centered approach in evaluating and implementing evidence-based interventions for optimal weight management. She is passionate about empowering individuals on their weight loss journeys by providing individualized treatment plans and fostering a compassionate healthcare environment. She is committed to establishing trustful relationships with patients, promoting open communication, and working alongside a comprehensive integrated care team to promote health equity.
Learn More
To learn more about our program and how we can help, please call (805) 332-8446.