About Us

Bobby Bhasker Rao, M.D, F.A.C.S

Dr. Bobby Bhaskar Rao earned his degree in Medicine from the Loma Linda University School of Medicine in Loma Linda, CA. He then completed his residency at Brookdale University Hospital & Medical Center in New York, NY. He furthered his education with a Fellowship at the University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA., where he trained with world-renowned surgeons and was a Clinical Instructor of Surgery.

Dr. Bobby is a key opinion leader and innovator in robotic bariatric surgery. He utilizes the da Vinci Robotic Surgical system to perform surgical procedures with high precision and fewer complications. Due to his vast experience and knowledge in this field, he trains and educates other bariatric surgeons.

Dr. Bobby currently holds memberships in the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) and the American Medical Association (AMA).

Courtney Pogue, M.S, R.D.N

Courtney Pogue is a registered dietitian practicing Bariatric Nutrition since 2014. As a registered dietitian, Courtney has met national standards such as completing a Bachelor's Degree, going through a specialized training program, doing internship training, and passing a registration exam.

She focuses on making small changes in the diet at each visit to help the patient achieve their goal weight, keeping in mind food preferences. She works with patients in preparation for their weight loss surgery and post-surgery to help them keep their weight.

Courtney also moderates Eisenhower's monthly weight loss surgery support groups that are held the second Monday of every month from 6:30-8:00 pm in the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences on the Eisenhower Hospital Campus.

Kate McClain, M.S, R.D.N

Kate McClain received her Bachelor’s of Science with an emphasis in Nutrition at Chico State University, California and her Master’s of Science and Nutrition from University at Buffalo, New York. She has been practicing as a Bariatric Dietitian since 2009 where she focuses on nutrition education and behavioral support to ensure long-term success.

“The best part of my job is seeing the role nutrition plays in improving the quality of life, health and self-esteem of an individual.”

Heather Lewis, FNP-C

Dr. Heather Lewis is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years of experience in the nursing profession. She graduated with an Associate Degree in Nursing from Mt. San Jacinto College in 1993 as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. In 2002, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from California State University, San Bernardino, graduating with a minor in Paralegal Studies, and also works as a certified Legal Nurse Consultant.

She then completed two Advance Practice Degrees at Chamberlain College of Nursing; a Master of Science in Nursing Education in 2014 and Family Nurse Practitioner in 2016. She is Board Certified in Family Practice with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Most recently she completed her Doctorate of Nursing Practice with Aspen University in 2023.

Dr. Lewis is an active member of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and plays a big role in our team: checks on our patient's pre-bariatric and post-bariatric surgery at one-month visits and beyond. She works hand-in-hand with Courtney and Kate to promote a healthy lifestyle for long-term weight loss success.

Damir Donlagic

Damir is a certified personal trainer and a certified nutritional coach with a passion for helping others achieve their personal fitness goals and transformations. Being a part of this field is very personal to Damir, as he personally has lost and successfully kept off over a 100lbs himself. His personal journey of transforming his own health inspired him to enter this field, driven by a feeling of empathy and understanding towards the journeys of his own clients and the mission of helping others achieve their own personal health and fitness goals.
Damir teaches an online exercise class twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:00pm - 6:00pm. If you have had surgery with Dr. Bobby and want to attend this class, please contact our office to get the link to log in.

Meet the Team

Our State-of-the-art Office

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