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Deron Ludwig, M.D.
Erik Simchuk, M.D.
North Valley Surgical Associates
251 Cohasset Road, Suite 310
Chico, CA 95926
Phone: 530-891-1651
Fax: 530-891-1644
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Patient Testimonials
"Gastric bypass is a wonderful tool to regain control of your life, your health and your happiness. It has been a 100% positive experience for me and I have nothing but praise and a thank you to offer Dr. Ludwig, his staff and Enloe Hospital. Oh yeah, my horse says thanks, too!"
Deborah
"Since the surgery and losing 155 pounds, I have an active and happy life. I have energy, am able to move around easily, and no longer in pain. I enjoy walks and am able and look forward to exercise and other physical activities, like gardening. I feel better about myself, am proud at what I have accomplished, and am no longer depressed. I am healthier – no longer diabetic and reduced my blood pressure medicine in half. I no longer feel hungry all the time. I have learned to eat healthier foods and correct proportions. My food and clothes went to zero and now have fresh start in my kitchen and my wardrobe. I look forward to a fun and rewarding life because of the decision to have the surgery and take better care of myself."
Carol
About North Valley Surgical Associates —
Award-winning Patient Care, Knowledgeable Staff
At North Valley Surgical Associates, we share one common goal — to help each and every one of our patients live healthier and happier lives. Dr. Deron Ludwig and Dr. Erik Simchuk are experienced surgeons who understand the problems that individuals struggling with obesity face and how difficult it can be to make the decision to undergo bariatric surgery. Since 2001, we have been dedicated to helping patients understand the issues surrounding obesity, as well as providing them with state-of-the-art treatments and personal support to help them reach their weight-loss goals.
Our practice offers the unique feature of every operation being performed by both surgeons working together. At many other institutions it is common practice to have the surgeon working with a technician or nurse assistant. We feel it is important to our patients to have the skills of two surgeons working together to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Deron J. Ludwig, M.D., Successful Solutions Surgical Director – Dr. Ludwig is a graduate of Loma Linda University School of Medicine and has returned to Chico to practice both general and bariatric surgery. Dr. Ludwig spent three years as a staff surgeon at Keesler Medical Center, Biloxi, Mississippi with the US Air Force. Dr. Ludwig underwent surgical training in general and bariatric surgery at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, Washington. As an accomplished laparoscopic surgeon, Dr. Ludwig performs all weight loss surgeries offered at Enloe Medical Center laparoscopically. Dr. Ludwig is a member of ASBS and a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons.
Organizations / Memberships
- Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract
- Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons
- American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
- American College of Surgeons
- American Society for Bariatric Surgery
- Obesityhelp.com sponsor
- Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society
Erik J. Simchuk, M.D., Successful Solutions Program Surgeon – Dr. Simchuk is a graduate of Dartmouth Medical School in Hanover, N.H. He underwent surgical training in general and bariatric surgery at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, finishing his chief resident year in June 2000. Dr. Simchuk undertook a fellowship in upper gastrointestinal surgery at the Bristol Royal Infirmary in Bristol, England in 2000 and 2001. He joined Deron J. Ludwig, M.D., Surgeon and Program Surgical Director for Successful Solutions, in practice in September 2007 after practicing in Loveland, Colorado for six years. Dr. Simchuk performs all weight-loss operations laparoscopically and provides other advanced laparoscopic treatments to the greater community. He is board-certified in general surgery and maintains active memberships in the American College of Surgeons, the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, and the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons.
Organizations / Memberships
- Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract
- Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons
- American College of Surgeons
Doctors Ludwig and Simchuk work with an amazing team of friendly healthcare professionals who are committed to delivering exceptional care and helping patients feel comfortable throughout their course of treatment. Our staff has undergone special training in meeting the physical and psychological needs of bariatric patients. Their personal and caring approach, coupled with their extensive training and experience, has helped our practice earn recognition as a Center of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation.
Kathy H., R.N., B.S.N., O.N.C., C.B.N. — Program Coordinator for Successful Solutions
Kathy cares for patients in the office as well as at the hospital and takes part in training hospital staff in bariatric care. Kathy has taken care of bariatric patients since 1998 and joined Successful Solutions in 2005 as the first nurse for the program. Kathy is dedicated to continually improving patient satisfaction and helping patients succeed at every stage of their care, from initial contact, throughout the pre- and post-operative process, and after surgery as they adjust to their new lifestyles.
Dana R., R.N.
Dana has more than eight years of experience in caring for bariatric patients in the hospital setting. She takes care of our patients in both the office and hospital setting, in addition to teaching patients about the lifestyle changes they need to incorporate after surgery in order to achieve the most successful weight-loss and weight-management results. Patients love Dana's professional and caring demeanor.
Sheila O., R.N., B.S.N.
Sheila has been taking care of the bariatric patients at Enloe Medical Center in the ICU and CCU for the past 20 years. She is passionate about the care and long-term success of her patients, and she strives to meet their changing needs in the pre- and post-operation education classes. Sheila has been instrumental in the process of adding evening classes in response to our patient’s requests.
Jennifer K. — Office Manager
Jennifer keeps the office running smoothly by overseeing all the details necessary for patient success and satisfaction during their pre- and post-op visits. Patients feel at ease in her presence, as she brings years of compassion and experience to the care of the morbidly obese.
Kimberly M. — Medical Receptionist / Surgical Coordinator
Kimberly is more than simply the person who greets our patients when they first call our office. She schedules all surgical and pre- and post-op appointments, including consultations, classes, and tests. Patients are made to feel at-ease by her caring attitude and genuine interest in their success in the program.
Nicole M. — Business Office
Nicole handles all of the financial needs of the practice and patients. She has many years of experience in medical offices and is intimately familiar with the financial challenges many of our patients face. Nicole offers solutions to help patients obtain funding whenever possible.
Courtney W. — Insurance Coordinator
Courtney works with multiple insurance companies and is knowledgeable of the ever-changing requirements in the fast paced, dynamic medical insurance industry. She is able to juggle the demands of our busy phone lines, patient visits, and insurance details while making the patients feel that they are the most important part of the process.
Beth is a registered dietician with a vibrant, enthusiastic, professional commitment to helping our patients succeed. Before surgery, she provides patients with nutritional evaluations and begins their journey of education about the diet and lifestyle changes necessary for long-term success. Beth also offers one-on-one counseling after surgery.
About North Valley Surgical Associates
At North Valley Surgical Associates, our extensive knowledge, training, and experience, combined with exceptional surgical results and outstanding patient support, have helped us to become one of the most trusted weight-loss clinics in Northern California. Because of this, we have been recognized as a Center of Excellence by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) and the American Society for Bariatric Surgery. We are extremely proud of this distinction, which is shared with a few select bariatric practices in the nation.
Our surgeons and staff are committed to leading the way for obesity treatment and patient advocacy. We believe patient education is essential to successful weight loss. We hold an initial bariatric surgery consultation session each week, where patients can meet Dr. Ludwig and Dr. Simchuk face-to-face in a spacious and comfortable conference room. During the consult session, prospective patients can watch a presentation about the nature of obesity and the surgical support programs we provide as part of the treatment process.
We also believe that the success our patients experience is a direct result of the advanced surgical treatments we offer, which are backed by support programs emphasizing education, nutrition, and exercise. In our greatest effort to optimize patient outcomes, we have designed a comprehensive weight-loss program called Successful Solutions, which focuses on the various physical and psychological issues that are associated with excess weight.
It is no wonder that so many patients suffering from obesity have trusted in North Valley Surgical Associates to help them reach their weight-loss goals. Find out for yourself what sets us apart from other bariatric clinics. Contact our practice today to schedule an appointment with one of our reputable surgeons.
Our Bariatric Surgery Procedures
Our practice provides a variety of advanced weight-loss surgical solutions to help patients achieve a healthier, fitter lifestyle. They use the latest tools and techniques for the most successful weight-loss results. We offer such bariatric procedures as:
- Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery
- LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band surgery
- Revision bariatric surgery
We also offer vertical sleeve gastrectomy to select patients. Dr. Simchuk has also received intensive training in laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgery in the upper gastrointestinal areas. Please contact our practice to learn more about the state-of-the-art procedures we offer.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Experienced Surgeons
Dr. Deron Ludwig and Dr. Erik Simchuk are knowledgeable, trustworthy surgeons who are dedicated to providing weight-loss procedures and patient care of only the highest quality. Contact our practice today to schedule an initial consultation with our bariatric surgeons.