iVital weight loss, life & you!

As iVital’s Medical Director, Dr. Garza sets the standards for clinical performance and patient care within our Center.  In addition to consulting with our patients throughout their relationship with iVital, Dr. Garza also performs Diagnostic Evaluations and Lap–Band Adjustments (commonly referred to as "fills").

"I love my work at iVital.  I’m surrounded by a team of true professionals and together I know we are making a significant difference in people’s lives."

Dr. Garza is a board–certified primary care physician who specializes in bariatrics.  She is a native Texan, completing her undergraduate degree in Austin as well as her medical school and residency in Dallas/Fort Worth.  As medical director at iVital, Dr. Garza helps maintain the continuum of care for each and every patient – seeing every individual the first day at iVital, performing diagnostic evaluations, and coordinating\implementing personalized aftercare.  She joined iVital because of her passion for treating the cause of so many medical conditions seen in her 7 years of practicing medicine.  She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine, a member of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians, and an affiliate physician of the American Board of Metabolic & Bariatric Surgeons.

Dr. Cribbins specializes in bariatric, general and advanced laparoscopic surgery and has performed 1,000s of Lap–Band procedures.  In its edition of "Top Docs", D Magazine recognizes Dr. Cribbins as one of The Best Doctors in Dallas.

"My partnership with iVital has allowed me to increase my adoption of best practices in the laparoscopy field of surgery.  Now that I am surrounded by a team of doctors, nurses, advisors, advocates, nutritionists and general aftercare specialists I know that my patients are in great hands and can focus on what I do best – the safe and effective placement of the Lap–Band."

Dr. Cribbins attended medical school at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, where he graduated AOA (medical honor society) and won the Dr. J. Behan Prize for Outstanding Student in Surgery.  He completed his residency at The McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago in 2000, winning The Harold L. Method award for outstanding performance as a resident displaying surgical skill, empathy, and understanding towards patients and dedication to their care.  Dr. Cribbins is certified by the Texas State Board and National Boards of Medical Examiners as well as the American Board of Surgeons.  He is also a member of the American College of Surgeons, American Society for Bariatric Surgery and the Texas Medical Association.

Leslie’s role as an iVital Advisor is to determine the best weight loss plan for each patient by understanding their background and educating them on their health and iVital’s continuum of care developed around the Lap–Band procedure.  Leslie provides information and guidance to patients as part of the initial consultation and introduction to iVital.  She is instrumental in the development of each patients personalized MyVital Plan and helps each patient define and reach individual goals specific to them.

"I am passionate about helping others improve their health and quality of life.  It is important to me that every patient has all the information and support needed to make the personal decision to improve their life.  Working with patients to develop personalized plans, seeing them reach their goals and knowing they will never struggle with weight again is truly rewarding."

Leslie earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from Southeastern Louisiana University 2004, where she also graduated with a Bachelor of Science in General Studies 1999 including a concentration in Mass Communications and Computer Science.

Kathi plays an instrumental role in supporting iVital patients during their aftercare, ensuring each patient receives the information and guidance they require to be successful and healthy.  Kathi works with each patient to facilitate their progress and milestones within their MyVitalPlan™ including personalized solutions to enhance diet, exercise and overall quality of life.

"We have such a great team of professionals here at iVital, with a unique combination of talent.  It is extremely rewarding to work with iVital patients and celebrate with them as they lose their unwanted weight and regain their health.  I’m very proud of the time and attention I’m able to provide each person who comes to iVital.  Being a nurse has never been so much fun!"

Prior to iVital, Kathi’s clinical experience includes nurse supervisory positions in ICU, Orthopedics and Physical Rehab units.  Kathi developed diabetic and cardiac education programs for high risk patients, as well as coached and designed individualized weight management programs.  Kathi graduated from Texas Women’s University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with emphasis in Biology.