EMMC’s Surgical Weight Loss Program (SWLP) formed in 2002 and was recognized as a Center of Excellence with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery between 2005 and 2009. In 2009 we became accredited as a Level 1A Bariatric Center with the American College of Surgeons.
Through nutrition, rehabilitation and psychology the SWLP has provided a thorough, multidisciplinary approach to Bariatric surgery. We offer information, education and support before, during and after surgery. Our team consists of experienced surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered dietitians, a specialized nursing staff, physical therapists, pulmonologists, licensed counselors and clinical psychologists and equipment to meet our patients’ needs. Your complete evaluation will help us and you decide if surgery is the right choice for you.
Finding the Right Surgeon for You
View a chart of our Surgeons
Michelle Toder, MD, FACS
Medical Director SWLP of EMMC
Dr. Toder is a Center of Excellence recognized surgeon since 2005 and has been performing weight loss surgery in Maine since 1997. She received her undergraduate degree from Colby College, her medical school training from the University of Massachusetts, and completed a surgical residency at the University of Chicago. She is a board certified general surgeon and a member of both the American College of Surgeons as well as the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. She offers the most up-to-date technology including laparoscopic and robotic gastric bypass, gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy. She is teaching this technology both locally and globally. She offers minimally invasive acid reflux, hiatal hernia and abdominal wall hernia surgery. Lastly she maintains a busy breast practice offering the latest therapies for cancerous and non-cancerous breast disease including office based ultrasound, ultrasound guided biopsies, sentinel node procedures and standard breast operations.
Donald Clough, MD, FACS
Bariatric Surgeon
Dr. Clough is a Center of Excellence recognized surgeon since 2005 and has been performing weight loss surgery since 1979. He is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American College of Surgeons. He is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Clough provides a full range of general surgical services with particular interest and expertise in Bariatric surgery, laparoscopic hernia repair and laparoscopic approach to the treatment of GERD. Dr. Clough is a graduate of Albright College and Tufts Medical School.
Peter Huang, MD, FACS
Bariatric Surgeon
Dr. Huang is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American College of Surgeons. He has been performing weight loss surgery since 2003. He is a graduate of The University of Alabama School of Medicine with a fellowship in surgical oncology. He is extensively trained to evaluate and provide definitive surgical care for a broad range of malignant conditions. He has the extensive experience with the surgical treatment of pancreatic and hepatic malignancies, and is able to provide sentinel node procedures for both melanoma and breast cancer.
David Prescott, PH. D
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Prescott is a licensed clinical psychologist who in addition to consulting for the SWLP is Director of Psychology and Research at The Acadia Hospital. A graduate of Bowdoin College, he received his master’s degree and doctoral degree from the University of Nebraska and completed a pre-doctoral internship at Indiana University Medical Center. Dr. Prescott helps patients prepare mentally for the tough changes they will face after surgery looking at their level of preparedness, motivation, expectations, their support system and knowledge base with weight loss surgery. He has been working with the SWLP since 2002.
Bryan Fritzler, PH.D
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Fritzler is a licensed psychologist working at The Acadia Hospital. He consults for the SWLP, conducts inpatient and outpatient psychological and cognitive evaluations and provides psychotherapy services. He received his doctoral degree from the University of Maine and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas. He completed his pre-doctoral internship the Boston VAMC/Tufts. Dr. Fritzler works with patients to prepare them mentally for the changes brought on from surgery by addressing social support, expectations and patients overall weight loss surgery knowledge. Dr. Fritzler has been working with the SWLP since 2004.
Dayna Emerson, MS, RD, CDE
Bariatric Dietitian/Certified Diabetes Educator
Dayna completed her schooling at the University of Maine and has been providing Bariatric nutrition care to patients since 2002. She became a diabetes educator in 2005, a skill that she practices daily with her patients as many have diabetes before surgery. She is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Dayna prepares patients for the dietary and behavioral changes necessary for optimal weight loss success. After surgery she works with patients to evaluate daily food intake, monitor weight and body composition, metabolism testing to assess target calorie consumption and overall nutritional status. She teaches an information session on gastric bypass and runs the Wednesday weight loss surgery support group. She also co-facilitates a special support group for patients who are 9-months or more out from surgery and the Back on Track Class.
Amanda Poulin, RD, CDE
Bariatric Dietitian/Certified Diabetes Educator
Amanda completed her schooling at Illinois State University and at the Edward Hines, Jr. VA hospital in Chicago Illinois. She became a diabetes educator in 2004, a skill that she practices daily with her patients as many have diabetes before surgery. She is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and has been providing nutrition care to weight loss surgery patients since 2003. Amanda’s role is to provide nutrition counseling and support on the pre and postoperative meal plans. After surgery she works with patients to evaluate daily food intake, monitor weight and body composition changes, offers metabolism testing to assess target calorie consumption and monitors overall nutritional status. Additionally, Amanda teaches the adjustable band information session.
Lynn Bolduc, MS, RD, CDE
Clinical Coordinator, SWLP of EMMC
Lynn completed her schooling at the University of Maine and St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL. She is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and has been involved with Bariatric surgery since 1996. She received the Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year for Maine in 2002 and received the Katherine O. Musgrave Public Service Award in 2005 for her work promoting nutrition with weight loss surgery patients. Lynn helps with the process of weight loss surgery, including obtaining health information from your primary care physician and other healthcare professionals. She teaches information sessions on all types of weight loss surgeries and facilitates support group sessions as well. She is available for support and advice throughout the entire surgical process.
Maine Rehabilitation Outpatient Center (MROC)
Patients meet with a physical therapist to plan an activity program that readies the body for surgery which helps to minimize surgical risks. After surgery, and when the surgeon says it is ok to participate in an activity program, MROC therapists help create a program based upon each individual patients needs. SWLP patients are offered free use of the MROC-gym for 3-months once they are surgically cleared after weight loss surgery.