Medical Director

Dr. Vafa Shayani is an award-winning bariatric surgeon who truly cares about the success of each and every one of his patients.  Dr. Shayani has been elected to Castle Connolly Medical’s Chicago Metro Area Top Doctors several times. Additionally, he was honored with the Golden Apple Award for Outstanding University-wide Teaching Resident and the Ralph G. DePalma Award for Excellence in Surgical Research.

Dr. Vafa Shayani is a pioneer in gastric banding surgery. He started performing LAP-BAND surgery soon after its FDA approval in 2001, making him one of the first surgeons in the United States to perform this procedure.  He is one of the experienced banding surgeons in the Chicago region having placed over 1,200 LAP-BANDS over the past 10 years. 

Dr. Shayani’s extensive experience and successful outcomes led to his status as a “Proctor”, training other surgeons across the country on the LAP-BAND system. He has been approved by Surgical Review Corporation as an Individual Surgeon with Bariatric Center of Excellence designation.

Recognized for his expertise in minimally invasive surgeries, Dr. Shayani is asked to speak at presentations across the country. He has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and has authored several textbook chapters.

Dr. Shayani is a member of several medical societies including American College of Surgeons, American Society for Bariatric Surgeons, Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons, Midwest Surgical Association, Illinois Association of Bariatric Surgeons, and holds leadership positions in many of these organizations.

Program Coordinator & Registered Dietitian

Tina Musselman is a registered dietitian and board certified clinical nutritionist. She has been helping individuals achieve personal health and weight loss for over eight years utilizing a multidisciplinary approach. She is dedicated to a holistic approach to the treatment of obesity, recognizing that obesity is not a one dimensional disease. Her role extends from patient education to coordinating our team of professionals. She ensures that your needs are met throughout your treatment program. She provides ongoing support to all patients through monthly support group, blogging, and individual nutrition plans.

Her expertise extends beyond Franciscan St. James. She has been named one of five Dietitian Proctors, training other professionals across the country on nutrition and the LAP-BAND system. She presents regularly on the disease of obesity and obesity surgery including Allergan’s Total Care, local dietetic associations and the Illinois Counseling Association.  In addition, her views on obesity discrimination and sensitivity have been published in Illinois Counselor Magazine.

Tina received a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Masters of Arts in Counseling, Marriage and Family Concentration, from Governors State University. In addition, she is certified in child, adolescent and adult weight management by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

Registered Medical Assistant

Tiffany Davis received her Associates degree in Applied Health from Robert Morris College. As a registered medical assistant, Tiffany has been caring for patients for over three years. She works closely with each one of our patients, before and after surgery. Tiffany will help you learn about insurance coverage for the procedure, schedule your consultation, and track your pre-operative requirements. Not only is she passionate about Bariatric surgery, but she also has experience in Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wound Care, Gastroenterology, Pediatrics, and Family Practice. Tiffany is a valued member of the team who strives for excellent customer satisfaction.

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Mark Conard is a licensed clinical psychologist in Illinois and serves as the psychological consultant for the Franciscan St. James Center for Bariatric Surgery.  He also is a staff psychologist and Director of Clinical Training for the Department of Behavioral Health at Franciscan St. James Health.  Dr. Conard completed his doctorate in Clinical Health Psychology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City where the focus of much of his work was in the field of cardiovascular disease, obesity and disease prevention.  He has worked in the medical setting for several years assisting patients and their families in coping with health concerns and lifestyle changes.  He has authored various papers and book chapters in health psychology as well.

Registered Dietitian & Certified Personal Trainer

Sadie has a Bachelor of Science degree in Family & Consumer Sciences from Western Illinois University, with a major in Nutrition & Dietetics and minor in Management. She holds advanced certificates of training in Adult Weight Management accredited by the American Dietetics Association and as a FirstLine Therapy Healthcare Practitioner. Sadie is also a Certified Personal Trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).

With nearly 10 years experience as a Registered Dietitian in the fitness industry, Sadie has a unique professional and educational background in nutrition that allows her to approach patient needs from a fitness-minded and holistic perspective.  She has professional experience in a wide variety of health care settings and has presented on nutrition and fitness topics for numerous organizations, including South Suburban Dietetics Association, Lisle-Woodridge Fire Departments, and Elucidate Consulting providing continuing education to other health professionals.