Our Support Team

Alicia Allen, Registered Dietitian/Clinical Bariatric Supervisor

I am a registered dietitian and certified by the American Dietetics Association in Adult Weight Management. I joined the St. Mark’s Hospital team in 2003 as a dietitian where my love for the field of bariatric surgery bloomed. I provided nutrition education to bariatric patients before and after surgery. I also had the opportunity to work with a few patients who had gastric bypass in the early 1980’s when there was little information available about the behaviors needed to be successful with long-term weight loss. I realized that knowledge is power. Since that time, I have had a strong desire to provide every bariatric surgery patient the knowledge to be successful.

In November 2008, I was given the opportunity to manage the Center for the Surgical Treatment of Obesity at St. Mark’s Hospital. I am responsible to ensure excellent care is provided to keep our patients safe and our complication rates low. I feel it is important that our staff is well educated to accomplish this. It is also important that they have the knowledge to teach our patients necessary skills and tools to be successful weight loss patients.

Each person is responsible for their success. This is why it is so important that our bariatric team works together to provide our patients with tools and every opportunity to learn what is needed to be successful with long term weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Each patient is given the opportunity to take their success into their own hands. With the help and guidance of our staff and using the tools provided, each one is given the opportunity to be successful. Enjoy the journey!

Jena Baker, Administrative Coordinator

I started with the St. Mark’s Center for the Surgical Treatment of Obesity in January of 2009. My 22 years of experience in the healthcare industry contributes to the overall success of the center. As the Administrative Coordinator, I firmly believe in providing the correct tools for our patients to assist them with their lifelong changes. By providing administrative support, our dietitians are able to spend more time with our patients adding to their overall success in the program.  Our Center continues to be recognized as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, giving our patients the peace of mind that they will receive the highest level of care.

Adrienne Baxter, Registered Dietitian

I received my degree from Utah State University in 2007. Soon after joining St. Mark’s dietitian team in 2008, I was given the opportunity to work with the bariatric program.  I now provide pre and post operation education regarding diet and exercise to help patients make the necessary changes for success.  This includes diet advancement after surgery, meal planning, increased physical activity and life-long behavior modification.  I believe that dedication to a healthy diet and exercise program is the key to not only losing weight but also enjoying optimal life-long health. 

Megan Stanger, Registered Dietitian

During my time at St. Mark’s Hospital, I have enjoyed engaging with the bariatric patients on a daily basis.  I am involved in counseling patients before surgery, educating patients regarding their postoperative diets, and following up with patients for continued support.

A healthy diet is the foundation for success after bariatric surgery.  Each patient needs to be empowered with the knowledge necessary to achieve their weight loss goals.  Providing sufficient dietary education and cultivating a supportive and friendly relationship with my patients helps contribute to their overall weight loss success.  Personal commitment and motivation from each patient are key factors in their long-term results.  Along with the patients’ efforts, it is important for them to have continued encouragement and guidance.  As a dietitian, I am committed to the positive outcomes of my patients.  I am dedicated to supporting my patients in making these lifestyle and dietary changes.