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Thursday, July 03, 2008
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News Room

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Cynthia Winker
Chief Operating Officer
Bariatric Partners, Inc.
cwinker@bariatricpartners.com
(800) 338-2724

JourneyLite of Cincinnati Opens Surgical Center
to Treat Morbid Obesity

CHARLOTTE, NC - (PRWeb) – June 4, 2008 – Bariatric Partners, Inc., parent company of JourneyLite^SM, a leading provider of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgery, has opened a new surgery center in Cincinnati, OH. The center, JourneyLite of Cincinnati, is located at 10475 Reading Road, Suite 115.

“We are delighted that JourneyLite of Cincinnati has officially opened its doors, giving our physicians and staff the venue to provide not only surgical services, but continued support for patients on their weight loss journey,” stated Cynthia Winker, Chief Operations Officer for Bariatric Partners, Inc. “Our JourneyLite staff is dedicated to working with prospective and existing patients to make this journey as comfortable and as successful as we can.”

The new surgery center is home to two well-known laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) surgeons; Dr. Trace Curry and Dr. Elliott Fegelman. "Dr. Curry and Dr. Fegelman are pioneering the way for outpatient bariatric surgery in the tri-state area and we know that their excellent reputations and experience in bariatric surgery will serve this community extremely well.” said Edmund Bujalski, Chief Executive Officer for Bariatric Partners, Inc.

"We invite all patients considering weight loss surgery to tour the facility and see the difference in a facility specially designed and built to treat obesity” stated Dr. Trace Curry. "The need for an outpatient surgery center became evident as patients and payers seek options for those interested in surgical weight loss,” added Dr. Fegelman "Our hope is that this new venue will allow more obese patients to obtain surgery, which is a documented long-term treatment for this devastating disease.”

About JourneyLite of Cincinnati
The lead physicians for JourneyLite of Cincinnati are Dr. Trace Curry and Dr. Elliott Fegelman, both natives of Cincinnati. Dr. Trace Curry has performed well over 1400 gastric banding surgeries with experience with both the Allergan LAP-BAND system and the new J&J Realize Adjustable Gastric Band. Dr. Curry’s practice is certified as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence. Dr. Elliott Fegelman has been a General Surgeon since 1994, with an emphasis on bariatric surgery in the last six years. Dr. Fegelman was the first surgeon in the Cincinnati region to perform the LAP-BAND procedure, as well as working closely with Ethicon Endosurgery for the development of the Realize Band. Information about JourneyLite of Cincinnati may be found online at www.journeylite.com.

About JourneyLite
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, under the parent company of Bariatric Partners, Inc., JourneyLite is a leading provider in the United States of surgical treatment for obesity through laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). The goal of JourneyLite is to provide the highest quality patient surgical experience along with the most comprehensive patient aftercare programs available in the marketplace today. JourneyLite patients may receive LAGB support services at any facility across the country, regardless of the site of surgery. Information about JourneyLite may be found online at www.journeylite.com.

About Bariatric Partners, Inc.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Bariatric Partners, Inc. is a national for-profit healthcare company that specializes in partnering with leading bariatric surgeons across the country to provide minimally invasive surgical treatment for the disease of obesity. Bariatric Partners, Inc., along with its physician partners, owns and operates specialty ambulatory surgical centers – branded under the name JourneyLite – in key markets across the United States. All JourneyLite facilities focus primarily on the laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) surgical procedure for the treatment of obesity. Further information about Bariatric Partners, Inc. may be found online at www.bariatricpartners.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Joseph “Woody” Hubbard
Chief Development Officer
Bariatric Partners, Inc.
whubbard@bariatricpartners.com
(800) 338-2724

Bariatric Partners, Inc. Announces Addition of
Nationally-Renowned Bariatric Surgical Group to Its JourneyLite Affiliate Program

CHARLOTTE, NC - (PRWeb) – January 16, 2008 – Bariatric Partners, Inc., headquartered in Charlotte, NC, announced today that it has entered into a management services agreement with Dalton Surgical Group and the Gastric Band Institute located in Chattanooga, TN and Dalton, GA, approximately 60 miles north of Atlanta, Georgia.

“Bariatric Partners, Inc. is proud to announce our partnership with one of the premier bariatric surgery practices in the United States,” stated Edmund Bujalski, Chief Executive Officer for Bariatric Partners, Inc. “Dr. Jaime Ponce is a pioneer in the field of bariatric medicine and his reputation in the national bariatric landscape is outstanding. Adding to the expertise of the bariatric surgical group are Drs. Steven Paynter and Richard Fromm, making the Gastric Band Institute the industry leader within the region. As members of the JourneyLite Affiliate Program, the Gastric Band Institute will continue to expand its experience and excellence to new markets and improve the lives of individuals suffering from morbid obesity,” said Bujalski.

“We want to develop greater market awareness for the tremendous reputation established by the Gastric Band Institute,” stated Joseph “Woody” Hubbard, Chief Development Officer for Bariatric Partners, Inc. “Access and awareness to the success and skills of Drs. Ponce, Paynter and Fromm need to be expanded beyond the current geographical boundaries of the Gastric Band Institute. We look forward to working with these outstanding physicians to improve access to care for those that suffer from the disease of obesity in Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama,” stated Hubbard.

About Gastric Band Institute
The Gastric Band Institute is a comprehensive bariatric surgery practice located in the Chattanooga, Tennessee and Dalton, Georgia area that is dedicated exclusively to the gastric banding procedure for the treatment of morbid and severe obesity. Drs. Jaime Ponce, Steven Paynter, and Richard Fromm head a dedicated team that allows patients access to appropriate information, surgical equipment, follow-up, band adjustments, and ongoing support in order to succeed. The Gastric Band Institute’s experience with the LAP-BAND^® and Realize Band^TM is one of the largest in the United States. For more information, please visit www.gastricbandinstitute.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Joseph “Woody” Hubbard
Chief Development Officer
Bariatric Partners, Inc.
whubbard@bariatricpartners.com
(800) 338-2724

Bariatric Partners, Inc. Begins Construction of

New JourneyLite Facility in Cincinnati

CHARLOTTE, NC - (PRWeb) – November 13, 2007 – Bariatric Partners, Inc., headquartered in Charlotte, NC, announced today that it has begun construction of its newest specialty ambulatory surgical center in Cincinnati, Ohio. The new center will operate under the brand name of JourneyLite of Cincinnati^SM.

”Bariatric Partners, Inc. is proud to announce our partnership with two of the top bariatric surgeons in the Cincinnati and Southern Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia regions,” stated Edmund Bujalski, Chief Executive Officer for Bariatric Partners, Inc. “Dr. Trace Curry and Dr. Elliott Fegelman are pioneering the way for outpatient bariatric surgery in the tri-state area and we know that their excellent reputations and experience in bariatric surgery will serve this community extremely well. As with every JourneyLite facility, JourneyLite of Cincinnati will reflect the level of surgical excellence our surgeon partners bring to the table with a state-of-the-art facility and industry-leading patient programs,” said Bujalski.

JourneyLite of Cincinnati is under the architectural and construction guidance of Cassetty Architecture and Knestrick Contractor, Inc., where construction currently entails a $2 million renovation, including the expansion of two operating rooms to meet Class C requirements. The planned renovations will position JourneyLite of Cincinnati as the leading bariatric outpatient surgery provider for the tri-state region.

“We expect JourneyLite of Cincinnati to open its doors in early spring of 2008,” stated Cynthia Winker, Chief Operations Officer for Bariatric Partners, Inc. “Unique to our surgeon partners in Cincinnati is that they will be placing both the Allergan LAP-BAND^® System and the new Ethicon/Johnson & Johnson Realize^TM band, giving patients even greater choice when it comes to the minimally invasive approach to the surgical treatment for obesity. Dr. Trace Curry is a proctor for both Allergan and Ethicon/Johnson & Johnson, and as such, has earned a phenomenal reputation in the field of bariatric medicine. We look forward to working with Drs. Curry and Fegelman to further the health of many in the tri-state area that suffer from the disease of obesity,” stated Winker.

About Cassetty Architecture P.C.
Founded in 1998, Cassetty Architecture P.C. has designed over 100 surgery centers in 28 states to date. With a focus on providing flexible and sustaining design solutions to healthcare clients by helping clients perform with sound business strategies and a thorough understanding of the latest trends and advancements in the healthcare industry, Cassetty Architecture continues to serve the industry with effective design solutions that stand the test of time. Cassetty Architecture P.C. is located in Hendersonville, Tennessee, a suburb of Nashville. For more information, visit www.cassettyarchitecture.com.

About Knestrick Contractor, Inc.
Founded in 1969 by Walter G. Knestrick, Knestrick Contractor, Inc. has been a leading general contractor in middle Tennessee, as well as the southeastern United States for over 37 years. With a strong reputation for successfully handling all phases of commercial projects – with an emphasis in the healthcare industry – Knestrick Contractractor, Inc. prides itself on customer satisfaction and retention. Seventy-five percent of projects undertaken over the past five years have been from repeat customers and/or referrals. For more information, visit www.knestrickcontractor.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Joseph “Woody” Hubbard
Chief Development Officer
Bariatric Partners, Inc.
whubbard@bariatricpartners.com
(800) 338-2724

Bariatric Partners, Inc. Appoints Bruce McDaniel as Chief Financial Officer

CHARLOTTE, NC - (PRWeb) – November 9, 2007 – Bariatric Partners, Inc., headquartered in Charlotte, NC, announced today that it has appointed Bruce McDaniel to the office of Chief Financial Officer effective immediately. Prior to his joining Bariatric Partners, Inc., Mr. McDaniel served as Chief Operating Officer for Renal Ventures Management, LLC. In his role as Chief Financial Officer for Bariatric Partners, Mr. McDaniel will oversee all financial aspects and duties of the corporation as well as all financial duties related to the operation of each of Bariatric Partners, Inc.’s specialty ambulatory surgical centers across the United States, operating under the brand name JourneyLite^SM.

"Bruce will provide a solid financial perspective to the corporation, bringing his business skills and experience in the consumer healthcare industry together with our management team in order to achieve the corporation’s financial goals and objectives,” said Edmund Bujalski, Chief Executive Officer for Bariatric Partners, Inc. “With nearly 30 years experience, Bruce will be a key contributor within our organization. He will direct all financial operations for the corporation and all JourneyLite facilities across the country from our headquarters in Charlotte.”

Prior to joining Bariatric Partners, Inc., Mr. McDaniel served as Chief Operating Officer for Renal Ventures Management, LLC in Golden, Colorado, where he successfully negotiated and structured several debt financings including term loans and lines of credit for denovo development and acquisitions. During his time with Renal Ventures, revenues increased sixfold. During Mr. McDaniel’s tenure, EBITDA margins increased by 400%.

Mr. McDaniel holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and is a Certified Public Accountant. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants. He is married and is the proud father of four children.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Joseph “Woody” Hubbard
Chief Development Officer
Bariatric Partners, Inc.
whubbard@bariatricpartners.com
(800) 338-2724

Bariatric Partners, Inc. and JourneyLite Sign Agreement

With World’s First Bariatric Chef, Dave Fouts

CHARLOTTE, NC - (BUSINESS WIRE) – July 10, 2007 – Bariatric Partners, Inc., headquartered in Charlotte, NC, announced today that it has signed an agreement with the world’s first bariatric chef, David Fouts, to serve as Executive Chef for each of Bariatric Partners, Inc.’s specialty ambulatory surgical centers across the United States, operating under the brand name JourneyLite^SM.

"Chef Dave is undisputedly the most respected bariatric chef in the world, and we’re thrilled to be able to share his knowledge, expertise, and culinary skills with our patients all across the country," said Jamie Carr, Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations for Bariatric Partners, Inc. “In his role as Executive Chef with JourneyLite, Chef Dave will participate at our live support group meetings, sponsored events, and will have a strong online presence on the new JourneyLite website which will launch later this month,” stated Carr. “At JourneyLite, we know that patient education and behavior modification are key to someone’s success. As an organization, we are committed to providing the best resources available to those participating in our program. When it comes to teaching about making healthy food choices and how to best prepare foods for the bariatric patient, Chef Dave is hands-down the best,” said Carr.

Fouts received his degree in Culinary Arts from the Florida Culinary Institute and went on to apply his culinary skills in a five star, five diamond resort, at a vegetarian health institute, and as personal chef for a private family. In 2002, Fouts, at five feet, eight inches tall and nearly 400 pounds, underwent weight-loss surgery, lost over 200 pounds, and has never looked back. “I believe I bring a compassion and understanding to JourneyLite patients because I’ve walked in their shoes. I know what it’s like to live with morbid obesity – the struggle, the frustration, the discrimination – and I know what it’s like to overcome,” stated Fouts. “The practical life skills we are sharing at JourneyLite are essential to long-term success and I’m honored to be associated with the JourneyLite program.”

Prior to joining JourneyLite, Fouts served as Executive Chef at U.S. Bariatric Management Institute in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he oversaw and directed the bariatric culinary program for several years. After relocating to Oklahoma, he took on a similar role with Foundation Bariatric Affiliates. In addition, he has worked with such motivational speakers in the WLS field as Barbara Thompson, Colleen Cook and Carnie Wilson. He is the author of Culinary Classics and Cookwise with Chef Dave, and is a contributing author of Weight-Loss Surgery for Dummies. He is a featured writer in WLS Lifestyles magazine and has been featured at weight-loss surgery conferences and events all across the country. To date, Fouts has worked with over 30,000 bariatric patients.

“Clinical excellence and outstanding patient education and support services are critical to our growing leadership position in outpatient laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB),” stated Edmund C. Bujalski, Chief Executive Officer of Bariatric Partners, Inc. “Chef Dave brings a robust background and a passionate commitment to patient education in this new role with JourneyLite. We are delighted that he has joined our team.”

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Joseph “Woody” Hubbard
Chief Development Officer
Bariatric Partners, Inc.
whubbard@bariatricpartners.com
(800) 338-2724

Bariatric Partners, Inc. Promotes Jamie J. Carr, BSN, RN,

to Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations

CHARLOTTE, NC (BUSINESS WIRE) – June 11, 2007 – Bariatric Partners, Inc., headquartered in Charlotte, NC, announced today that it has promoted Jamie J. Carr, BSN, RN, to Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations effective immediately. Prior to her promotion, Ms. Carr served as Vice President of Operations for the corporation. In her new role, Ms. Carr will oversee all clinical aspects related to the operation of each of Bariatric Partners, Inc.'s specialty ambulatory surgical centers across the United States, operating under the brand name JourneyLite^SM.

"Jamie has proven to be an asset to our corporation, bringing a depth of knowledge in bariatric medicine that is unsurpassed in the industry," said Cynthia Winker, Chief Operating Officer for Bariatric Partners, Inc. “With over 10 years of strong clinical experience in bariatrics, she is a key component to establishing and maintaining clinical excellence within our organization. In addition to overseeing all clinical services, she is responsible for all patient education, including JourneyLite’s pre- and post-operative patient education programs. Jamie will direct all clinical service operations for all JourneyLite facilities across the country from our Nashville office.”

Prior to joining Bariatric Partners, Inc., Ms. Carr served as Clinical Director for the Cumberland Center for Obesity Surgery in Nashville, Tennessee, where she oversaw and directed a multidisciplinary bariatric program for over eight years. During that time, she worked with over 2,000 bariatric patients.

Ms. Carr is a board member of the ASBS Foundation and also serves as a National Advisory Board Member for the ASBS Foundation where she has held the position of National Chair for the Walk from Obesity for the last three years. She is an Editorial Advisory Board Member of WLS Lifestyles magazine, and her frequent cover story articles continue to appear quarterly in the magazine across the nation. She serves as a faculty member for the ASBS Certified Bariatric RN Credentialing Prep Course, and is an advisory board member for BariMD. In addition, Ms. Carr is a member in good standing with the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS), the National Association of Bariatric Nurses (NABN) and International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity (IFSO). She has been featured in two one-hour specials dealing with the surgical treatment of obesity on the Discovery Health Channel.

“Clinical excellence and outstanding patient education and support services are critical to our growing leadership position in outpatient laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB),” stated Edmund C. Bujalski, Chief Executive Officer of Bariatric Partners, Inc. “Jamie brings an extensive clinical background and a well-demonstrated commitment to patient care to this key position in the company. Her deep caring for the well being of JourneyLite patients comes through in everything she does. We are delighted that she has taken on this new and demanding role.”

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Bariatric Partners, Inc. Raises An Additional $12 Million In Equity

Charlotte, NC - Bariatric Partners, Inc. is pleased to announce its recently completed second round of venture financing, raising $12 million in additional equity from an investor group lead by Frazier Healthcare Ventures (www.frazierhealthcare.com). Frazier was joined in this round by first round investors New Enterprise Associates (www.nea.com) and Woodbrook Capital (www.woodbrookcapital.com). This financing brings the total equity raised by the company to $24.55 million.

“We are gratified to have Frazier Healthcare Ventures as an investor and appreciate the confidence they have expressed in the company’s strategy and in our management team,” said Edmund Bujalski, President and CEO of Bariatric Partners. “Frazier brings significant additional capital backing to the company but, more importantly, brings an added depth of strategic insight as well as a sophisticated understanding of varied needs of the seriously overweight population.”

Nader Naini, a General Partner at Frazier Healthcare Ventures, stated, “We are excited about the future of Bariatric Partners. The company has a seasoned, successful management team and is building the foundation for a significant enterprise. While the trends in obesity are a sad reality in the U.S. and elsewhere, they represent a tremendous opportunity that is expected to keep growing during our lifetime. Bariatric Partners will become the leading service provider in this dynamic segment of the healthcare market.”

Concurrent with the financing, Mr. Naini joined the company’s Board of Directors.

Bariatric Partners, Inc. was formed in September 2005 to partner with leading physicians in the United States to own and operate outpatient surgery centers focused on the needs of the obese population. The company works with its physician partners to deliver a full spectrum of care, including pre- and post-operative programs that support the long-term weight loss goals of the patients served.

Bariatric Partners, Inc. opened its first surgery center in Thousand Oaks, California in August 2006, and began doing procedures in its outpatient center in Houston, Texas in November 2006. The third partnership in Tampa, Florida is scheduled to begin performing surgical procedures in December 2006. Additional centers are under development and will open in 2007.

All partnerships operate under the Journey Lite^SM brand name. Information on the Journey Lite centers can be found at www.journeylite.com.

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Television Interview with Dr. Lee Grossbard,
Physician Partner of Journey Lite of West Florida

http://www.studio10.tv/video/segment.aspx/43184/35040/Journey_Lite_of_West_Florida/Learn_about_LAPBAND.asx
http://www.studio10.tv/category/health/segment.aspx/43184/Journey_Lite_of_West_Florida

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Bariatric Partners, Inc. Appoints David J. Pflueger
as Vice President of Business Development

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA, SEPTEMBER 1, 2006 - Bariatric Partners, Inc. is pleased to announce that David J. Pflueger has joined the company as Vice President of Business Development. Mr. Pflueger brings a wealth of experience in developing and managing ambulatory surgery centers. Most recently, he was the founder and lead principal of Pluris Healthcare Services (PHS). PHS was one of Colorado's largest ambulatory surgery center development and management companies. Mr. Pflueger also served as manager of development for Johnson & Johnson’s ambulatory surgery services. At J&J, he led a series of projects to develop ambulatory surgery centers, imaging centers and ambulatory care campuses across the nation. Mr. Pflueger is a graduate of Whittier College in Whittier, CA where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics. He received his master’s degree in business administration, with an emphasis in healthcare finance, from the Golden Gate University in San Francisco, CA. He and his wife are raising three daughters.

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Bariatric Partners, Inc. Adds Southern California Partnership

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA, JUNE 26, 2006 – Bariatric Partners, Inc. is pleased to announce that Helmuth Billy, MD of Oxnard, California, has joined with Bariatric Partners, Inc. to form Journey Lite of the Central Coast^SM. The partnership will operate a 7,000 square foot ambulatory surgery center located in Thousand Oaks, California. In addition to operating the surgery center, Journey Lite of the Central Coast offers a full service bariatric support program for pre-operative and post-operative care of the patient.

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Bariatric Partners, Inc. Adds West Florida Partnership

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA, JUNE 26, 2006 – Bariatric Partners, Inc. is pleased to announce that Lee J. Grossbard, MD, Richard L. DiCicco, MD, Pandurangan Krishnaraj, MD, of Tampa, Florida, along with Ernest C. Rehnke, MD, of St. Petersburg, Florida have joined with Bariatric Partners to form Journey Lite of West Florida. The coverage area for these physicians currently includes Pinellas, Hillsborough, Hernando and Pasco Counties in Florida. The partnership is developing a 7,000 square foot facility in the Tampa Bay area. In addition to operating the surgery center, Journey Lite of West Florida offers a full service bariatric support program for pre-operative and post-operative care of the patient.

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Bariatric Partners, Inc. Appoints Jamie J. Carr as Vice President of Operations

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA, JUNE 26, 2006 – Bariatric Partners, Inc. is pleased to announce that Jamie Carr, RN, will join the company as Vice President, Operations effective July 17, 2006. Ms. Carr has significant experience in developing bariatric programs and has been involved with outcomes establishment and measurement, patient support programs, critical pathways, and bariatric team development. She has collaborated with manufactures as an educational consultant and has been a featured speaker at national conferences. Ms. Carr serves as the National Chair for the ASBS Foundation’s Walk from Obesity and is a member of the board of the ASBS Foundation. She acted as a manager/consultant for the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) – Division of Clinical Quality and Compliance, where she helped establish policies and procedures for SRC’s Bariatric Centers of Excellence program, and personally performed over 20 site inspections for the first credentialed Bariatric centers in the nation. Ms. Carr comes to us from her most recent tenure of eight years as the Clinical Director for the private bariatric surgical practice of Dr. John D. Husted in Nashville, TN.