University of California, San Diego Medical Center – Center for the Treatment of Obesity

About Our Team

Meet the UCSD Gastric Band Team

UCSD Medical Center is an established bariatric program specializing in gastric banding, including Lap-Band and the new Realize band. The training, expertise and compassion of our surgeons, nurses, nutritionists and psychologists ensures you will have the highest quality of care and support.

Santiago Horgan, M.D. - Director
Dr. Santiago Horgan is a leading surgeon in the field of minimally invasive surgery and was among the first surgeons to be trained in the use of the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System. Learn more.

Garth Jacobsen, M.D. - Surgeon
Dr. Garth Jacobsen, Dr. Horgan's partner in the Center for Treatment of Obesity, attended medical school at the University of Washington and received his surgical training at the University of Illinois, Chicago. He then completed a minimally invasive and bariatric surgery fellowship at UCSD. A specialist in gastric banding, Dr. Jacobsen has trained with Dr. Horgan for the past 12 years and was closely involved with the FDA trials for approval of the LAP-BAND® System.

Mary Kirk, C.N.P. - Administrative Nurse Manager
Mary Kirk is a Certified Nurse Practitioner who received her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati. Her responsibilities at the Center for Treatment of Obesity include program planning, development and quality assurance; patient evaluations and follow-up, including diabetes management and medication adjustment; surgery-related presentations for physicians, staff and patients; and assisting with general surgery.

Jill Jarrett, MS, RD – Registered Dietitian
Jill is a member of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and received her certification through The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).  Learn more.

Eduardo Grunvald, M.D. - Internist
Dr. Eduardo Grunvald completed his internship in internal medicine at UC San Diego. As the team's internist, he is responsible for assessing bariatric program patients before surgery and evaluating co-morbidities that may exist. Dr. Grunvald also coordinates care with primary care providers and assists patients with post-operative medication adjustments and medical follow-up.

Dr. William Perry and Dr. Jada Cade – Psychologists
We understand that the journey to overcome obesity is an emotional as well as a physical one.  That’s why we have two licensed psychologists on staff to meet with you and discuss the process before and after your surgery.  Learn more.

Natalie Cook, Patient Advocate
Natalie Cook received the LAP-BAND® System in 2003 and lost 100 pounds. As the Patient Advocate for UCSD's LAP-BAND® Program for Obesity, Natalie helps educate patients about the entire LAP-BAND Surgery process. She is passionate about helping patients understand every step as they embark on this life-changing experience.