What I like most about living here: The gorgeous weather (most of the time) and the friendly people.

Changes I'd like to see in this area: I would like to see more families exercising and playing together outside and taking advantage of the wonderful parks and playgrounds that we have in Mesa.

When & why I moved here: My family and I moved to Mesa one and a half years ago so that I could open up my own bariatric clinic, the Weight Loss institute of Arizona. I actually co-own the clinic with Dr. Michael J. Orris. Our clinic is located in Tempe so I decided to live in Mesa to keep my commute down to 20 minutes.

Where I lived before & why I left: I am originally from Connecticut and attended medical school at the University of Connecticut. I have also lived in Florida and Texas and most recently lived in San Antonio for two years before re-locating to Mesa.

My family: I've been married for eight years to my wonderful wife Becky and we have two beautiful sons -Michael, age 2, and Robert, age 5.

What I do: I am a board-certified bariatric surgeon. I perform weight loss surgery on individuals who are struggling with being severely over-weight. Some of my patients are 50 pounds overweight, while others are 500 pounds overweight. My job is not only to perform weight loss surgery -either the Gastric Bypass or the less invasive Lap-Band procedure -but also to oversee that myPatients learn the necessary tools to living a healthier life.

What I like most about what I do: I love that I have the ability to actually help people change their lives. Knowing that I can give people a new start at a healthy life brings me a tremendous amount of joy.

What I'm excited about & why: I'm excited to "spread the word" to the people of Mesa and all across Arizona that if you or someone you know is suffering from being severely overweight or morbidly obese, I am here to help. I'm looking forward to helping as many people here as I can.

Previous occupations & why I left: Before I started my medical school training to become a surgeon, I worked as a pharmacist for five years. I had actually been appointed the youngest pharmacy director ever in the state of Connecticut. Eventually, however, I grew somewhat bored with being a pharmacist and discovered that my true passion and calling in life was to become a surgeon. I have been a general surgeon now for 10 years and a bariatric surgeon for the past four years.

If I had picked a different occupation, it might have been: A chef. I think I would have made a terrific chef because I absolutely love to cook. I make an outstanding paella! I My interests and hobbies: I really enjoy playing soccer and basketball with my sons and I also love to play chess.

The best and/or worst time in my life: The best time in my life was when I became a father and watched my sons enter the world. Each time was just miraculous. And the worst time in my life was when my father passed away in 2004. That was very difficult for me.

My best worst habits: I think my best habits are being very detail-oriented and truly passionate and dedicated to my patients. However, my work can sometimes be all-consuming and I tend to be a work-a-holic, which can often be difficult on my wife.

The trait(s) I admire in others: Integrity and honesty. I also have strong admiration for those who go the extra mile to help others.

People who inspired me (and how): My father inspired me the most with his ethics and honesty and his loving dedication to family. He was a truly great man.

My guiding philosophy: Always put the patient first! This is the number 1 rule that guides me as a surgeon.

My advice to today's youth: The two traits that I think are sorely lacking in today's youth are good old honesty and 'hard work. There- fore, my advice to young people today is very simple: Be honest and work hard! These are definitely two keys to success.

Editor's note: For more information about the Weight Loss institute of Arizona, visit www.wliaz.com or call 480-829-6100.