GBMC Comprehensive Obesity Management Program

11/05/2024

Visit gbmc.org/weightloss to schedule your appointment

08/25/2024

Thank you so much to everyone who came out to COMP STOMP this morning! We enjoyed the beautiful weather and started the day off right

September date coming soon!

08/06/2024

GBMC is experiencing a network outage due to a mechanical failure. We are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Patient care and safety remain our top priorities.

We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work diligently to resolve this issue.

04/04/2024

04/01/2024

Meet the Staff of GBMC - Greater Baltimore Medical Center's COMP!

Rounding out our amazing trio of physicians -

Watters, MD

1. What’s your favorite thing about COMP?
I know everyone says the same thing, but I really love the people I work with. We have a great group who really want the best for our patients. We are always thinking of ways to create a better program.

2. What do you do in your spare time/hobby?
If I'm not working, I'm traveling! I love to explore new places and am always game for an adventure. I'm also an avid reader, I love suspense novels. I'm also a regular gym-goer.

3. What’s your favorite way/form of exercise?
lifting weights is my go-to. It makes me feel strong and clears my mind.

4. Any other fun facts that you’d like to share?
I have the (self-proclaimed) best playlist in the operating room. It ranges from Beyoncé to Radiohead to Taking Back Sunday.

03/30/2024

We couldn't let National Doctors' Day pass without giving a shout out to the most amazing team around! Please join us in wishing Dr. Timothee Friesen, Dr. Shauna Costinett and Dr. Emily Watters a very happy Doctors' Day.

These 3 are a huge part of what makes our program so special, and it wouldn't be the same without them. They are some of the very best and we are lucky to call them ours!

Take a minute and tell us what you love about these docs in the comments below.

03/25/2024

Meet the Staff of - Greater Baltimore Medical Center's COMP!

The COMP Medical and Obesity Medicine Director -

Timothee Friesen , MD, FACS

1. What’s your favorite thing about COMP?
We have such an awesome team at COMP - seeing our patients get healthier after surgery really makes my day.

2. What do you do in your spare time/hobby?
Other than traveling with my family, hiking and eating foods from around the world, I enjoy taking care of my bees, chickens and building things in my wood shop. I’m hard to beat at ping pong ;)

3. What’s your favorite way/form of exercise?
I ride the same course on my bike near my house as often as I can. Since I usually get home late, I often stop to drink some water at the top of a hill with the sun setting. Awesome feeling! If the weather is bad, I watch Netflix on my peloton :)

4. Any other fun facts that you’d like to share?
I grew up in France so French is my native language, I lived for 2 years in Cameroon and my wife grew up in Sierra Leone. I’m currently taking sailing lessons and my dream is to sail around the world with my family.

03/18/2024

Meet the Staff of GBMC - Greater Baltimore Medical Center's COMP!

The amazing and talented -

Shauna Costinett, MD, FACS

1. What’s your favorite thing about COMP?
My favorite thing about COMP is the support we provide our patients. We really put in an effort to help patients from their initial visit, through the long work up process, to their surgery date and long afterwards. From monthly support groups and weekend walks, to prompt responses to patient questions and concerns, everyone at COMP makes it a mission to help patients feel confident and supported as they navigate the process of achieving their weight loss goals. My other favorite thing about COMP is our team. We have THE BEST team and I am so thankful to everyone who helps care for our patients and who has become my work family ❤

2. What do you do in your spare time/hobby? Spare time?
These days most of my spare time is given to my two wonderful children, Katie and Lucas. I spend my days working hard to help my patients so I try to devote my evenings and weekends to being the best mother I can. We go to parks, on hikes, and love having family game nights. Once the kiddos are down for the night, I enjoy curling up with a good book. I just finished “The Collected Regrets of Clover” and am now reading “Killers of the Flower Moon”.

3. What’s your favorite way/form of exercise?
I have three favorite forms of exercise: running, swimming, and yoga. I absolutely love a good hot yoga class- it helps me feel centered and works those core muscles. I was a swimmer all through high school, made the varsity team my sophomore year and competed in the California Interscholastic Federation. Swimming is so much easier on the joints and is a great full body workout. I also love running and am hoping to do another half marathon this fall with my husband.

4. Any other fun facts that you’d like to share.
I grew up in Southern California and have been Scuba Diving since I was 11 years old. My father loves diving and took me and my siblings on weekend trips to the Channel Islands and Catalina. Although I haven’t been diving in a few years, I still love the ocean and hope to teach Katie and Lucas to dive once they are old enough. Another fun fact- We have a Goldendoodle pup named “Crabcake” who is the 5th and fluffiest member of our family. Shout out to my silly husband for picking a hilarious dog name well before we had a dog!

03/14/2024

We're a day late but.....

We want to wish our amazing, smart, supportive, fun, energetic, kind, compassionate, caring (the list goes on) dietitians Jana Wolff RD and Madison Friel RD a very happy Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day!

Please help us celebrate these two fabulous women who make GBMC Comprehensive Obesity Management Program such a great place!

03/11/2024

Meet the Staff of GBMC's COMP!

Our Patient Service Assistant - The One and Only -

Leland Slater, Jr

1. What’s your favorite thing about COMP?
My favorite thing about COMP is that it gives the satisfaction that patient's needs are met.

2. What do you do in your spare time/hobby?
Quilty time with friends and family / Traveling

3. What’s your favorite way/form of exercise?
Community Marching Band (Marcher)

4. Any other fun facts that you’d like to share?
I Love hot sauces on everything lol

03/04/2024

Meet the Staff of GBMC - Greater Baltimore Medical Center's COMP!

Our rockstar Physician Assistant -
Melissa Bearekman, -PA-C

1. What’s your favorite thing about COMP?

I love meeting all of the patients, hearing their stories, their backgrounds, their struggles and their successes. And I love the ability to form relationships and help others with something that they may be struggling with.

2. What do you do in your spare time/hobby? Spare time?

What's that?? lol, no, but typically I am chasing my 2 kids around or driving my husband crazy 😎

3. What’s your favorite way/form of exercise?

I used to HATE exercise. About a year ago, I discovered barre classes, and now I'm hooked! It's the first time I look forward to moving my body rather than dreading it...most of the time ;)

4. Any other fun facts that you’d like to share.

I'm currently working on becoming a nationally certified health and wellness coach! I'm looking forward to helping my future patients 😊 and also, for my husband to stop calling me coach everyday.

03/02/2024

Rain or shine- we are getting those steps in! Thanks for showing up!