Bariatric University Discovery Institute was founded by Susan Lassetter and Dana Schroeder  in 2005 from an idea that stemmed from their own past histories in Weight Loss Surgery.  They are both passionate about sharing their experiences and stories that may help others.  They love  teaching and cultivating the minds of those struggling with Weight Loss.  For some people WLS is the answer.  For others, it may be just trying to maintain an optimum weight.  Trying to maintain your optimum weight may include a day-to-day routine that may include different diets and exercise commitments.  Even that may not be the answer to maintaining an optimum state-of-health and weight. 

Sue and Dana have both found that it is necessary to be informed and to have a support mechanism in place. Education and awareness provides the opportunity that allows freedom from the struggle with weight.  Now, for them, achieving optimum health and weight as well as maintaining that state-of-being is a lifestyle and not a "fad diet".

We challenge you to look at what you have done and where you want to be and to evaluate whether or not the plan that you have set forth for yourself is achievable and workable for life.  If you can honestly answer that you need help in any of the areas then we are there to provide that and to also support you in your goals whatever they may be.

Sue Lassetter,

Co-Founder of Bariatric University Discovery Institute has a long history in education, as a teacher, counselor and administrator in public schools, from pre-kindergarten to post-graduate psychology students and interns. She trained and worked as a therapist, and most recently maintains a practice as a Life Coach which involves speaking, advocacy and facilitation.

Sue's own education includes a B.A. in education, an M.A. in counseling and guidance from San Jose State University, graduate course work in Organizational Leadership from University of San Francisco. She took further training at the Process Therapy Institute in Los Gatos, certification in hypnotherapy at the Hypnotherapy Center, coach training from the Relationship Coaching Institute and the Institute for Life Coach Training as well as the Coach Training Institute.

Sue is what she calls " a Bariatric Graduate", having had gastric by-pass surgery in March of 2003. She is extremely grateful for the opportunities and health that the surgical weight loss process and outcome has afforded her. It is truly the decision that "changed my life forever"; the impact of this weight loss and the subsequent changes in what I do and can do takes my breath away."


She has established and led Surgical Weight Loss support groups for Good Samaritan Hospital, conducted in-service trainings for nursing staff, and spoken to various groups about effects of gastric by-pass surgery. Sue is interested in all aspects of recovery from obesity.

Sue is a member of the International Coach Federation, the Silicon Valley Coach Federation, Relationship Coaching Institute, and the Campbell Chamber of Commerce.

Sue loves to design and give workshops. Among them are
• The Wise Woman Within
• Relationship Success for Singles
• Back on Track
• Creating What You REALLY, Really Want!
• And Just Why Not?

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Dana Schroeder

Co-Founder of Bariatric University Discovery Institute, Dana is currently a Partner with Kal Equity Capital Fund II, an Angel VC Fund that has funded many start-ups. FreeHand Systems Inc. (a music technology company) is one company that Dana served as VP of Sales for several years before leaving this last August to pursue other ventures.

She is also an RN BSN PHN with 25 years in the Health Care/Management and Sales of Durable Medical Equipment. As a Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) patient of five years she has become involved with development of aftercare programs as an independent contractor. Contracting with several local hospitals to provide services in the area of Bariatrics.

As a Life and Health Coach, Dana facilitates numerous WLS support groups, teaches seminars and classes related to Life, Health and Financial Success Strategies. She is currently writing books on the topics of WLS and SuccessStrategies to find Balance and Joy in everyday living.

Education/Training/Coaching/Certifications/ Memberships

Nursing Care of the Bariatric Patient-March 2006 International Life Coach Training- Life Coach-2006 American Society of Bariatric Surgeons (ASBS)- Associate Member May 2005 (ASBS)-Advanced Bariatric Life Support Oct. 2005 Bariatric Support Centers International-Certified Support Group Leader June 2005

The Chopra Center for Well Being:
Synchro Destiny- Creating you own
Miracles-2004
Silicon Valley Executive Business Program-2004
Get The Edge/Personal Power-Tony Robbins-2004

University of San Francisco- MSN-MBA candidate 1986-1989
San Jose State University- BSN, 1984
Ohlone College-AS, RN 1978
Ohlone College-AA 1976

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