Iowa Weight Loss Specialists, a dedicated center for weight loss success in central Iowa, is conveniently located at the Iowa Specialty Hospital-Des Moines Clinic at 5901 Thornton Ave, Des Moines. Established in 2014, IWLS focuses on the diverse needs of their patients, offering weight loss services through both bariatric surgery and medical weight loss (non-surgical). Their patient-specific program includes the expertise of registered dietitians, behavioral health providers, and additional weight loss specialists.
The Iowa Specialty Hospital-Des Moines Clinic is pleased to also offer the services of two Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics providers to their Des Moines Clinic location: Dr. Lynn Nelson, Spine Surgeon; and Amy Larson, MSN, PMHNP-BC, a psychiatric medication specialist.
Dr. Nelson is an Iowa native who joined Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics in 2020. He was previously with DMOS Orthopedic Centers after completing his fellowship training at Kansas University Medical Center in the treatment of spinal injuries and disorders. Over the past 28 years, Dr. Nelson has built an extensive practice in Central Iowa for the treatment of cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) injuries and conditions which include disk herniations, vertebral misalignments, spinal trauma, myelopathy and radiculopathy.
Outside of his professional interests, Dr. Nelson leads a very active lifestyle, enjoying waterskiing, hunting, snow skiing, and biking with his family. He also enjoys farming on a local family farm.
When asked about his medical philosophy, Dr. Nelson said, “Always try to do the right thing for each patient as he/she is someone’s daughter/son/husband/wife.”
Amy Larson, MSN, MPHNP-BC, joined Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics in September of 2022. She specializes in assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with a variety of mental health disorders. Also trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Amy received her Bachelor of Arts in Nursing from Luther College in Decorah, IA, and her Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE.
Amy is passionate about the relationship between our gut health and our brain health, primarily on how a “leaky gut” can affect the immune system. She focuses on the growing area of research on the role of our gut biome in the health and well-being of her patients.
To schedule an appointment with a weight loss specialist, Dr. Nelson, or Amy Larson at the Iowa Specialty Hospital-Des Moines Clinic, call 515-327-2000. You can also schedule an appointment with Dr. Nelson by calling the Iowa Specialty Hospital-Fort Dodge Clinic at 515-955-6767.