Unlock Your Best Self: Ultimate Guide to Weight Loss Surgery at Summa Health Weight Management Institute

Obesity is a significant health concern in the United States, ranking as the second-highest cause of preventable deaths. The Summa Health Weight Management Institute offers a comprehensive approach to tackling this issue, providing a range of medical and surgical weight loss options tailored to individual needs. With a multidisciplinary team of experts and a commitment to lifelong care, Summa Health strives to help patients achieve their weight loss goals and improve their overall well-being.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Weight Management

Summa Health System’s Bariatric Care Center, an American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Center of Excellence, utilizes a multidisciplinary team approach to both the surgical and medical treatment of obesity. The team of experts works with patients to customize an individual care plan to meet the unique weight loss needs and goal of every patient. Each patient’s journey is supervised by either a board-certified obesity medicine physician or a board-certified fellowship-trained minimally invasive bariatric surgeon.

The comprehensive team includes:

Bariatric Surgeons: John G. Zografakis, MD, FACS (Medical Director), and Adrian G. Dan, MD (Associate Medical Director), are fellowship-trained in advanced laparoscopic and bariatric surgery and board-certified by the American Board of Surgery. They perform a variety of weight loss surgeries using minimally invasive techniques whenever possible.
Medical Weight Loss Management Director: Kenneth W. Wells, MD, leads the Medical Weight Loss Management Program, designed for patients interested in a non-surgical approach.
Body Sculpting Center Director: John C. Pedersen, MD, FACS, heads the Summa Body Sculpting Center, which works with patients seeking to enhance their appearance after successful weight loss surgery.
Program Director: Kay Hawn, MBA, MSN, brings extensive healthcare and administrative experience to the Bariatric Care Center.
Nurse Case Manager: Debbie Pasini, RN, BSN, coordinates patient education, surgery scheduling, and outcome data acquisition. She also leads the intensive preoperative education class required for all surgical patients.
Registered Dietitian: Robin Bowman, RD, CD, provides preoperative nutritional assessments and ongoing education about post-surgery dietary needs and lifestyle modifications.
Clinical Exercise Specialist: Karen Carson develops individualized exercise plans for patients before and after surgery to promote long-term weight loss and health.
Bariatric Financial Specialist: Beverly Hendrickson helps patients understand their insurance benefits and navigate the preauthorization process.
Administrative Staff: Susan Hill and Rachel Hinton provide administrative support to the physicians.
Surgical Team: Lisa Parise, RN; Lisa Howell, RNFA; Lori Kline, RN; Patty Wolfe, RN; Stacie Zufall, RN; Crystal Saffles, ST; Armando Calderon, RN; David George, RN; and Phillip Swansinger, RN, assist Drs. Zografakis and Dan during surgeries.

Comprehensive Weight Loss Options

Summa Health offers a wide range of lifestyle and behavioral medical weight loss options and surgical weight loss options for those patients who have not been successful using medical management strategies alone. Patients will often need to use a combination of options to achieve their weight loss goals.

Medical Weight Loss Program

The Medical Management Program is designed for patients who are interested in a “non-surgical” approach to weight loss. The Medical Management Program is a comprehensive weight loss program that focuses on weight reduction and a healthier lifestyle through education, exercise, and dietary and behavioral modification. It is a comprehensive weight loss program that focuses on weight reduction and a healthier lifestyle through education, exercise, and dietary and behavioral modification. For those patients who are not surgical candidates or do not wish to undergo surgery, Summa offers a 12-week “non-surgical” medical management program. This in-depth, physician-led program offers patients an alternative to surgical therapy.

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Surgical Weight Loss Options

Summa Health has been recognized by Healthgrades with a Bariatric Surgery Excellence Award. At Summa Health, our preferred approach is laparoscopic (or minimally invasive) surgery.

Summa Health offers several surgical weight loss procedures, including:

Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass: This procedure involves creating a small stomach “pouch” with staples and separating it from the rest of the stomach. The surgery involves creating a small stomach “pouch” with staples and separating it from the rest of the stomach. As a result, you eat less food and absorb only part of the food that you eat. Margo had the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. That's a combination procedure where we restrict the size of the stomach from traditionally about the size of a football and reduce the size of the stomach to the size of an egg. And it does provide about 60%-70% of the excess body weight to be lost. Most people lose about 100 pounds depending on where you start. A gastric bypass pouch will typically be about the size of an egg, and will hold about an ounce of fluid (30 - 50cc’s). The average hospital stay for patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery at Summa is two days.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: This minimally invasive procedure involves dividing the stomach into two separate parts. This results in the stomach no longer being able to hold a large portion of food; therefore, patients eat less while still feeling full. During the procedure, a thin vertical sleeve of stomach, or “tube” is created using a stapling device and removing the outer portion of the stomach. The sleeve will hold approximately 2-3 ounces.
SADI-S (Single Anastomosis Duodenal-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy): The SADI-S is an innovative metabolic and bariatric surgery procedure. A sleeve gastrectomy is first performed, reshaping the stomach into a smaller sleeve to limit food intake. Following that, a specific portion of the small intestine is identified and connected to the upper part of the small intestine.
Laparoscopic Revisional Surgery: This option is available to patients who have already undergone a primary weight loss surgery procedure.

The Surgical Journey at Summa Health

Summa is committed to providing state-of-the-art minimally invasive technology to support the surgeons in their endeavor in minimal access weight loss surgery. Drs. Zografakis and Dan utilize any of four minimally invasive operating room suites - the Stryker iSuite®, a fully integrated operating room catered to minimally invasive surgery. The 1188 HD 3-Chip® Camera from Stryker offers superior picture quality and enhanced clarity during surgical procedures. This is evident on the boom mounted Stryker 21” Vision Elect® HD Flat Panel Displays. All of the equipment is managed through the SwitchPoint Infinity® Control System, a voice operated video, audio, and information router of the iSuite® Operating Room. Both surgeons use the On-Q® postoperative pain relief system.

Pre-Surgical Process

In order to ensure a successful outcome, all patients considering bariatric surgery at Summa undergo extensive education and evaluation by our multidisciplinary team. The first step in our process is attendance at one of our free monthly weight loss informational seminars, led by Dr. Zografakis or Dr. Dan, Summa’s bariatric surgeons.

The patient’s first visit starts with an assessment of the vital information and a “before” photo. At each follow-up visit after surgery through the first 12 months, additional photos are taken to mark progress. The patient then meets with the surgeon, Dr. Zografakis or Dr. Dan, who completes a thorough review of the patient’s medical history and performs a physical exam. Each patient also meets with the center’s financial specialist, who reviews his or her insurance benefits and outlines the steps needed to obtain approval for surgery.

Once the patient enrolls in Summa’s bariatric program, he or she is scheduled to undergo the tests and consults ordered by the surgeon. This includes a comprehensive bariatric nutrition assessment, completed by the center’s registered dietitian; an in-depth psychological assessment, coordinated through Summa’s department of psychiatry, and pre- and postoperative exercise evaluations, which focus on an individual program the patient can use for the rest of his or her life. Once preauthorization is obtained for the surgery, the program’s nurse case manager works closely with the patient and the surgeon to schedule a surgery date and ensure all patients complete the comprehensive preoperative education class. Upon completion of the class, the patient is prepared to undergo surgery and is ready for the weight loss journey.

The average time from program enrollment to surgery is approximately six to eight months.

Post-Surgical Care

After surgery, the case manager visits the patient at least twice daily while an inpatient and calls him or her the week he or she goes home to answer any further questions. Post-operative visits are scheduled for all patients at one week after surgery. To ensure the best chance for lifelong success, Summa’s Bariatric Care Center strongly encourages regular attendance at its monthly support group meetings. These group meetings are important for our patients as they provide support, education, and camaraderie, especially during challenging times. Monthly support group meetings are strongly encouraged for all patients both pre- and postoperatively. This group, fondly referred to as “LIFE-Losing Inches Forever” by our patients, provides a mix of education, speakers, and support.

The Bariatric Care Center’s comprehensive program was designed with the patient in mind-from the chairs in the waiting room to special equipment in exam rooms and our compassionate staff. We provide thorough preoperative and postoperative lifelong care as well as the support patients need along the way. Patients are seen frequently for the first postoperative year and are then encouraged to follow up annually for life. It is important to offer education regarding diet and exercise as well as evaluate patient vitamin and protein levels and correct any abnormalities. The annual visits make sure patients are following the appropriate diet and exercise requirements and adhering to healthy food and nutrition habits.

After gastric bypass surgery, patients will begin to lose weight quickly and will continue to do so during the first 12 months following surgery. Studies show that post-operative patients who choose to be compliant with post-op recommendations can expect to lose 60 to 70 percent of their excess body weight in the first 12 to 18 months following surgery. Studies also show that patients who continue to follow the program can maintain 50 to 60 percent of their weight loss. After Sleeve Gastrectomy, patients will begin to lose weight right away, although not as quickly as with Gastric Bypass surgery.

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Dietary Progression

It is very important to follow the diet progression carefully. All patients are started on a clear liquid diet the morning after surgery. Specific instructions are given to you by the RN Case Manager when you are in the hospital. You will be sent home with instructions to begin a full liquid diet on post-op day 3 after surgery. You will stay on a full liquid diet until your first post-op office visit with your surgeon (usually 7-10 days after surgery). You will advance to a pureed diet after you see your surgeon, and will follow that diet for 2 weeks. You will advance to a pureed/blenderized diet after completing the full liquid diet and will follow that diet for 2 weeks.

Potential Complications

Some patients do feel nauseated after weight loss surgery. If you find that you are unable to drink the quantity of liquids that you were instructed to drink at the time of discharge, it is possible for you to become dehydrated. Symptoms of dehydration can include a headache, decreased or dark urine output, or nausea or vomiting. This is normal. Most patients find that the left incision is the most painful because the instruments used to perform your surgery cause increased pressure on the left side of the abdomen.

Wound infections are not common, but they do need to be treated if they occur. When a wound becomes infected, it can become red and warm to the touch. It may drain green or yellow or think white fluid. You may or may not have a temperature. It may also feel swollen and tender to the touch. If you notice any of these symptoms, please call us.

Weight loss can promote the production of gallstones. A small percentage (15%) of patients develops gallstones after weight loss surgery, which may require surgery to remove. If it is determined that you have gallstones before surgery, your gallbladder may be removed prior to or during your weight loss surgery. Most patients will experience some hair thinning around 3-7 months following surgery. This occurs as part of the body’s response to a sudden decrease in nutrient intake.

Lifestyle Changes

Changing your behavior when it comes to eating and exercise is the key to success in any weight loss plan. The degree to which you change your behavior is directly related to the amount of weight loss you can expect to achieve.

Exercise beyond walking is not recommended for the first month after surgery. We want you to walk gently and frequently right away to prevent complications such a blood clots and pneumonia. The key is to start slowly - listen to your body and stop when you get tired.

All patients take vitamin supplements for the rest of their life after weight loss surgery, including a multivitamin with iron, calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12. We recommend that you consumer adequate amounts of protein and also take Biotin and/or Zinc on a daily basis after surgery.

Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for You?

Having weight loss surgery is a big decision, and we’re here to guide and support you.

Consider weight loss surgery if:

Your BMI is 40 or higher.
Your BMI is between 35 and 39.9, and you have at least one other condition caused by the excess weight (diabetes, sleep apnea, or high blood pressure).
You have been overweight for a number of years.
You have worked hard to lose weight, tried numerous different diets, and lost weight and then regained it plus a few extra pounds.

If your BMI is less than 35, our medical weight loss program would be the best option for you.

Insurance and Payment Options

Understanding the details of medical insurance coverage as it relates to paying for weight loss surgery can be overwhelming. All providers we work with cover bariatric surgery; however, in most cases each employer makes the final decision whether to offer the benefit. Patients who do not have the weight loss surgery benefit on their plan may choose to take advantage of our private pay program.

Success Stories

Many individuals have found success through Summa Health's Weight Management Institute. Here are a few stories of those who have transformed their lives:

Gary Coleman: Struggled with weight his whole life, experiencing severe medical issues. After weight loss surgery with Dr. Zografakis, he lost 143 pounds, reduced medications, and is now off insulin.
Robert Hileman: Was pushing 600 pounds and missed out on a lot of his kids' lives when they were younger. After his surgery, he was able to get down to 270 now with a goal of 250.
Reggie: Gained better health and a better life. And I feel so much better.
John: At over 300 pounds, he couldn't even get into his airplane anymore. After the surgery, one of the greatest things is I can fit in my airplane again.
Cressane: The weight is just melting off. Melting away. Being able to buy clothes. Being physically able to go up and down stairs. There is so much joy in my world now.
Cheda: Before I had bariatric surgery, I had high blood pressure, diabetes, couldn't sleep. And after the surgery, I'm no longer on all those medications.
Michael: I've lost almost 200 pounds due to bariatric surgery, and I feel like a new person.
Cassandra: Since I had the surgery, I'm able to do so many more things with my kids.
Dr. Ssrelle: Since my gastric sleeve surgery, I've lost over 150 pounds.
Richard: I feel like I've been given a second chance at life.
Dr. Annabelle: I've lost over 180 pounds. When I look in the mirror now, I just see confidence.
Alicia: As a result of surgery, I lost 160 pounds. That's a whole nother person, and boy, I feel beautiful and look beautiful.
Stephen: I've lost 138 pounds in the last 15 months.
Amanda: Since the surgery, I've lost over 150 pounds and 81% of my excess body weight.
Rebecca: Today, I'm 190 pounds.
Misti: I'm healthier now because of my weight loss. I'm just so much happier, healthier, and smiling is my way of, it's shining through.
Margo: I think the most difficult part for me was becoming totally committed. But once I saw the team in action and how everyone was treating me.

Taking the First Step

Ready to take the first step? Contact us today at 330.375.6554 for more information. Please note: We strongly encourage you to contact your insurance company prior to this call to ask if you have the weight loss surgery benefit on your plan.

Summa Health is committed to continuously furthering the awareness of and the understanding of obesity as a chronic disease, and to the development of treatment options that produce the best possible outcomes for our current and future patients. We offer several classes, both in-person and virtual, to take the first step towards a healthier, happier you.

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