The Nutritional Health & Bariatric Surgery Center Provides Successful Weight Loss for Patients
The team of experts at the Nutritional Health & Bariatric Surgery Center at University Hospitals offers the very latest advancements in surgical weight loss techniques to help patients find a healthier and more active lifestyle through successful weight loss. The following patient success stories are an inspiring testament to how weight loss surgery can have a tremendously positive impact on a person’s life. These personal journeys communicate the true life-changing differences that significant weight loss can offer.

Jean’s Story
Jean needed to lose at least 125 pounds before the hip replacement surgery she needed could take place. On the recommendation of her niece, Jean consulted with bariatric surgeons at University Hospitals.

Wedded to Success
Ailene Zaebst walked down the aisle at her wedding more than 140 pounds lighter from bariatric surgery, completing a weight-loss journey that began 18 months earlier at University Hospitals Parma Medical Center.

Enjoying Life to the Fullest after Weight Loss Surgery
Amanda McGowan was a normal, healthy child of average weight for the first decade of her life. By sixth grade, her struggle to maintain a healthy weight began.

April's Story
April Gajoch tried diet after diet when she began gaining weight after high school, but nothing worked long-term, and she was frustrated with the constant uphill battle. When she first considered weight loss surgery, April called several...

Young Mom Now Has the Energy to Keep Up With Her Son After Weight Loss Surgery
Imagine losing weight without even thinking about it. That is what Ashley Burch, 26, did as she dropped more than 100 pounds in a year, without feeling hungry or tired.

Woman Goes from Size 26 to Size 8 in Less Than a Year Following Gastric Bypass Surgery
Consuela Nobles-Williams weighed more than 300 pounds when a very close friend of hers died suddenly from complications of obesity. A young mother of four, Consuela worried that this could happen to her if she did not lose the excess weight.

Bariatric Surgery Helps Patient Reclaim Health
Before Courtney Pound’s bariatric sleeve surgery, her primary care physician was very concerned about her. After having the procedure done with Mujjahid Abbas, MD, she says that her life has not been the same.

Avid Runner, 44, Schedules Colonoscopy that Catches Cancer
On the same day, Elizabeth Brandewie, MD, saw the giant inflatable colon on display at UH St. John Medical Center for Colon Cancer Awareness Month, and also read an article about the increasing rate of colon cancer in people in their 30s and 40s.

Local Woman Learns Importance of Screening Colonoscopy After Colon Cancer Diagnosis
“Every year I received a card in the mail, saying I was due for an annual PAP smear and exam, and I had gone to those appointments religiously,” Ellen said.

Young Attorney Sheds Pounds, Gains Confidence After Undergoing Gastric Bypass Surgery
Heather Moseman, 40, is a successful businesswoman and attorney who appeared to have everything going for her – with one exception.

Dropping Pounds, Gaining Better Health
Couple Commits to Bariatric Surgery to Set an Example for Their Children

Jill’s Story
Firefighter and EMT, Jill Boden lost 100 pounds after weight loss surgery at University Hospitals and now enjoys a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Bariatric Surgery at University Hospitals Helps Patient Lead a Happier and More Energized Life
After battling obesity nearly all of her life, Julie Szitas experienced a tragic and life-changing event at age 30, when her mother died of complications related to obesity and heart disease.

UH Nurse, Katie Miskulin, Loses 110 Pounds in Less Than One Year after Gastric Bypass Surgery
At age 25, Katie Miskulin of Kirtland, Ohio, weighed 281 pounds. Heavy most of her life, Katie had tried many of the popular diets and had even hired a personal trainer to lose weight, unfortunately without long term success.

Kenneth's Story
Kenneth Cahill had been steadily gaining weight for years. By 2012, he was up to nearly 480 pounds and was on several medications.

Bariatric Experts Help Gastric Bypass Patient Overcome Lifelong Weight Issues with Compassion and Continued Support
Marianne Dergham, of Gates Mills, Ohio, had always struggled with her weight. By age 23, there were signs that it was starting to affect her health. According to her doctor, her cholesterol was high, and diabetes was looming.

Woman Loses 100 Pounds with Lap Band Surgery, Gains Confidence to Earn College Degree
Marie Silbaugh said she had dreamed of being thin her entire life, but she just could not lose weight and keep it off. The 46-year-old had tried most of the popular diets — low-carb, low fat, pre-prepared and portion controlled.

Weight Loss Surgery Reverses Declining Mental Health
Depressed and grappling with rapid weight gain following her parents’ deaths, Rebecca Rym needed a lifeline. The Lorain County server contacted area hospitals, but her calls went unanswered until she reached University Hospitals Parma Medical Center.

Patients Share Their Life-Changing Experiences at University Hospitals Parma Medical Center
Susan Gagliardi opted for laparoscopic bariatric surgery last year. She now speaks confidently at the New Perspectives support group about the many ways in which this experience has forever changed her life.

Patients Share Their Life-Changing Experiences at University Hospitals Parma Medical Center
After struggling all her life with her weight, 38-year-old mother of three Tanya Sasala took control of her future by attending the Bariatric Surgery Information Session.

Local Man Diagnosed with Colon Cancer Urges Others Not to Ignore Symptoms
Even though his wife had her recommended colorectal cancer screening at University Hospitals, 53-year-old Terry Wise of Cleveland put his routine colonoscopy on the back burner.

Father of Two Earns New Lease on Life After Losing 200 Pounds with Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Victor Oddo dreamed of the future and one day walking his daughters down the aisle at their weddings; but with his weight at 469 pounds, he believed his days were numbered.