If you are struggling to lose weight, and to keep it off, you are not alone. The Summa Health Weight Management Institute is here to help. We understand the challenges you face and are here to help you achieve your goals. Our evidence-based, personalized approach combines the latest medical science, psychology, nutrition and exercise to treat obesity, a chronic disease affecting millions worldwide effectively.
But there’s good news! We now have effective treatments that go beyond fad diets. Our medical weight loss team consists of experts in medicine, psychology and nutrition who work together to create a personalized plan that’s right for you.
All patients who enroll in the medical program will have an initial assessment with an obesity medicine provider. They will partner with you to determine your weight loss goals and develop a personalized plan designed to meet your needs and achieve your goals. Elements of your treatment plan such as the frequency of follow up visits, your healthy eating plan and lifestyle modifications are all personalized. This assessment will also help to determine whether you need to start weight loss medications or receive referrals to other members of the care team who will help you achieve success.
Healthy weight management begins with reaching your goal weight and then continues with the maintenance of that weight. Many people have cycled through weight loss and regained it multiple times throughout their lives. You will continue to see us for lifetime follow-up to prevent you from regaining the weight you worked so hard to lose.
We will assist you with meal planning and can help manage weight in conjunction with complicated medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or pregnancy. We also have resources available if you struggle with eating in response to emotions or stress or struggle with depression and anxiety.
Robert Petz
Nutrition Services Weight Loss Patient
Struggled with weight his entire life, until he met Dr. Dejak
Transcription
Robert: I struggled with weight my whole life. I did. I was up to 300 pounds. I found myself at the Summa emergency room, struggling to breathe. Something had to change. So I got a flyer in the mail from the Summa Weight Management Institute. Gave 'em call the very next day, got an appointment, never looked back.
Dr. Dejak taught me how to make healthier food choices, to read the labels, and she really keeps you motivated. It's not a piece of cake, no pun intended. You have to change your lifestyle. I've done this for a year now, and I lost 100 pounds. God, I feel better!
To know I'll be around for my grandkids, my kids. They've been such encouragement for me. I owe it to Summa, Dr. Dejak, the Summa Weight Loss Center. It changed my life, it really has. I feel so much better.
Kathryn and Vance Truman
Nutrition Services Weight Loss Patient
Enjoying renewed energy after nutritional weight loss
Transcription
Vance: I've always been a big big guy. Yeah. I knew I had to lose weight. I was almost 400 pounds. My doctor said I was facing knee surgery if I did not lose weight.
Kathryn: So I figured if Vance is going to lose weight, we do everything together, I said, well, I'll join you and we'll both go to the Summa Bariatric Program. Everybody on the Summa team is so enthusiastic, polite and friendly, and we're rooting for you. It's like having a cheerleader.
Vance: Yeah, it's excellent. I love Dr. Wells. He's just very encouraging, and he just wants you to be successful and wants you to be healthy.
Kathryn: I was surprised at how quickly I was losing weight. I mean between the both of us we lost over 200 pounds. I play tennis and on the tennis court my friends are amazed. I was sort of fast before, but now I'm really fast.
Vance: And I think going to try skiing.
Kathryn: That sounds like a terrible idea.
Vance: I believe that there's a thin person in each of us, and Dr. Wells and the Summa Nonsurgical Weight Loss Program is the way to discover that person. This works.
Tim Scott
Weight Management Patient
Living his best life after weight loss
Transcription
Tim: I really struggled with my weight my whole life. At 412 pounds, I got out of bed and went straight to the couch. Ate and laid on the couch eight hours a day.
I came to Summa for weight loss surgery and met Dr. Wells. I've learned so much from that man as far as nutrition. By the time they got me cleared for the surgery, I've lost almost 70 pounds. I decided not to do the surgery, and I could do it on my own.
I'm 56 years old, and I've lost over 200 pounds. Without Dr. Wells I don't think I'd even be here right now. This is a life changer. I can finally even get out there and mow my yard. I'm half the man I used to be, and I'm so happy about it. Now when people look at me, they look at my eyes, my blue eyes, and not my weight.
The Summa Health weight loss program, I am very thankful for them. Very thankful.
Marissa Martucci
Nutrition Services Weight Loss Patient
Filled with happiness after losing weight with help from Nutrition Services
Transcription
Marissa: During middle school, I started gaining a lot of weight because I was eating pretty bad. I wasn't feeling good about myself because I was heavier than the other kids in my school. After I reached 200 pounds, I realized I need to stop.
My doctor recommended the Summa Health non surgical weight loss program. And then I met my nutritionist Alissa. I never thought that I would eat salmon. I love salmon. It's so good for you. There's your 23 grams of protein right there.
I exercise by doing some zumba workouts and by the marching band, of course. I started to lose weight. I felt like one of the happiest girls in the world. I really felt good about myself.
Being in the nutrition program at Summa Health has really changed my life. I hope that I will be a very big inspiration to other girls that are struggling with their weight loss too. I'm excited to see my future now, because I don't know what God has in store for me, but I hope something good is going to come out of it.
Tracy Nicholson
Weight Management Patient
With the help of Summa Health, lifestyle changes and healthy food alternatives, Tracy is down 80 pounds.
Transcription
Tracy - I knew I needed to lose weight, and one day I got a flyer in the mail from Summa's Weight Management Institute. So I gave him a call and on my first visit I met Dr. Wells, and that was the start. I loved him.Dr. Wells helped me to appreciate that weight loss is a lifestyle change. For example, I really love pasta, but Dr. Wells introduced me to healthy alternatives to pasta that I can use, because really what I really like is the sauce, and he helped me to appreciate that. He was the best cheerleader.
Now I actually enjoy exercise. It's like the more I walk, the more energy I feel. Dr. Wells and his weight management team have transformed my health. Now I am not on the CPAP machine. My blood pressure medicine is down to the lowest it's ever been, and my cholesterol has normalized.
I'm proud to say I've already lost 80 pounds. Well, here I am, almost at my goal, thanks to Dr. Wells and Summa, and I know that if you're struggling with your weight, that they can help you reach your goal too.
Is Medical Weight Loss Right for You?
Making the decision to begin a medical weight loss management program is personal and can feel overwhelming. We are here to help!
Some of the factors to consider include:
- Your health conditions: Excess weight can increase risks for various health problems. If you already have conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea, weight loss can be crucial.
- Your weight history: Have you struggled to lose weight in the past? We offer support and guidance.
- Your family history: Are you genetically predisposed to gaining weight? We can help you manage these factors.
- Your emotional and mental well-being: Are you ready to make lifestyle changes? We offer psychological support to make the journey smoother.
- Your commitment to change: Long-term success requires dedication. We’ll be here to guide you every step of the way.
- Your BMI: This can indicate your weight category (overweight, obese) and associated risks.
The Summa Health medical weight loss program is designed primarily for those patients whose BMI is between 25 and 35. Additionally, if your BMI is between 35 and 39.9 or is higher than 40, and you do not wish to consider surgery and/or weight loss surgery is not covered by your insurance plan, the medical program is a good option.
Weight Loss Medications
- Over the last several years, a number of weight loss medications have received extensive media attention. While these medications are an appropriate and effective weight loss tool for some patients, they may not be the best treatment for all weight loss patients.
- As the landscape of weight loss treatment continues to evolve, it is important to remember that treatments like weight loss medications should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Additional efforts such as dietary adjustments, an approved exercise regimen and ongoing medical supervision all help to ensure the best possible outcomes for weight loss patients.
- Our team of multidisciplinary experts will help determine if a weight loss medication makes sense for your treatment needs and should be included as part of your overall weight loss plan.
Listen to obesity medicine specialist Dr. Kenneth Wells explain how these medications work, how they should be used and what patients should know when considering this treatment.
Why Choose Summa Health?
- Board-certified obesity medicine physicians, behavioral health specialists and dietitians who understand the science behind weight loss.
- A focus on long-term success, with personalized plans and lifetime follow-up to prevent weight regain.
- Customized programs that fit your needs, including individual appointments with specialists.
- Support for emotional eating, stress management and related mental health challenges.
- Expertise in managing weight alongside complex medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and pregnancy.
Ready to take control of your health? Call the Weight Management Institute’s New Patient line at 330.375.6554 to schedule an appointment.
Medical Weight Loss FAQs
Can't I just exercise to lose weight?
How do I know if I should try medical or surgical weight loss?
A: There are several factors to consider when trying to choose a weight loss method.
1. First, determine your BMI. If your BMI is 40 or higher, you meet the national guidelines for weight loss surgery and can consider that option. If your BMI is between 35 and 39.9, and have at least one other condition caused by the excess weight (diabetes, sleep apnea, or high blood pressure), you will likely also qualify. If your BMI is less than 35, then a medical weight loss method is the only option. A BMI between 18-25 is considered “normal”, but if you have gained 10 or more pounds over the past year, it is advisable to engage in a weight loss program now so that you can keep your BMI within a healthy range.
2. You should look at the number of years you have been overweight. If you have gained a significant amount of weight over 1-2 years, it is probably best to start with an appointment with your primary care physician to rule out any underlying medical conditions. If you have struggled with your weight for more than 3 years, or for much of your life, then considering a medical or surgical approach to weight loss makes sense.
3. Another variable to consider is the ways in which you have previously tried to lose weight. Have you worked hard to lose weight? Tried numerous different diets? Lost weight and then regained it plus a few extra pounds? If so, then you may be ready to consider a surgical approach if you meet the BMI requirements. If you have never tried seriously to lose weight, then it may make more sense first to try a medical approach.