Fresh Start Bariatrics Team

WE recognize that to get the best weight-loss results you need more than just an operation. The Fresh Start experience isn’t simply a surgery, it’s a highly personalized program that is designed to offer a team approach to making sure you make the right decisions and get the guidance and support you need throughout every step of your journey.

“I know first-hand what Riverside Methodist and OhioHealth are all about: maintaining the highest standard of care and providing the best possible outcomes for patients. Now I am coming home to bring my expertise to the hospital and the program.”
 - Dr. Thomas Sonnanstine

About Dr. Sonnanstine

• Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery
• Fellow of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
• Associate member of the American College of Surgeons
• Member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal, Endoscopic, and Lapaproendoscopic Surgeons

A native of Marion, Ohio, Dr. Sonnanstine is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland and Northeastern Ohio Medical University, near Akron. He served his residency at Riverside Methodist and completed fellowship training in minimally invasive bariatric surgery at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. Now having practiced for 7+ years, he has done over 2,000 bariatric operations and is an internationally and nationally recognized educator, having performed or taught weight loss procedures in eight different countries and 26 different states.

Dr. Sonnanstine is married and the father of three children, two of whom were born at Riverside Methodist Hospital. He returns to Riverside Methodist as the lead bariatric surgeon among the Fresh Start team of dieticians, psychologists, exercise physiologists and other specialists.  Dr. Sonnanstine is a specialist in laparoscopic bariatric surgeries, including gastric bypass, adjustable gastric band and gastric sleeve procedures. His special interest in high-risk patients and revisions will reflect on the Fresh Start program that will expand its expertise offering care to patients with complications or failed surgery from other programs.

Fresh Start Bariatrics Team

As a part of our comprehensive program we provide physicians, nurses, psychologists, dieticians, and a number of coordinators and advocates who work with you before, during, and after your procedure to support your fresh start and new life. Our team consists of certified professionals who have the experience and expertise to ensure safe, controlled weight-loss.

Dr. Thomas E. Sonnanstine IV, MD
Robert L. Zee, DO, FACOI, Internal Medicine physician
Jeannine Tell, PsyD, Psychologist
Rosa Shiffman, RN,  Manager of Metabolic Services
Kristi Highley, RD, LD, CDE, Dietitian
Kathy Seitz, RN, Outpatient Clinical Coordinator
Angela Carter, Office Specialist
Charlene, Epps, Membership Coordinator
Julie Edgerton, Scheduling Coordinator