Thomas Sonnanstine M.D. Bariatric Surgeon M.D., FACS, FASMBS

Dr Sonnanstine was very professional and informative, he made sure I was doing this for all the right reasons and I am so happy I had him as a surgeon. He preformed the surgery three years ago and I have not regretted it one day. He held me accountable and his staff was so supportive and amazing! Three years out and the transformation is amazing, it's a mental, physical and and total life transformation. I thank Dr Sonnanstine every time I go because of their support and focus on my surgery turning out as if I was there only concern and my success is all that matters to them I am living my best life ever! They gave me the tool to succeed, the knowledge to use it properly and the encouragement to never give up!

Ohio Health and Dr. Sonnastine were the best!

Dr Sonnastine was always professional in all my visits. Also the Ohio Health program was great....very forward in the expectations and steps along the way.

My stay at Riverside was very detail and individualized to help me get back to my daily routine. The staff at the hospital were the best I have ever experienced.

Thank you Dr. Sonnastine for all you have done and I look forward to getting my life back.

Today is the 8th anniversary of my surgery. Every year on this day I reflect back on the day that saved my life not only physically but in every way imaginable. I barely remember that person that couldn't look anyone in the eye because I didn't feel like I was worthy. Now I walk with my head up, usually smiling and my friends laugh at the thought of my being considered shy. I'm now the one that makes friends everywhere I go. This surgery not only gave me my health but also it helped me to find the Chris that I had lost somewhere along the way. As someone this far out from surgery, I honestly wish I had worked harder on my mental roadblocks toward eating along the way to prevent some of my regain (don't worry, Dr. Tom...I haven't regained it all and I'm working on it!). As for my thoughts on Dr. Tom, since this is supposed to be a review of my surgeon, well... I was 441 pounds and had lap RNY with no complications. That shows amazing skill. As for the doctor himself... I have nothing but respect and admiration. A man who truly cares for his patients and wants to see us be happy.

In just 10 short days I will celebrate my anniversary. Dr. Tom did my surgery 9 years ago. He also did surgery on both my sisters and my niece. We have all kept our weight off. We are all healthy. We are all still married. We all have learned a new lifestyle. We all owe our new lives to Dr. Tom. I believe his passion for his work was the key to our success. He taught us well. I know the surgeries have changed so much since our surgeries. I just want people to know we did not gain it back or we did not exchange one addiction for another. Thank you so much Dr. Tom. If you ever have a reunion of all your old patients we would love to see you.

Dr. Sonnanstine SAVED my life!!!!
Dr. Sonnanstine is a fantastic surgeon! Dr. Tom genuinely cares for his patients and he loves his patients. If it were not for him and the Good Lord above, I would be dead right now. He performed my initial gastric bypass surgery in 2009. When he moved to Ohio, I had a revision done by a different provider. After 9 months of starving, a feeding tube, mediport, multiple operations, multiple ER visits and multiple hospital admissions, I tracked down Dr. Tom. He immediately diagnosed my life threatening problem and vowed to save my life. The day I say him he told me I was dying. (even though I already knew it, it was a hard pill to swallow) He performed my 2nd revision and one year later, I am still here!! I struggle everyday with issues from my prolonged bad health, but Dr. Tom saved my life. I recommend that anyone seeking weight loss surgery to research your surgeon extensively!!! But I can make you a promise, you will never find a better surgeon than Dr. Tom. Even his office staff has become like my family. They are very kind and caring. When I saw him for my 9 month follow-up, I was greeted with open arms by every staff member and by Dr. Tom. He was my life saver and I will be forever greatful to him!!!!

Dr Sonnastine did my rny surgery on December 13,2013. His program offers monthly support groups before and after surgery. 6 months of nutrition classes and a staff that is friendly and helpful. I thought I would be embarrassed or hear the same old stuff you hear about eat and exercise. It's a place with no judgement and they suggest real life solutions. The doctor told me what to expect and so far he has been spot on. I should have done this sooner. If you are in the columbus Ohio are and thinking about surgery you should attend one of his free seminars.

I had my surgery and dr sonnanstine and his staff were there for me through everything answering all my questions, giving me support and working through the difficulty of the distance I lived. I lost over a 120 lbs and I lost it in less then 2 years. I have kept it off and I can enjoy eating healthy food and healthy portions. I no longer have to take medication for diabetes, acid reflux and even allergy medicine is unnecessary. I recommend Dr. Sonnanstine and believe he helped save my life. Thanks!

I first met Dr. Sonnanstine at a bariatric symposium that was held at Riverside. I truly lucked out that he was the featured speaker that night that I met him. My GP recommended that I attend the symposium since all my other attempts at weight loss failed and I had acquired Type 2 diabetes at such an early age (32). I couldn't figure out what was wrong with me! I was tired, lethargic and most of all sick of taking more pills then my 66 year old parents. I needed help and this was my last resort.

I am pretty meticulous about my medical records and I brought my folder to the symposium. I went up to the doctor and spoke with him after his presentation. He was kind and did not rush me. He answered all my questions and even looked at my current prescription list and past medical history that I brought with me. After looking over the information, he asked me specific questions concerning my current health state. He concluded that a full metabolic panel should be taken but that I suffered from metabolic syndrome. Just having an expert have an idea of what was wrong with me was so refreshing! I had so many panels of tests before that indicated my thyroid and other functions were fine that I couldn't figure out what was going on...this went on for 12+ years. I was so happy I found someone that wanted to figure out what was wrong with me as badly as I wanted to.

I set up an appointment and his office staff is knowledgeable, helpful and pleasant. They have all the components you need in a bariatric practice to be successful (insurance coordinator, NPs, psychologist, nutritionists, etc.). I went through the program and successfully had a Roux-en-y gastric bypass in June of this year. I'm not going to lie, it was tough and I still have some bad days but the surgery itself was performed perfectly and the aftercare I received and still receive is very good. I knew all the risks going into the surgery and the doctor and his staff made sure I was confident in my decision. Dr. Sonnanstine's surgical expertise, technique and bedside manner are EXCELLENT.

The only thing that I would change about my experience is the knowledge that I found after my surgery on the internet via blogs and/or other bariatric facilities that give you tips and tricks on how to adjust to your new eating habits, etc. For example, I had no idea room temperature water and beverages would go down much smoother than cold beverages post surgery. This makes for a happier tummy. Also, about two weeks post op around my largest trocar site it feels like there is an alien in your body for about two days. This is not just uncomfortable but it is sometimes painful. If I was expecting it, I could have been a little bit more mentally prepared. A comprehensive packet like the following would be helpful:

http://www.ssmhealth.com/weightloss/documents/roux-en-y%20gastric%20bypass%20nutritional%20guide.pdf
http://www.laplose.com/Media/Forms/RYGB_DietGuide.pdf
http://www.peachtreebariatrics.com/docs/Gastric-Bypass-Patient-Manual.pdf
http://www.bmc.org/Documents/BMC-Bariatric-Info-Guide_nov11-2011.pdf
http://www.allinahealth.org/ahs/bariatric.nsf/page/bariatric-manual-2010.pdf/$FILE/bariatric-manual-2010.pdf
http://www.upperchesapeakebariatricsurgery.org/files/pdfs/Weight%20Loss%20Surgery%20Guide.pdf
http://www.tc.umn.edu/~lesli002/UMMC-Fairview%20PDF's/Diet%20Guidebook%20for%20Laparoscopic%20Gastric%20Bypass.pdf
http://www.miamihope.com/docs/Nutritional_Booklet_Gastric_Bypass.pdf
http://www.pvsurgical.com/bariatric/Gastric_By-Pass_Diet_Guidelines.pdf

OVERALL, I would recommend Dr. Sonnanstine to my family, friends and anyone looking for a truly professional bariatric surgeon. I enjoy my post op visits and it isn't a chore to see him or his staff. He has truly changed my life and I am so thankful he was speaking at the symposium I attended.

Dr. Tom is a wonderful surgeon. He has an impressive combo of pronounced surgical competence and respectable bedside manner. He is kind and attentive. He was very open about the risks and rewards of bariatric surgery and great at answering my boatload of questions at each appointment. He is somewhat set in his ways, but at the same time, he really cares about his patients and their concerns, so if you don’t agree with him on something, don’t be afraid to stand your ground! The office staff at Ohio Health Weight Management is pretty good … very friendly, but sometimes they can be hit or miss. Just find a nurse that you like and be sure to stick with them throughout the process. They have a fully structured aftercare program including a whole staff of professionals to help you through every aspect of your journey, which is imperative in the world of bariatric surgery. Dr. Tom did my VSG, hiatal hernia repair, liver biopsy, and one year later, gallbladder removal. My impression of him only improved over time, and I have not one regret whatsoever that he came to the Ohio Health program. This was my first surgery and he made me feel very comfortable and at ease in his capable hands. I would recommend his work to family, friends, colleagues, and anyone in the Columbus area looking for the best of the best …

I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Tom. He is an incredibly talented surgeon. I am now just over six months post-op RNY Gastric Bypass and he excelled in every way you would want your surgeon to excel! He did a flawless job with my surgery, I have had no complications whatsoever. He took the time pre-op to patiently and kindly answer all the questions I had for him. Now post-op he is equally as patient and caring as he was before surgery. He leads and incredibly professional and diligent group of people at Fresh Start Bariatrics at Riverside Hospital, and I know I can call them anytime I have a question or concern and they will give me quick and knowledgeable information. Dr. Tom and his talent as a surgeon allowed me to have a smooth transition to my new healthy life, I am now and always will be thankful he was the surgeon who did my Gastric Bypass.