Surgical Weight Control Team

Blaine Nease, MD, FACS

Medical Director, Bariatric Surgeon

Dr. Nease is a board certified surgeon who offers a full range of weight control procedures, including gastric bypass, gastric sleeve gastrectomy, gastric band, duodenal switch and the newest non-surgical procedure, the Orbera™ gastric balloon. Dr. Nease will also perform revisional surgery on patients who may be candidates. He attended the Ohio State University where he earned his Bachelor and Medical Degrees and completed a five year surgical residency at the University of South Florida (USF). At USF, Dr. Nease received extensive advanced laparoscopic and bariatric surgical training. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a member of The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Nease has served on numerous committees for the advancement of bariatric surgery including the Bariatric Review Committee for the Surgical Review Corporation as one of its founding members. This committee was the first to set national standards in bariatric surgery.

Dr. Nease' interest in bariatric medicine stems from a personal experience with a father who suffered the effects and challenges of being obese.

"For all the Jack Nease' out there, this is why I have chosen to fight the battle against obesity. I am truly blessed to be a part of this specialty and am thankful to all those who have had the courage to make a difference for themselves, their family and friends."

Sumeret Munie

Bariatric Surgeon

Sheila Tuttle

Program Manager

The bariatric support team is led by Program Manager Sheila Tuttle. Sheila attended Marshall University and graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Business Management with a focus on finance and accounting from West Liberty State University. She has worked in the field of bariatric surgery for many years, not only in practice management but in launching a number of new bariatric surgery programs, helping to implement the infrastructure needed for a successful program. Her focus is on growth and development as well as increasing public awareness while ensuring that the highest quality of care is continuously being delivered. Sheila oversees the program's accreditation process for its Center of Excellence designation by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and its Blue Distinction Plus Program for providing proven expertise in delivering specialty care.

"My goal is to ensure the highest standards of care are met for our patients and to provide the resources and aftercare to achieve optimal health and sustained weight loss."

Kelly Columbus-Cline, PA-C, MBS

Clinical Coordinator

Kelly is a graduate of Mountain State University with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Science and a Masters in Physician Assistant. She has several years of patient care experience in a wide range of medical specialties. She will collaborate with the bariatric leadership team to ensure patient needs are continuously being met through regular follow up care. Kelly plays a key role in the education of the nursing staff that will care for you during your stay at the hospital and she will help lead our monthly support group meetings and classes.

"I'm so excited to be a part of this outstanding team. It is truly an honor to care for our patients, helping to encourage them in reaching their goals of lifelong health."

Marsha Copley, RD, LD

Registered Dietitian

As our bariatric dietitian, Marsha provides comprehensive nutritional education and an array of services that support each of our patients. She provides in-depth counseling and guidance before surgery and continues to meet with patients in the post-operative period. Long-term follow-up care is so important for optimal outcomes, and Marsha plays an integral role in aftercare. She is one of the leaders for our monthly support group and she is dedicated to helping every patient accomplish their goals.

Marsha earned her bachelor of science degree in dietetics and went on to complete a dietetic internship at Marshall University. She is a registered dietitian and has worked in bariatric nutrition at Cabell Huntington Hospital since 2002. Marsha has been an associate member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery since 2003 and holds membership with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Weight Management Practice Group of the Association. She is also a member of the Obesity Action Coalition.

 

Crystal Pauley, CMA, MBS

Clinical Reviewer

Crystal is responsible for maintaining the MBSAQIP database, one of the many requirements our program fulfills to maintain our designation as a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the American College of Surgeons. Her other duties include pre-authorization and ordering of radiological tests and procedures that pre-operative patients need to help complete insurance requirements and/or post-operative patients need for comprehensive follow-up care. Crystal earned her Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration from Ohio University, is a certified medical assistant and has worked in health care for over a decade.

"We have a team that fosters a caring attitude that promotes a healthy lifestyle for the patient," says Crystal. "We are here from the beginning for the patient; not just during surgery but throughout the lifelong aftercare. I love going to work every day knowing I am one of the team members that helped make a difference."

Annie Weible, CMA

Patient Intake Coordinator

As the patient intake coordinator, Annie is responsible for a wide array of duties including gathering pertinent information so your visit with the provider is as beneficial as possible. Annie is a graduate of Marshall University, receiving a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. She is also a certified medical assistant and will help with coordinating follow up care, scheduling diagnostic tests and participating in patient education.

"My number one priority is ensuring that each patient receives the highest quality care in a timely fashion. Our success is measured by our patients' successes and we are proud to be part of each patient's journey to a healthier life."

Angie Eplin

Receptionist/Scheduler

Angie will be the first person you’ll meet at each appointment. She will assist during the check-in and check-out process, helping you complete all the necessary paperwork as well as answer many of your questions. She will also coordinate all your future office visits. Angie attended Marshall University and Mountwest Community and Technical College. She has over 20 years experience in the medical field and currently holds three certifications as Professional Coder, Medical Coder and Medical Insurance Specialist.

"As your first face-to-face contact, I will strive to make your experience here a positive one. We want you to feel like family when you come to our office. It's a privilege to share your journey and I am excited to see you succeed and have a long and healthy life ahead."

Chelsie Boster

Office Assistant

Chelsie provides the much needed day-to-day support in the overall operations of the bariatric program to ensure a cohesive process for all bariatric team members as well as our patients. She will manage department resources and supplies. Her experience in customer service has proven valuable in our program where patient satisfaction is top priority.

"Each day is a learning experience and I love being able to help in any way I can to make our program the best it can be. That way, patients can be the best that they can be."