Our team of specialists are ready to help you achieve your weight loss goals

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Dr. Ikram Kureshi, our expert weight loss surgeon in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas

Dr. Kureshi is a Harvard-trained weight loss surgeon with many years of experience and has performed thousands of weight loss surgeries all over the Dallas-Ft Worth area. He is a native Texan who grew up in the Houston area and attended Rice University. He completed medical school at Texas Tech University School of Medicine in Lubbock. He then went on to do his general surgery residency at the University of Connecticut in Hartford, CT where his interest in bariatric surgery and laparoscopic surgery began. He then completed the Harvard Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

Dr. Kureshi performs all types of weight loss surgery including laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, laparoscopic gastric bypass, laparoscopic duodenal switch and Lap-Band. Dr. Kureshi will be performing the patented and trademarked Mini Sleeve® and sleeve revisions as well. He also does revisions of previous failed weight loss procedures, including the new laparoscopic mini-bypass surgery which can be done as an outpatient and is especially beneficial for those who have regained weight after a previous sleeve gastrectomy. The “mini-bypass” is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is performed through just a few small incisions and leads to excellent weight loss for those who did not lose much weight with a previous weight loss surgery or for those who have regained weight since their initial surgery. Most patients can go home the same day after a “mini-bypass” and are able to return to work and normal activities within a week after surgery. The average weight loss after a “mini-bypass” is approximately 100-150 lbs. and has much less postoperative complications compared to a traditional gastric bypass. Dr. Kureshi prides himself on providing service with a smile and personally takes care of all his patients’ needs. He firmly believes that the patient comes first and has built his reputation on that philosophy.

Meet Crystal, our practice administrator

Crystal Sadler–BS, LSA, SA-C, CSFA, SRC bariatric care specialist is a key member of the Total Wellness team. She serves as Dr. Leah Dill’s assistant and was previously Dr. McCarty’s assistant for six years. She has more than 11 years’ experience in surgery. She is a strong patient advocate and guides patients to stay on track through their follow-up appointments to reach their goals. Crystal also performs aesthetic injections for Lakewood Aesthetics, is the administrator for both clinics, and manages marketing for our practice. In her free time, with her family, working out, and leading her dogs to compete in dog agility competitions.

Meet Dr. Joanne Laila Essa, our meticulous Anesthesiologist

Dr. Essa has worked closely with Total Wellness and Bariatrics for the past 5 years and has been in private practice for 12 years. She was trained at UT Southwestern where she earned her Doctor of Medicine. Dr. Essa consults closely with Dr. Dill and has extensive experience with Bariatric surgery. A sunny disposition and easy rapport help put all her patients at ease. Fluent in both English and Arabic, Dr. Essa is currently studying Medical Spanish, conducting Cancer research, and cheering on her three sons at sporting events.

Meet Jaclyn, our dedicated nurse practitioner

Jaclyn is a family nurse practitioner with experience in emergency medicine, family medicine and bariatrics. Jaclyn works in conjunction with Dr. Dill and Crystal to guide patients through their surgical and medical weight loss journeys. Jaclyn is available to help with pre- and post-operative planning and follow-up as well as assistance with medical weight loss. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, camping, boating or just being outdoors.

Meet Tina, our onsite registered dietitian

Tina is our registered dietitian. She is compassionate, knowledgeable, and assists all our patients in consistent plans to help them achieve their goals. Tina will meet with you via phone or in person prior to surgery, six weeks after surgery, and long-term if needed to help you stay on the right track. In her free time, Tina enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, camping, puzzles, book group, Zumba, and home improvement projects.

Meet Melissa, our thorough medical billing specialist

Melissa oversees billing for Total Wellness. Melissa has extensive knowledge of insurance and billing and is always happy to assist patients with understanding their benefits and insurance benefits. She can thoroughly explain your benefits as well as answer any questions you have regarding billing. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, movies, and new adventures.

Meet Hazell, our caring insurance patient advocate

Hazell is our insurance patient advocate. Insurance can be daunting and confusing, but Hazell’s sweet disposition helps patients with the completion of criteria, and she is an expert in assisting them in getting their surgery approved through insurance. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her kids, karaoke, state parks, and boxing/UFC matches.

Meet Chelsea, our medical assistant & licensed esthetician

Chelsea is our medical assistant and is vital in assisting patients in their pre- and post-operative needs. She’s a helpful guide and a very knowledgeable resource for our patients should they have any questions. Chelsea is also Lakewood Aesthetics’ esthetician, resident skin care expert and aesthetics manager. She possesses extensive knowledge in creating a customized treatment for her patients as well as many treatments specific to various skin types and conditions. She also coordinates and guides patients through personal, customized consultations for hair, skin, beauty needs, and injections. In her free time, she likes to travel to new places to experience the cuisine and culture. Her favorite place so far has been Greece.

Meet Whitney, our dedicated surgery scheduler

Whitney works hard to be a thorough, compassionate patient advocate. Scheduling procedures and surgery can be scary, but Whitney is here to ensure a smooth process to help you reach your goals. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and having brunch with friends.

Meet Brandy, our friendly new patient coordinator

Brandy is our new patient coordinator and your caring guide to scheduling your first appointment, insurance questions, and information about our comprehensive weight loss program. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, relaxing, and trying new cuisines.