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Dr. Dill came to Total Wellness with 6,000 minimally invasive surgeries under her belt. She is a down-to-earth, caring physician with extensive experience in obesity, endoscopy, anti-reflux, and laparoscopic procedures. She also has 14+ years’ surgical experience as well as tremendous compassion for patients and their total wellness. Dr. Dill adopted the minimally invasive, patented Mini Sleeve® technique. She completed her general surgery residency at Oklahoma State University. During her residency training she chose to focus on her passion for bariatric surgery.
She has also completed two mini-fellowships, one at Duke University School of Medicine in bariatric surgery and a second sponsored by Ethicon Endosurgery. She earned her doctorate at the University of North Texas Health Science Center and is board certified in general surgery through the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery.
Dr. Dill practiced as a general surgeon for five years before joining Texas Bariatric Specialists in San Antonio and held the title of co-director at the Heartburn Center of South Texas. She is an expert in treating and management of acid reflux and heartburn, as well as being one of just a few surgeons in Texas who are certified in the placement of the LINX Reflux Management System. She also has been the featured expert on the CW-33 “Best Doc’s Network” and received the “Patient’s Choice Award” in both 2010 and 2011. Dr. Dill enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter when she has free time from changing lives.
In addition to her expertise, Dr. Dill is currently an active member of:
• The Texas Medical Association
• The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
• The American College of Osteopathic Surgeons
• The Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bria is our medical assistant and the first point of contact when you have any clinical needs. She is the next friendly face you see when it is time to get your vitals and into the room to see your provider. Bria helps patients with their prescriptions and clinical questions. In her spare time, she enjoys reading books and cuddling with her dogs.
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.
