Your Weight Loss Surgery Team

Sharon Regional Health System's bariatric surgery program is about so much more than weight loss. It's about helping you make - and maintain - profound changes for lifelong health and happiness.

Led by fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon, Sheetal Nijhawan, M.D., the hands-on team features a dedicated coordinator, nutritionist and other weight loss specialists committed to your total well-being. From comprehensive pre-operative education, through compassionate follow-up care, we're here to support you through every phase of your journey.

Sheetal Nijhawan, M.D. - Bariatric Surgeon

As the Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery, Dr. Nijhawan takes great pride in helping patients across Shenango and Mahoning Valley reclaim the lives they love.

Dr. Nijhawan completed her general surgery residency at Cleveland Clinic and a fellowship in Bariatric and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery at the University of California, San Diego. She specializes in minimally invasive weight loss procedures, including laparoscopic gastric bypass, gastric sleeve and adjustable gastric band surgery. For patients, these techniques often offer less pain and scarring, fewer complications and faster recovery.

When she's not in the OR, Dr. Nijhawan is an active member of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), and American College of Surgeons (ACS), Association of Women Surgeons (AWS), and Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES).

In addition her surgical skill, Dr. Nijhawan's warm approach to care gives her patients comfort and confidence on their way to weight loss success.

Linda Masotto, RN - Bariatric Surgery Program Coordinator

With more than 20 years of nursing experience, Linda is here to guide you through the life-changing decision to have bariatric surgery.

She'll carefully explain what to expect with your procedure, including risks, benefits and dietary changes necessary; schedule pre- and post-operative appointments; navigate your insurance coverage; answer any questions you may have; and be your source of comfort and encouragement as you work to achieve your weight loss goals.

Dee Heckathorn, R.D., L.D. - Bariatric Nutritionist

Adopting healthier eating habits is an integral part of the weight loss surgery experience. As a dedicated bariatric nutritionist with 17 years' clinical experience, Dee offers the tools you need to make those behavioral and nutritional changes.

She provides a full continuum of one-on-one dietary counseling, starting with pre-surgical guidance, and continuing with ongoing coaching for long-term success.