Leslie Pristas, DO, FACS, FASMBS, FPD

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Dr. Leslie Pristas, a highly skilled and compassionate bariatric surgeon, is dedicated to transforming lives through personalized care and expertise in weight loss procedures.

А renowned bariatric surgeon, Dr. Leslie Pristas has dedicated her career to helping individuals achieve their weight loss goals and lead healthier lives. Growing up in Delaware, Ohio, she developed a passion for medicine early on. 

Before embarking on her professional journey, she pursued her undergraduate studies at Denison University and later earned an Air Force scholarship for medical school, where she studied at Ohio University. Upon graduation, she embarked on an active-duty residency in general surgery at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS. It was during this time that she honed her skills in advanced laparoscopy, including bariatric and robotic surgery techniques. Her commitment to excellence and patient care set her apart as a skilled surgeon with a compassionate approach.

After completing her service in the Air Force, Dr. Pristas, along with her husband, returned to Ohio with their three children to be closer to family.  Dr. Pristas was named Director of Bariatric Surgery at two large hospital systems in Cleveland.  It was here that she realized her dream of establishing Best Life Bariatrics and Medical Weight Loss, a practice that combines her years of experience and dedication to providing individualized care to her patients.

At Best Life Bariatrics and Medical Weight Loss, Dr. Pristas goes beyond performing surgeries; she works closely with each patient to help them achieve their long-term weight loss goals and improve their overall quality of life. Her commitment to patient success has earned her a reputation as a leader in the field of bariatric surgery.  She is the 2023-2025 President of the Ohio and Kentucky Chapter of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her three boys, cheering them on in sports, and pursuing her hobbies, which include reading, traveling, horseback riding, gardening, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors. Her passion for life and helping others shines through in all aspects of her work, making her a respected and beloved figure in the medical community.

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