Late in the 1970’s James A. Sapala, MD, a successful surgeon in Detroit, Michigan, was becoming increasingly aware of the somewhat alarming numbers of obese individuals in the country and that these numbers were growing at an alarming rate.

Dr. Sapala also became concerned about the increase in risk factors that are associated with obesity such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer and, of course, the obese individuals diminished quality of life.

These concerns and observations led Dr. Jim Sapala to become a pioneer in the world of bariatric surgery. His beginnings in bariatric surgery started to change the lives of individuals who found themselves with life threatening health issues due to being hundreds of pounds overweight.

After numerous bariatric surgeries Dr. Sapala felt that the bariatric patient needed more than just surgical help the bariatric patient needed a network of professionals and support to be successful with their decision to start a new life.

In 1981 Dr. Jim Sapala asked his brother and nutrition expert Dr. John Sapala and his friend exercise expert and personal motivator, Mick Severin, to help design an after care program that could increase the potential for success for his patients.

Without hesitation Dr. John Sapala began a journey into the special and relatively unknown nutritional needs of the bariatric patient. Digestive issues, unique blends and compounds of macro and micro nutrients, proteins, vitamins, minerals, mal-absorption a never ending list of new nutritional needs.

Mick Severin designed and instituted the Albion Health Clinic, in Albion Michigan, to be the next physical and emotional step after surgery for Dr. Jim’s patients. Incorporating special exercise equipment, innovative techniques and motivational programs to help improve not only the patient’s physical abilities but present a positive environment to achieve a better quality of life.

For well over 25 years bariatric surgeon, Dr. James A. Sapala has been helping the morbidly obese individual find new hope through surgery.

During that period Dr. John Sapala developed the most effective and assimilative blends of nutritionals for the bariatric patient and the non-surgical weight conscious individual with his Bari-Tec Nutritionals and continues in partnership with Dr. Jim and Mick today.

Mick Severin continues to present, with Fitness Road, the philosophies to a better quality of life that he started over 25 years ago with motivation and an overall inclusion of different health modalities.