Patient Success Stories

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Rebecca

When it came to bariatric surgery, Rebecca had been considering it for years to bring change into her life. Then she attended a seminar and felt comfortable about the procedure.

“I felt confident with the surgeon's knowledge of the procedure and was impressed that the program was so intensive,” Rebecca says. “I heard about the program through my interactions with the bariatric coordinator. She met with me several times and reassured me that this was a great option.”

Since the procedure, Rebecca feels “transformed” and has lost 80 pounds, saying her priorities and lifestyle in general have changed radically. She also has found a sense of support and friendship within the bariatric community.

“I am now able to shop in regular clothing stores, which feels amazing. People are always complimenting my weight loss and transformation,” says Rebecca. “My life no longer revolves around food. I fill each day with amazing friends and family.”

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Jennifer

Jennifer first learned about the bariatric program at ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda through her new hire orientation.

“For ten years I tried every diet and exercise program known to man,” Jennifer says. “I would lose weight but then I would regain what I lost plus some. My body was always aching; I began to have continual back pain and developed plantar fasciitis.”

The more she learned about the process, the more it seemed like it could help her situation. She was able to be confident in her surgeon's experience due to working with him in OR/Endoscopy.

“I had firsthand knowledge of what a great surgeon he was,” she says.

Since her surgery, Jennifer has lost 117 pounds and has found other improvements within her life, saying she now feels exhilarated.

“I have more energy and the continual back pain, body aches and plantar fasciitis are gone. I am able to do things I couldn’t do before,” says Jennifer. “For example I can ride roller coasters now, climb 219 stairs to the top of a lighthouse. I feel like I genuinely enjoy life now.”

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Karen - Surgery Date: 11/28/2016

Karen Takes the Next Steps to 'Go On a Loser Binge'

Karen is a single mom that works evenings. She has tried exercising and a variety of fad diets. About eight (8) months ago however, when she stood on the scale, "it scared me," she says.

Karen immediately scheduled an appointment with her primary care physician. He prescribed a drug that is used to decrease appetite and help individuals lose weight. She did lose some weight but the process was slow. And she knew she couldn't take it forever. At her next monthly visit, he suggested she look into weight loss surgery and schedule a meeting with a board-certified general surgeon on staff to discuss options.

"I was still a bit reluctant at first," says Karen about meeting for the first time to discuss surgical weight-loss options. "But, I did my research and went in prepared to ask questions. I met with the surgeon and bariatric coordinator. They spent three (3) hours with me reviewing everything and answering all of my questions. By the end, I felt so comfortable with them and the plan they outlined that I proudly exclaimed, 'let's go.'"

Karen's surgery was set for Monday, November 28. Two (2) weeks before surgery she was placed on a high protein liquid diet which incorporated 64 ounces (oz) of fluids. "As a treat, I could have sugar-free Jello-O pops. They are really good and made for a nice end of day treat. I also took sugar-free flavored packets, added water and froze them to make slushies."

The procedure Karen had is called a sleeve gastrectomy and is often referred to as 'the sleeve.' This procedure involves the removal of approximately 80 percent of the stomach. The remaining stomach is a tubular pouch that resembles a banana and reduces the amount of food that can be consumed. Overall she was in the operating room for about one (1) hour and she was on her way home following a two (2) day hospital stay.

"Following surgery, I felt really good. I had some tenderness in my belly but that's about all. Everyone came to check on me, including the rehab team. They were in the same day as my surgery to help with getting me up and moving. They help with various exercises like the log roll. This is a method used to get in and out of bed. I didn't realize how much you use your stomach muscles when doing an everyday task like that.

The program dietitian came in so we could discuss next steps with my diet. In addition to the two (2) weeks prior to surgery, two (2) weeks following I continued the liquid diet. Then I met in the office to transition to a mechanical soft diet. This type of diet consists of foods that are easy to chew and swallow such as cooked fruits and veggies, ground meats, soft cheeses and other dairy products. Basically any food you can mash with a fork that contains high proteins. Overall, I am to consume 60-80 grams (g) of protein as well as my 64oz of fluids.

I am using an app to help with my daily goals and have signed up and joined a Facebook page that consists of only others that have had weight loss surgery, or what they call those that have made the decision to go on a loser binge.

Today, I am feeling really good. I am really looking forward to each and every day that I get to spend with my son. There were many things that my weight prevented me from doing and participating in. Now each and every day I can do a bit more. And that in itself is the most rewarding."

When asked what one other thing she would like others to know, Karen replied, "Surgery isn't an easy out for weight loss. You have to be determined and put in the work such as eating healthy and exercising."

Patient results may vary. Consult your physician about the benefits and risks of any surgical procedure or treatment.