Patient Testimonials
Bariatric Surgery Testimonial Stories
Are you considering weight-loss surgery? The stories below describe the journey of real patients experiencing real weight-loss issues. Watch or read the testimonials to find out how weight-loss surgery changed these patients’ lives for the better.
Valerie McManus
– lost 71 pounds in 14 months with an adjustable laparoscopic band procedure
My decision to have bariatric surgery was life-changing and my surgeon and his nurse made me comfortable every step of the way. I was facing some health challenges and wanted to increase my life expectancy. I did some research, received some information from my physician, and talked with friends who had undergone weight-loss surgery. Then I did a lot of reflection as I knew I had to be willing to make lifestyle changes to achieve my goals. I decided I was ready and today I am medication free, can keep up with my kids and am so much happier!
Mike and Jane Speer
- Jane has lost 57 pounds with gastric bypass surgery
- Mike has lost just under 100 pounds with gastric bypass surgery
Because she didn't want people to see how heavy she was, Jane Speer avoided even a short walk to the mailbox. Now, she and her husband Mike walk, ride bikes and work out at a fitness center. Mike has gone from wearing 4X to 1X shirts, and from 60-inch waist pants to 44s.
These are just two examples of the many ways bariatric surgery has changed the lives of this couple from Marshall, Minn.
"We both had struggled with our weight our whole lives," said Mike. He had successfully lost up to 100 pounds in the past - four times to be exact. The weight kept coming back. "I decided it was time for something different." When Mike attended an informational session at Avera McKennan, his wife came along for support. By the time the session was over, she was also seriously considering bariatric surgery.
In May of 2007, both underwent the Roux-en-Y procedure. Jane, had her surgery first, followed by Mike two weeks later. The open procedure was recommended to rule out hidden health concerns. During Jane's surgery, the surgeon removed her diseased gall bladder and appendix. He also found a benign tumor the size of a football in her uterus, pointing to her need for a hysterectomy. In Mike's surgery, the doctor repaired some unusual scar tissue from a previous gall bladder operation. Both spent only two days in the hospital and recovered well. Jane took six weeks off work, while Mike was back working half days the third week after surgery.
For the Speers, it's a tool that has worked. Jane has lost 57 pounds. She no longer needs high blood pressure or diabetes medications. Mike has lost just under 100 pounds since his surgery, and is 200 pounds below his peak weight. Having struggled a bit with arthritis, his knees and ankles feel much better. "We're doing things we've never done before, like riding bikes," Mike said. Jane added, "People see us, and do a double-take, because they don't recognize us."
Life for the Speers after weight loss surgery »
Consultations
Surgical Weight Loss Consultation
Contact our bariatric coordinator, Darcie Schmidt, FNP-BC, CBN at 605-322-1320 for a free consultation covering different weight loss procedure options, information about insurance coverage and more.
Bariatric Surgery and Weight Loss Team
The bariatric program at Avera McKennan includes many different team members: physicians, nurses, dieticians, pharmacists, physical therapists/exercise professionals, psychologists, and the bariatric coordinator. All of these team members work together to assist patients in long-term weight loss success. Avera McKennan is a Level 1B Accredited Bariatric Center, Adult and Pediatric by the American College of Surgeons.
Surgical Options
Weight Loss Surgical Procedures Available
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding
(Adjustable Lap Band)
An inflatable band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach. A smaller stomach pouch is created that restricts the amount of food consumed at one time while increasing the time to empty the stomach.
Advantages:
- Small incisions
- No stapling or cutting of the anatomy
- Adjustable
- Reversible
- Low risk of malnutrition and hair loss
Disadvantages:
- Slower initial weight loss
- Follow-up visits critical for optimal success
- Uses an implanted device
- Subject to issues related to band or port placement
Recovery:
- Hospital stay of 24 hours or less
- Return to normal activity within 7 days
- Full recovery within two weeks
Laparoscopic and Open Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
The stomach is stapled to make a smaller pouch. Then most of the stomach and much of the intestines are bypassed, attaching a part of the intestine to the small stomach pouch.
Advantages:
- Minimally invasive approach is available
- Rapid initial weight loss
- Most popular weight-loss procedure
Disadvantages:
- Cutting and stapling of anatomy is required
- Greater potential for complications
- Nutritional deficiencies can occur
- Non-adjustable
- Very difficult to reverse
Recovery:
- Hospital stay of 48-72 hours
- Return to normal activity within 18 days
- Full recovery within three weeks
To learn more about Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding and Laparoscopic and Open Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass visit our health library »
Contact
Contact Avera Bariatric Institute
For more information on weight loss surgery at Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center or to schedule a consultation please contact:
|
Darcie Schmidt, FNP-BC, CBN
Bariatric Coordinator
1325 S. Cliff Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57117
|
Phone: 605-322-1320
Fax: 605-322-1287
E-mail: darcie.schmidt@avera.org
|
Insurance Information
Getting insurance approval for weight loss surgery can be a long frustrating process. The following information will be useful in helping you to get approved for your surgery.
- Call your insurance company and find out if they will pay for weight loss surgery and the follow up care for your procedure.
- Ask for the criteria that the company requires to approve/qualify a person for surgery. Most companies require a BMI of 40 or greater or 100 lbs. over ideal body weight, or a BMI of 35 or greater with associated risk factors such as diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and other health problems related to obesity.
- The company may also require previous documented weight loss attempts, a psychological evaluation, and a meeting with a dietician. Be sure to gather all required information before your visit to the surgeon.
- After your surgeon submits all of your information to the insurance company for surgery approval, be your own best advocate. If you haven’t heard back from insurance about your approval call the insurance company.
You do have options for weight loss surgery if insurance will not cover it. There is a self pay arrangement that you can make through the hospital. You can apply for financing through Capital One or Care Credit. Both of these companies will finance lap band and gastric bypass operations.
Map and Directions
Need help finding your way to our facility? View maps of our campus and check parking information now »
Support
Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center Weight Loss Support Group
Support Groups are essential to long-term weight loss. Anyone is welcome to attend our support group. If you have had a weight loss procedure such as lap band or gastric bypass or if you are thinking about having one of the surgeries and just want some information stop by and check out a meeting. Spouses and friends are also welcome to attend.
-
When: second Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m.
-
Where: Avera McKennan Fitness Center, 3400 S. Southeastern Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD
Every month there will be a speaker presenting a topic relevant to weight loss. Speakers will include fitness professionals, dieticians, psychologists, plastic surgeons, other physicians, and patients who have already had a weight loss surgical procedure. There is also time to share weight loss experiences and ask questions.
