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, 47. 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 by Dr. Frederick Harris and staff from Dakota Surgical Ltd., 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 a procedure at Avera McKennan by Dr. Harris known as Roux-en-Y, an open operation creating a small stomach pouch by stapling part of the stomach together. Next, a Y-shaped section of the small intestine was attached to the pouch to allow food to bypass part of the intestine, reducing calorie and nutrient absorption.
Jane, 48, had her surgery first, followed by Mike two weeks later. Dr. Harris recommended the open procedure to rule out any hidden health concerns. During Jane's surgery, Dr. Harris 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.
They started with a liquid diet, graduating to creamy foods like yogurt or applesauce, to pureed food, and finally to three regular meals a day.
Their "regular meals" however, are much smaller than in the past. The Speers eat the protein they need first, followed by nutrient-packed vegetables, fruits and carbohydrates. They avoid "empty" calories and take vitamin supplements to ensure they're getting the nutrition their bodies need.
"You try things, and if your body tolerates it, you can eat it," Jane said. Most restaurant menus offer something the couple can eat, although they usually share a meal or take half home for the next day. "Your system tells you when you're full, and if you go beyond that point, you feel very uncomfortable. Part of the learning process is learning when to quit," Jane said.
"It's possible to eat around your surgery by eating lots of small meals and the wrong foods, and put your weight back on. This is not a silver bullet for weight loss. For us, it's a tool to help us overcome some of those hurdles we couldn't get past before," Mike said. Following the recommended program of follow-up doctor visits, eating right and exercise helps ensure success.
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. "People see us, and do a double-take, because they don't recognize us," Jane added.
