Tuesday, January 13, 2015
One crisp day in November 2012, Kelly Eaton decided the time had come to do something about the weight that had defined her life for too long.
As an adolescent, Kelly could never remember weighing less than 200 pounds. As a 5-foot, 7-inch adult, she tipped the scales at 387 pounds. Self-esteem suffered. Social opportunities were limited. Happiness was elusive.
Now the 30-year-old resident of Cedar Rapids was determined to have more fun and experience life more fully.
An online search soon yielded just what she was looking for: an accredited “center of excellence” offering world-class weight management expertise. Better yet, the Bariatric Surgery Clinic she found was located at the University of Iowa, a short distance from her home.
Kelly filled out an online health and weight history questionnaire, thus beginning a determined quest that ultimately accomplished everything she hoped it would, and more.
The Quest Continues
By early December, Kelly was learning about bariatric surgery from the UI team. She watched a helpful video. She met with counselors, dietitians, physician assistants, and a board-certified bariatric surgeon. Her pre-surgical goal: Lose 40 pounds.
Kelly—actually exceeded—the goal by visiting the gym, eliminating snacks, and eating a healthful diet. Over a period of six months, she actually lost 80 pounds.
“Yes, the preparation for surgery was difficult,” she admits. “I used to eat terrible things and now I had to be very careful. Having weight-loss goals really helped. It has benefitted me in the long run, too.”
On May 13, 2013, the green light came from her insurance company. Surgery would be covered. A life-changing medical procedure was a “go.”
Two weeks before the operation, Kelly was placed on a liquid diet. Skim milk and broth became temporary daily staples (this continued after the procedure for a short time, as well). Her clothes were already beginning to fit better.
“Luckily, I was prepared because the procedure change was extreme. At that point I was just ready to get on with it.”
Top Flight Professionals
Kelly’s surgery was performed in June by Isaac Samuel, MD, associate professor, surgery. Samuel is one of three board-certified bariatric surgeons at UI, the others being Jessica Smith, MD, and Peter Nau, MD. All are assisted by physician assistant Lynn Gingrich, PA-C.
Together, these specialists comprise one of the most qualified laparoscopic bariatric surgery staffs in the nation. UI Hospitals and Clinics has been a pioneer in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, where only a small part of the stomach is used to create a new stomach pouch, roughly the size of an egg. Other available options include laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic revisional bariatric surgery. The choice depends on individual patient circumstance.
Having lost well over 200 pounds, Kelly’s life today is more normal and far more healthful than before. Her appearance has improved with additional surgery to remove excessive skin. “I feel great … happy to be alive,” she says.
She continues to follow a healthful diet, having found that an occasional small compromise is possible. “A lot of family activities are built around food, which makes it challenging,” she says. “So once in a while I might have a cookie or a small piece of cake. I’ve come to grips with that. Eating one cookie is OK. Eating the whole box is not.”
Kelly is an avid proponent of the University of Iowa’s obesity surgery program, which is accredited as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the American College of Surgeons.
“I really like the fact they’re supportive and friendly and goal-oriented,” Kelly says. “I had a really good experience with the whole staff, everyone I worked with. They did a really great job. I would recommend them to anyone who might want to undergo bariatric surgery.”
For more information, visit UI Bariatric Surgery or call 319-356-4061.
Qualifications for Surgery
- Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 40 or
- BMI more than 35 plus obesity-related health issues or
- More than 100 pounds overweight or
- Double the ideal body weight
To calculate your BMI, check the official NIH BMI calculator (normal BMI is 18. 5p 25)