2010-02-08T00:48:04Z urn:uuid:60a76c80-d399-11d9-b93C-0003939e0af6 CoalEngine CoalSpeak urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2010-02-08T00:48:04Z

In Dana’s Shoes By: Lisa Samalonis Category: Weight Loss Surgery Download Article with Graphics Printer Friendly Dana Erbayri is like so many people who have struggled with weight for years. At 5’4,” 299 pounds, Dana says it upsets her that she has trouble keeping up with her two young children. She also struggles to manage her type 2 diabetes regimen. Recently, her doctor has doubled her dose of insulin, and placed her on high blood pressure medication. Now, she sees her doctor more frequently. “My doctor warned me that, at my present weight, complications from my diabetes are only going to get worse,” explains Dana. “So, I decided to undergo bariatric surgery.” A Peek at the Process As Dana strives to gain control of her diabetes, she wants to help others in the same situation. So, she has decided to share her journey of weight loss surgery with the world by allowing a film crew to follow her through the process. Videos of Dana’s journey can be viewed on the web site Bariatrics4Diabetes.com/WLS. This educational resource contains information and tools to help prospective patients begin to resolve their diabetes through weight loss surgery. “Understanding the process and knowing what to expect in advance may reduce those fears or doubts that keep someone from proceeding,” she says. Dana also wants to get the message out that surgery may be an effective option for other people like her with type 2 diabetes. “My doctor has explained that in about 77% of patients, diabetes completely disappears or treatment with medicine or insulin is no longer needed,” she adds. Support Along the Way Even with her lack of success with many diets and recommended exercise, surgery was not something Dana was eager to pursue. “Even when I am hesitant, I continually find support and encouragement to help me persevere,” says Dana. One source of inspiration has been Pat Foster, a coordinator at Dana’s medical center. Pat is an encouraging example, because she herself had successful bariatric surgery 7 years earlier. According to Dana, this strengthened her resolve. Yet, Dana’s children are the ones who have really inspired her to take action. “I cry my eyes out thinking I don’t want to miss out on their lives because I’m too heavy, or because diabetes hurts me. I have to lose the weight; I have to do it now.” These feelings motivated Dana to attend an information seminar at her local hospital, where she met Pat, the bariatric coordinator. “Pat walked me through the risks and benefits of surgery from an empathetic perspective,” says Dana. “That’s a big help and something everyone who goes through this needs. I’m not hesitant to call her if I have a concern because I know she won’t look at me funny. She’s been where I am.” Pat relishes her role as a friendly driving force through the process. “We all get to know the patient intimately. I’ll get to know Dana so well that I’ll know what she’s thinking. Then, I can respond to her questions before she even asks them. That allows me to be her number one cheerleader,” Pat says with a smile. A First–hand Glimpse “This surgery will enable me to be the person I want to be – a person who isn’t afraid to speak in front of people, to get on the dance floor, or to walk into her children’s school without feeling self-conscious,” Dana says. Still, every day, she says, concerns run through her head: “How will I look? Will I change so much I regret it? Will people think I took the easy way out? What if something goes wrong in surgery? Can I get through the process of preparing for surgery, paying for surgery? Will I be able to stick to the diet changes?” Dana’s videos provide a first-hand glimpse of her entire journey – from contemplation and initial medical appointments through surgery and beyond. Viewers will see how Dana maintains the drive to handle setbacks and doubts as she works toward her goal. By sharing Dana’s intimate moments with family and counselors, viewers may find their own inspiration and motivation. The first episode of Dana’s videos, which is on the site now, features Dana’s decision to have surgery and her family’s reaction to the announcement. Remaining episodes will be completed and placed on the site as she progresses through her journey. Subsequent episodes will show, among other motivating milestones: Dana’s visits to a support group, counseling sessions with her surgeon and a glimpse of the surgery itself— how quickly it is done and how quickly Dana recovers—and finally, the results of her surgery. “This is my story,” says Dana. “I am one woman who has chosen to make a change, to take back control.” Hopefully, as she finds motivation, she will help motivate you, too. To follow Dana’s journey visit Bariatrics4Diabetes.com/WLS Besides Dana’s videos, there is much more valuable information for you at Bariatrics4Diabetes.com. Learn more about the connection between bariatric surgery and diabetes, explore the various procedures and which one may be right for you, and even locate a bariatric surgeon in your area. Bariatrics4Diabetes.com has the resources and support you need for this important change in your life. Download Article with Graphics Printer Friendly

urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2009-11-02T11:04:53Z

Long Term Treatment of Metabolic Disorders By: Philip Schauer, MD and Lori Sperling Nevins, MSW, LCSW Category: Obesity Related BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Resolving type II diabetes through bariatric surgery.   For unlimited access to all magazine articles online, (click here to order)

urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2009-05-31T16:38:45Z

The Ever Changing & Advancing World of Bariatric Surgery: New Choices & Renewed Commitment By: Lori Sperling Nevins, MSW, LCSW Category: Weight Loss Surgery BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Pioneering surgeon Dr. Michel Gagner shares his thoughts about re-operation and conversion surgeries.   For unlimited access to all magazine articles online, (click here to order)

urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2009-05-31T15:47:51Z

Whats New in Weight Loss Surgery? By: Ioannis Raftopoulos, MD, Ph.D., FACS Category: Weight Loss Surgery BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Dr. Raftopoulos discusses male sexual dysfunction, Bariatric surgeons guidelines and follow-up care, weight loss surgery without the surgery part and absorption of medications after gastric bypass surgery.   For unlimited access to all magazine articles online, (click here to order)

urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2009-04-03T13:36:17Z

What’s New in Weight Loss Surgery? By: Ioannis Raftopoulos, MD, Ph.D., FACS Category: Weight Loss Surgery BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Dr. Raftopoulos discusses morbidly obese patients with fibromyalgia, infertility and pregnancy, is weight loss surgery an option for patients with BMI less than 35 and are you as strong as you were prior to weight loss surgery.   For unlimited access to all magazine articles online, (click here to order)

urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2009-03-27T22:51:18Z

Does Weight Loss Surgery Lower The Risk of Colorectal Cancer? By: Dr. Kent Sasse Category: Weight Loss Surgery Recent research shows promising results.   For unlimited access to all magazine articles online, (click here to order)

urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2008-11-07T22:22:17Z

The Rose Procedure: Hype or Hope? By: Stacey Halprin Category: Weight Loss Surgery BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Learn more about this new “non-invasive” pouch reducing procedure through Stacey Halprin’s experience.   For unlimited access to all magazine articles online, (click here to order)

urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2008-10-10T16:48:58Z

StomaphyX: A Second Chance After Gastric Bypass Surgery By: Pam Westcott Category: Weight Loss Surgery BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: New weight loss surgery revision technique offers patients a second chance to get back on track.   For unlimited access to all magazine articles online, (click here to order)

urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2008-08-07T18:07:58Z

What’s In A Name? By: Barbara Thompson Category: Weight Loss Surgery BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: New ASBS name reflects the changing role of weight loss surgery.   For unlimited access to all magazine articles online, (click here to order)

urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2007-11-05T21:20:33Z

What Does It Really Take To Be A Bariatric Surgery Center Of Excellence? By: Jackie Lueck Sneve, MPA and Allie Krizmanich Category: Weight Loss Surgery BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: What deems a hospital-based bariatric surgery center of excellence? American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery cite 10 specific criteria.   For unlimited access to all magazine articles online, (click here to order)