Dameron Hospital | Health Outlook | Fall 2020

into my routine to sticking to a healthy diet, a lot goes into the process of preparing for bariatric surgery and making the results work for you.” After a few months of consults and tests, including psychiatric and nutritional visits, Dr. Samarkandy decided the best procedure for Cunningham was a vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), a minimally invasive procedure in which 70% to 80% of the stomach is removed laparoscopically. This helps reduce hunger and increases the feeling of fullness with smaller portions of food. With a VSG, patients can expect an excess body weight loss of up to 70%. A BMI of 35 to 39 with comorbidities — chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea or type 2 diabetes. Also, you need to have previously attempted other medical weight-loss programs for at least two years and be: Highly motivated to lose weight and achieve lifestyle changes. Able to adequately care for yourself and follow a physician’s instructions. Free from conditions that would make surgery a high risk. Psychologically stable with realistic expectations of your outcome. A nonsmoker. Not dependent on alcohol or drugs or have other physical addictions. Willing to participate in counseling before and after the procedure. Your insurance plan may have additional requirements. Contact your provider to learn more. THE WEIGHT IS OVER If you find yourself struggling with weight loss or one or more obesity-related health conditions, bariatric surgery could be right for you. To learn more about our Bariatric Weight Loss Program or to attend one of our free informational seminars, visit the Dameron Hospital website a t DameronHospital.org/WeightLoss . No more sitting on the sidelines: After losing weight and gaining confidence, Tasha Cunningham is enjoying an active lifestyle that includes taking spin classes and paddleboarding with her kids. Are you a candidate for weight-loss surgery? While bariatric surgery can be a great help, it is not for everyone. You may be eligible for bariatric surgery if you’re between the ages of 18 and 65 and have: A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above (about 100 pounds or more over your ideal body weight). OR Cunningham underwent her bariatric procedure in July 2019. She describes her care by Dr. Samarkandy and Dameron Hospital, from pre-op through surgery and recovery, as top-notch. “The staff was very attentive, empathetic and supportive to me, keeping me positive and at ease during the entire experience,” she says. “I would definitely rate my stay a 10 out of 10!” ‘So grateful’ Since her surgery, Cunningham has lost a total of 118 pounds. She finally feels like she has control of her life and now weighs less than she ever thought was possible. What Cunningham lost in weight, she definitely gained in self-esteem. She has been spending more time with family and friends — and is even trying new things. “I finally dared to try spin classes for the first time, and I love it!” she says. She now enjoys being active outdoors and looks forward to trying winter sports too. Cunningham says her mental and physical health are much better than she ever imagined they could be. “I feel like overall, I’m a better mom and wife,” she says. “I’m so much more tolerant and have more patience, and for that, my children are happier. When I’m happy, they’re happy! “They seem to feed off of my positive energy, and that makes me so grateful. Thank you, Dr. Samarkandy, and thank you, Dameron Hospital, for giving me a new lease on life!” DameronHospital.org • Health Outlook  5