Susan O.’s Gastric Bypass Story
My name is Susan, and I have spent many years of my life gaining and losing weight. I was doing great losing in 2017 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I quit dieting to focus on that. I gained a lot of weight after. I am without a doubt a food addict. I’m currently a six-year cancer survivor. Over the years, my dad suggested bariatric surgery. I said no, because I knew I wasn’t ready to make that kind of lifetime change and commitment. But then in 2023, something changed in me. I was 345 pounds and in terrible health. I was about to turn 50, and I was a spectator in my life, no longer...
Heather M.’s Gastric Bypass Story
A year ago, I had a small idea of where my life was headed, but I’m not sure I could ever have truly pictured just where my life would be and where I see it heading. I just celebrated my one-year anniversary of my Gastric Bypass. The surgery that I chose to have. The surgery that has truly changed my life…saved my life! I have a second chance at living the life I have always wanted. First, let me share what I feel bariatric surgery is NOT: It is not a quick fix to weight loss problems. It is an invasive and life altering surgery that takes months and, for some even years, to get approved by...
Advice from Weight Loss Surgery Patients, Part 3
As you prepare for bariatric surgery, it is normal to experience a range of emotions. Hopefully one of them is excitement as we are excited for you and the commitment you have made to work toward a healthier lifestyle. Weight loss surgery never has been or will be the “easy way out.” This is why we feel the support you receive before and after surgery are vital to your long-term success! Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians (RMAP) requires all patients to participate in a comprehensive Education Program to help you prepare, and continue to support you on your journey post-operatively. Which...
Dustin M.’s Duodenal Switch Story
My name is Dustin, and I am honored to share my journey with you. In July 2023, I underwent a Duodenal Switch procedure with Dr. Rodrick McKinlay. Throughout my life, I struggled with being overweight, often dismissed as “big-boned” with the expectation that my weight would eventually normalize. However, after my seventh-grade year, my mental health declined significantly. I lost interest in my passions, including dance—a pursuit I had cherished since the age of two—and found myself increasingly disengaged from life, preferring sleep over engagement. Following high school, I embarked on a...
Experiencing Hair Loss after Bariatric Surgery? Tips for Overcoming Issues with This Common Side-Effect
After receiving bariatric surgery, there are several common side effects than can occur. One of these is experiencing hair loss. According to research, the incidence of hair loss related to metabolic bariatric surgery is 57% and typically occurs around 3 months following the procedure. There are several speculations as to why hair loss occurs including potential zinc, iron, or biotin deficiency. In addition, the stress of surgery on the body itself can lead to hair loss much like pregnancy does. We want each of our patients to know that this is a normal occurrence for our patients,...