AdventistHealth.org/Portland 7 The support Jenny received from her sons, husband, friends and colleagues made a huge, empowering difference too. “They told me, ‘You are so strong-minded, you’ll be able to do it.’” Counting down When the big day arrived, a close nurse friend from work took Jenny into the presurgery unit and stayed with her until surgery time. Others checked in and helped too. “It was comforting being at the hospital where I work,” Jenny says. The surgery, which Dr. Stucke performed robotically through four tiny incisions, took about an hour. Afterward, while Jenny was in recovery, Dr. Stucke checked on her. The next day, Jenny was able to go home. In the following days and weeks, Jenny took it easy. She took 10 days off work, avoided lifting heavy things and only drank liquids for the first week. After that, she slowly tried a bit of soft food. Since then, Jenny continues to lose weight steadily, a bit at a time. By eating wisely and exercising regularly, she’s reached 212 pounds and is coming close to her personal goal, which is to weigh less than 200 pounds. “I feel amazing,” she says. “It’s incredible to see my body change. One of the greatest things is being able to shop at a normal store again.” Jenny’s natural energy and stamina have returned. Squatting down to reach low shelves doesn’t make her knees ache and pop now, and she can perform demanding tasks without sweating and getting exhausted. She’s sleeping better too. Even Jenny’s family members are taking note. Her preteen son joins her in strength training, and her husband takes walks with the family. “Better habits are spilling over into the whole family,” she says. Passing it on Jenny credits the medical experts who helped set her on a healthier path. “I have nothing but great things to say about Dr. Stucke and his team,” she says. “The program is absolutely amazing.” Better Health For others considering weightloss surgery, Jenny shares four main points of advice: Pace yourself. When deciding on weight-loss surgery, it’s important to conquer the inner head part, Jenny says. “I would say 90% of it is a head game,” she explains. Give yourself time. Make gradual eating and exercise changes. “You really have to pay attention not only to what’s on your plate, but what’s in your head and body,” Jenny says. Seek support. Whether it be with friends, family, co-workers or online support groups, look for ways to connect with others on your journey. Ask questions, be open about what you need and lean on your support team. Go forward with confidence. Obesity and the way people lose weight still has some stigma around it, Jenny says. But don’t let that stop you from making the right choice for your health. “You shouldn’t feel shameful because you’re doing something to save your life,” she advises. Words of wisdom Could it help you? Learn more about our metabolic and weight-loss surgery program by visiting AdventistHealth.org/PortlandBariatric or calling 503-912-8083. SCAN ME
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2MTU5NA==