Weight Loss Surgery Program

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Patient Testimonials

My gastric bypass journeyKris
Hitterdal, Minn.

My journey started in January 2004, when my doctor told me to think about gastric bypass surgery. The thought of surgery never crossed my mind again until July. I don't know why I started to wonder if I could even qualify for the surgery, but I called MeritCare and another path was laid out before me.

Advocating for my health

I have become an advocate for myself and my health. During my psychological evaluation, which is required before surgery, it was nice to hear that I didn't need any further therapy. I met Dr. Monson and his nurse in November for my surgical consult. My insurance provider, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, authorized my surgery on November 22. I quickly called Dr. Monson's office to see if he still had an opening in his schedule in December. When I was told I could schedule for December 7, I was truly beside myself. I couldn't believe how everything just fell into place. Someone was watching over me. I had my surgery on December 7 and went home two days later. My stay at MeritCare and the staff were great.

After surgery

The day before my first post operation appointment, my mother-in-law passed away. At the appointment, I was advised to stay on the liquid diet, due to the stress of this loss.

Then my son-in-law left for a second tour in Iraq on January 3, 2005, leaving behind his newly pregnant wife, my daughter, Kem. I went to Oklahoma to help her move back home. During this stressful time, I followed Dr. Monson's instructions carefully.

Two months after my surgery, I started working out on our treadmill at home. I joined a health club one month later. Six months after my surgery, I had lost 60 pounds. I couldn't believe how the weight just fell away. I told friends that if I didn't lose another pound, I would be happy. Since surgery, I have not taken blood pressure meds, HRT and have given up three allergy medications in exchange for a multi-vitamin, B-12 injection (once a month) and calcium chews (chocolate and caramel). I don't grind my teeth or snore at night. What a big difference! I can't even explain it. My husband is really happy for me.

As for the side effects, I have never experienced dumping, diarrhea or vomiting.

My diet

Food is still very much a part of my life, but in a very different role. Now I count my proteins, drink water and leave the carbs behind. At first, I made a game of counting protein. Now, it comes second nature to me when planning meals, snacks or dining out. I still enjoy steak, cheese, fruit (goods carbs), diet no-caffeine soda and decaffeinated coffee. Creating recipes is really fun. I eat five or six times a day. The foods I don't eat are by choice-my choice.

My lifestyle changes

I have my life back, the life that I wanted, but saw slipping away with each pound. I am 53 years old and post-menopausal. Losing weight at this point was beyond reach. Before surgery I worked with a dietitian to lose weight and I had gained five pounds during the first month. I chose to have gastric bypass surgery, made the lifestyle changes and now my journey continues. I am very thankful for my choice.


MeritCare has a great gastric bypass surgery teamPeggy
Fargo, ND

MeritCare has a great gastric bypass surgery team. They assist patients in reaching their weight loss and other health goals. I would highly recommend this facility and group of health care professionals to anyone seeking these services.

Playing a Role in Your Health Care

It is essential to remember that you are an important member of this team and will need to ask questions and be pro-active in your health care.

Gastric Bypass Support Group

I'd recommend attending the support group meetings prior to your surgery, and afterwards, as you can learn from and share your experiences with others.

Two-and-a-half years after my gastric bypass surgery, I am a new manJohn
Felton, N.D.

Life or death

Two-and-a-half years after my gastric bypass surgery, I am a new man. Before my surgery, I was a 36 year old man with a 600 pound problem. Life was a struggle getting up in the morning. I had been working two jobs trying to make ends meet. I developed an infection in my legs due to all of the weight I was carrying. After losing my job, I decided I had to do something or I was going to die.

Second chance at life

Before my surgery, I was very scared and did not know what to do. With some great advice and careful consideration, the surgical experience has changed my life. On September 19, 2004, I underwent gastric bypass surgery. It was unbelievable. My life has never been the same. I have lost over 320 pounds. My life could not be any better. I am currently enrolled in school and am trying to make something out of my second chance at life.

I owe a big thank you to Dr. Howell and his staff. They made my experience positive and from day one, they were all in my corner. The staff at MeritCare worked hard to make everything as comfortable as possible during the procedure to ensure the best possible care.

My life now

My life is very busy now and looking back, I can't even remember what it was like being that heavy. I have done so many things that I could not have done at 600 pounds. This process has not been easy all of the time, but the good times outweigh the bad by at least 100-to-1. Knowing what I know now, I can positively say that gastric bypass surgery saved my life and I would encourage anyone to make the decision to live a happy and healthy life.

Life is completely different for meJohn
Fargo, N.D.

In the spring of 2005, I had an appointment with endocrinologist, Dr. Tom Moraghan. I have diabetes and at that appointment my blood sugars were above 300 and my A1C was over 13. Dr. Moraghan asked me if I had ever thought about having gastric bypass surgery. I told him I would be willing to look into it. I brought the information home and talked it over with my family. I thought long and hard and decided that I would really like to walk my daughter down the aisle on her wedding someday and if I didn't do something about my health, I may not be around to do it.

The decision to have surgery

I called Dr. Monson's office and asked to schedule the surgery. I learned that there were some other steps that I had to take prior to seeing Dr. Monson. I completed the dietitian appointments, the mental health evaluation and finally was ready to schedule surgery. I met with Dr. Monson in November and discussed the different types of surgergy. His nurse told me I could have the surgery the following week. I decided to wait until after Thanksgiving.

My bariatric surgery

I was admitted to the hospital on December 12, and at noon on December 14, I went home. Prior to the surgery, I was taking 70 units of insulin with every meal and now I am taking 14. My goal is to be off all of my medications within a year of surgery. In November, I weighed 296 pounds and now, four months later, I weigh 218.

My life now

Life is completely different for me. I no longer have aches and pains all over my body. I can fit into a booth when my family goes out to eat. I don't wake up in the middle of the night to eat. But most importantly, I have the energy to run and play with my son and I know it will only get better.

I owe a big thank you to Dr. Moraghan for recommending this surgery, as well as Dr. Monson, Rachel, and Cora for helping me change my life. The support that MeritCare's patient education system from the initial appointment through the follow-up appointments is outstanding! It's exciting to go to my quarterly appointments with Andrea, my dietitian, as she seems to have taken an interest in my weight loss and overall health.

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