Winter 2012 - Meritus Health

Turning Back Time withLap Band SurgeryYou stop doing the things you love,inch closer toward specialty-sizedclothing and see heart diseasefast approaching—as a nurse, DeniseTyssens, knew she was about to crossa line.When results from a health surveyindicated that Denise could face heartdisease in the next five years, she knewthat she needed to change her currenthealth condition. “Heart disease was theline I didn’t want to cross. It was enoughto be diabetic,” said Denise. She also hadhigh cholesterol, high blood pressure,sleep apnea, and joint and muscle achesfrom carrying extra weight.She tried dieting with her bible studygroup and Weight Watchers, but afterlosing the weight, she would only gainit back. A friend told Denise about lapband surgery she had outside ofHagerstown. Denise’s interest peaked,but she wanted the convenience of alocal doctor. After much soul-searchingand prayer, Denise chose the WeightLoss Center and the surgeons at MeritusHealth’s Center for Bariatric Surgery.“Mimi, I can put my armsaround you!”Just shy of 300 pounds, Deniseunderwent laparoscopic adjustablegastric band surgery in April of 2009.She is now eighty-one pounds lighter,Stamp of Approval forBariatric CenterTwenty-three million Americansexceed their ideal body weightby 100 pounds. For tri-stateresidents, choosing a weightlossprocedure and surgeon justgot easier. The Center forBariatric Surgery was recentlynamed a Bariatric SurgeryCenter of Excellence (BSCOE)by the American Society forMetabolic and Bariatric Surgery(ASMBS). Learn more about ourCenter for Bariatric Surgery atmeritushealth.com/bariatric.four dress sizes smaller—and off sevenmedications. She remains on insulin,but at a much lower dosage.“I’m more active, have more energy,and my joints don’t hurt,” said Denise.“I’ll be fifty-four this year and I feel likeI did when I was in my thirties.” She cannow go to the amusement park with hergrandkids and ride the rides. Hereleven-year-old grandson loves hisgrandmother’s new look, announcing,“Mimi, I can put my arms around you!”Some patients at the gastroenterologistoffice where Denise works didn’trecognize her post surgery.The Band RulesDenise eats slowly, waits nearly twohours to drink fluids after meals, eatssmall portions, and always finishes herprotein first. In her own words, Denisefollows the band rules. She emphasizesthat weight loss surgery is not an easyfix, and it should be viewed as a tool tokeep from gaining weight. “It’s not thesolution. You have to decide what to putin your mouth,” explained Denise. Butthe “tool” will always be there so thatshe doesn’t overeat. For Denise, thefuture is bright.DeniseTyssensAboutHealth FocusHealth Focus is published bythe corporate communicationsdepartment of Meritus Health.Mary Stuart RizkDirector, CorporateCommunicationsNicole JovelEditorBetsy MaymonGraphic DesignKyle Haught and Shelly CratePhotographyIf you have ideas, comments orsuggestions for future HealthFocus articles, emailNicole.Jovel@MeritusHealth.com,call 301.790.8692, or sendthem to:Meritus HealthCorporate Communications11116 Medical Campus RoadHagerstown, MD 21742This publication in no way seeksto diagnose or treat illness orto serve as a substitute forprofessional medical care. Pleasesee your physician if you have ahealth problem.Meritus Health is onFacebook. ‘Like’ us atwww.facebook.com/MeritusHealthYour Health Mattershas expanded toinclude a blogdedicated to helpingkeep our community healthy. Checkit out at blog.meritushealth.comMeritusHealth.com