Feeling Hopeful and So Much Better Following Bariatric Surgery
Husband, Father, Bariatric Surgery Patient
"After having Dr. Smith explain the surgery to me and Angela Munro explain the ongoing support, I made the decision to do it. From that point forward, my life changed."
Nathan Everest, 48, will tell you he is a completely different person than he was just three years ago. He suffered from severe sleep apnea, high blood pressure, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), severe planter fasciitis and was a daily drinker. He knew General and Bariatric Surgeon Jeffrey Smith, M.D., as a familiar face in the community and decided to reach out to his office based upon his great reputation as a bariatric surgeon. After an evaluation, Dr. Smith told Everest he was a good candidate for gastric bypass surgery. Nine months later, Everest is in control of his life and looking forward to many happy, healthy years with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Everest battled being overweight since his 20’s and was never able to get it under control. As a corporate training specialist for Morbark, he travels around the world for work which requires meals out on the road. When he found himself weighing more than 300 pounds and taking several medications to control conditions that were exasperated by his weight, he was ready for a long-lasting change.
“Struggling with weight has been ongoing for me,” said Everest. “I quit drinking alcohol, but weight was still not coming off. I was looking for a long-lasting solution, so I decided to explore bariatric surgery. After having Dr. Smith explain the surgery to me and Angela Munro explain the ongoing support, I made the decision to do it. From that point forward, my life changed.”
Angela Munro, R.N., B.S.N., is the program supervisor and one of the bariatric nurse coordinators for MyMichigan’s Surgical Weight Management Program. As a bariatric coordinator she helps patients prepare physically and emotionally for surgery and connects them with the ongoing support they need. “It’s important for patients to understand the diet and behavior changes necessary to sustain weight loss and good health after surgery,” said Munro. “Seeing patients succeed and share their experiences with others in group meetings is amazing; they support each other before and after surgery.”
Gastric bypass surgery is a bariatric procedure performed laparoscopically, a less-invasive approach than traditional surgery, and is the current gold standard procedure for weight loss surgery. “I adhered to the diet prescribed before the surgery and lost 17 pounds right away,” said Everest. “After surgery, I had minimal discomfort in the beginning, but no complications or issues. I feel really positive about keeping the weight off.”
Everest’s scale currently shows his weight at a healthy 178 pounds. He is now a man of routine in the mornings. To get his day off to a good start, he plans his meals and takes his time with his food. His energy levels are great and most of his medications are no longer needed. He continues to be alcohol free and exercises regularly.
“Words can’t describe how much better I feel. All of my ailments are gone,” he said. “This whole experience has been incredible. I would recommend Dr. Smith to anyone. He is genuinely happy for me and encourages me to stay on track. Angela has also been great throughout. And, of course my wife and family have been in my corner. Obesity feels so hopeless and out of control. Thanks to the great care I’ve received, I have my life back.”
MyMichigan Health offers bariatric surgery in Alma, Midland and Sault Ste. Marie. Those who would like to watch an informational video or take a free weight loss assessment may visit www.mymichigan.org/weightloss.
