Patient Stories

At the beginning of 2010, my thoughts turned to weight loss, as they have for many years at the start of a new year. My hope was that this could by my year! My goal was to feel better and have a better quality of life, and not necessarily to lose a specific number of pounds.

Do your research! The surgery is not in and of itself a miracle cure for obesity. My success is not just because of the procedure itself, I am successful because I prepared myself mentally and emotionally for this lifestyle.

On May 10, 2010 my life changed for the better. I had gastric bypass performed by Dr. Kemmeter at Saint Mary’s. I decided to have the surgery after battling my weight all my life. I was born heavy, weighing in at over 10 pounds and continued to battle a weight problem thereafter. I grew up in a family that surrounded every event with food.

Eric Kirk had bariatric surgery on September 17, 2009. He weighed 432 pounds when he decided it was time to make a change. Today, he has lost more than 200 pounds, has proudly completed a half marathon and is now working towards his next goal of a full marathon.

As a family practice physician, Dr. John Lemke knew he had to do something about his weight when his BMI reached 40. John calls his decision to have bariatric surgery "life changing." Now, in June 2011, John is taking his passion for exercise to a whole new level as he and his wife get ready to bike across America.

I was heavy my entire life. I tried everything. I was so depressed and stressed about it. As a result of my weight loss surgery, I have let go of being intimidated of what other people are thinking or talking about me. Saint Mary's is an incredible place to be if you have to be, and I would recommend it to anyone.

A patient of Saint Mary’s Weight Management Program, Lisa Fredericks underwent Duodenal Switch bariatric surgery in August 2009. She saw remarkable results, losing 103 pounds in just six months.