Bariatric Surgery Patient James Wright finds the “Right Fit” for Weight Loss Surgery and Recovery
Excess weight left Bethlehem resident James Wright feeling with little to no energy for activities that he used to enjoy and on medications for several health conditions. Frustrated with years of yo yo dieting Wright finally decided that bariatric surgery could be the best solution.
– Making a Commitment
For the last ten years, James Wright struggled with his weight. “I would lose weight and then gain it right back. It was frustrating,” he says.
While he considered bariatric surgery, he always opted not to do it because he couldn’t find the right doctor and was nervous about making the necessary lifestyle changes. However, when he brought up the possibility of bariatric surgery at a routine visit with his Coordinated Health primary care physician and was encouraged to find out that Coordinated Health had a bariatric program, which his physician was happy to refer him to.
After meeting with Coordinated Health Bariatric Surgeon John Dockins, M.D., Wright said he knew he had found the right fit. “I could tell that he cared and he told me that he would be there through each step of the process and he was. There wasn’t a time I didn’t call him that he wasn’t available,” he says.
Wright also admits that Dr. Dockins didn’t sugarcoat the procedure and told him that it was going to be a lot of work, but as long as he followed the program it would be worth it in the end.
– The Path to Surgery
Wright was surprised to learn that the process of bariatric surgery generally takes between three to six months depending on patient’s insurance. According to Dr. Dockins, the first step in Coordinated Health’s bariatric program is to attend a free information session either in person or online. He says the information session outlines what patients can expect.
After the info-session and initial appointment, Dr. Dockins sent Wright to meet with Coordinated Health Nutritionist Mallory Knoll, RD. Wright says that working with Knoll was a huge asset. “She really reshaped how I view food and how I eat. She taught me to eat smaller portions and eat protein first. It was really beneficial,” he says.
In addition to meeting with Mallory, Wright also had fitness consultations, monthly wellness visits and psychological, cardiac and pulmonology clearances.
The last step before surgery was a two week liquid diet. He initially balked at the idea of a two week liquid diet and admits it was no easy feat, but says he did it. “I tried every way I could to get Mallory to let me cheat, but she wasn’t having it. Somehow I made it through and did it though, I was determined,” says Wright.
The day of his surgery Wright says he was prepared and ready to go. “I was nervous, because I had never had any type of surgery before, but by that time I was also ready to go,” he says.
– A New Lease on Life
Following the surgery, Wright stayed in the hospital for two nights in order to make sure his pain was being managed and that he could be introduced to a clear liquid diet for the first few days. Following the clear liquid diet he was weaned onto soft foods for several weeks before finally returning to normal foods.
Wright says that although he did have some pain the first few days, he was surprised to find how quickly he was back up and moving around.”Within about a week I was really able to move again and do short walks and go up and down stairs,” he says.
Post surgery, Wright says his life is much different than it used to be. “I did have to get used to the idea of not being able to stop for fast food if I was hungry and plan ahead a little more, but it’s definitely been worth it,” he says. He is also back to playing tennis and has noticed a marked improvement in his overall health and energy level.
Wright says the bariatric surgery was life changing and his only regret is not doing it sooner, “I’m living proof that this surgery works and it can work for you too,” he says. “I just followed Dr. Dockin’s program and it changed my life.”
For more information about Coordinated Health
→ https://coordinatedhealth.com/
For more information about Coordinated Health – Bariatrics
→ https://coordinatedhealth.com/service…
For more information about Dr John Dockins
→ https://coordinatedhealth.com/team/jo…
To Schedule an Appointment
→ https://coordinatedhealth.com/appoint…
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