high blood pressure and sleep apnea.
The change required a lifetime commitment to new eating
habits. “I cleaned out my kitchen cabinets and restocked with healthy
items. I only drink water and decaf unsweetened tea. I’ve learned to
snack on fruits and vegetables, use spices to flavor foods [instead of
salt], and eat correct portions.”
The weight loss surgery program provides support for patients,
including a nurse coordinator and registered dietitian, both certified in
the specialty. A physical therapy and exercise program called BOP—
the bariatric (weight loss) optimization program—helps patients
before and after surgery. It is the only one of its kind in Maryland.
“Our program is unique and one of only a few in the country
that prepares people for weight loss surgery physically and
mentally, and continues to follow patients for a lifetime,” says
Dr. Gandsas. He continues to see patients from previous bariatric
programs he led in Maryland, New Jersey and Kentucky.
askAAMC.org «
13
For more information about our weight loss program, go
to
askAAMC.org/weightloss
or call
443-924-2900
.
“I don’t
get stares
anymore, and
I like the way
I look.”
—Melissa Staud
Life has changed for Scott Zimmerman. He has a new attitude
and outlook on life. He feels 20 years younger now that he is
70 pounds lighter and no longer needs treatment for diabetes,
high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea.
How did this husband, father of two teens and HVAC
specialist at AAMC do it?
Last April, he had weight loss surgery. “The moment of
truth came when I thought I wouldn’t wake up to see my
kids,” says Scott, who knew his health was going in the
wrong direction.
“This wasn’t so much about weight loss as it was about
health gain and getting back my energy. Now I want to do
things and not just sit around the house,” he says. “I’m
enjoying life again.”
Moment of Truth
More Success Stories
Read posts and watch videos of what other patients have
to say about their weight loss journeys. Visit our
Living
Healthier Together
blog at
askAAMC.org/living
for more
stories and videos.
Bariatric surgery isn’t a quick fix. It is the first step in a journey
that requires a patient’s long-term cooperation and commitment.
In most cases, the surgery is covered by insurance plans,
including Medicare and Medicaid for eligible participants.
Marcella Carter has shed
pounds and gained
confidence following
gastric sleeve surgery.
Doug Jones has no regrets about
his decision to have weight loss
surgery. “I feel like a million dollars,
and I think I look like I feel.”
Daniel Fluharty, a teacher and
weight loss surgery patient,
describes his experience and life
after surgery.
Your daily dose from AAMC @
askAAMC.org/living
“This wasn’t so
much about weight
loss as it was about
health gain.”
—Scott Zimmerman
